Key points are on the line
Capitals host Tigers to start second half
There is a lot at stake for both the Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals and Campbellton Tigers.
The two teams will resume play in the Maritime Junior Hockey League after a twoweek Christmas break with an important head-to-head meeting at Eastlink Arena tonight at 7 p.m.
The Caps (15-11-1-0) are fourth in the Eastlink North Division, but are just one point out of second place behind both the Tigers (15-11-2-0) and Miramichi Timberwolves (1410-2-2).
“Any of these points in the next few games are big points for us, especially the divisional rivals like Campbellton,” said Caps head coach Billy McGuigan. “It’s a very important game for us, and may be the biggest of the season.”
Despite playing short-staffed on most nights during the first half, the Caps have found a way to stay in the hunt for home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
“I couldn’t be more proud of a group that I’ve coached,” said McGuigan. “The determination and resiliency of this group in the first half was something to watch. Certain days I stood back and watched the kids going at it.
“We are probably the youngest team in the league, we are dealing with nine forwards and four D most days, and we just found a way to stay in the mix, and finished the first half one point out of second. The second half is a very important half for us, and I think we can be second.”
The Caps, who won nine of their last 12 games before Christmas, are entering a key point in the schedule as they begin a five-game homestand, and will play seven of eight and 10 of their next 14 games at Eastlink Arena.
“It’s a very favourable schedule, and I think we can take advantage of that as well,” said McGuigan.
As for the matchup against the Tigers, McGuigan said he wants the Caps to keep moving the puck forward and playing a pesky style.
“We just want to use our speed,” added McGuigan. “I don’t think we will try any highrisk plays, just get pucks in behind their D.”
McGuigan noted the Tigers are a tough team to play against.
“They follow good structure, they are well coached and they don’t have big guns, but they have a couple of real solid D that carries the mail for them and their goaltending is pretty solid as well,” he said. “They are a tough team to play against. They kind of stick around, stick around and then they bite you in the back.”