By: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com
With the end of the regular season approaching the Minotauros are still looking to lock up the Central Division’s final playoff spot. That search continues tonight in Austin, Minnesota where the Minotauros will take on last season’s playoff opponent the Bruins. The Tauros lost both games in their only trip to Austin so far this season but did pick up their first playoff win there last spring with an overtime win.
This season just like last the Tauros offense has struggled to score goals. With just eight goals over the last five games the Tauros offense has fallen to 23rd in the NAHL. Meanwhile the duo of Brandon Wildung and Merrick Madsen have allowed only 2.7 goals against good for 12th in the NAHL. The result has been low scoring, high pressure games for the Tauros throughout the season, which should help the team deal with playoff-style hockey.
The Bruins currently sit in first place in the Central, potentially setting up a rematch of last season’s playoffs should the standings hold. Jay Dickman leads the Bruins with 51 points on the season on 21 goals and 30 assists. In net Nick Lehr has received the lion’s share of the starts and posted a sparkling .931 SV% and 1.93 GAA.
With these two teams potentially headed for a playoff rematch, and the Blizzard chasing just six points behind the Tauros these games provide the Tauros with a chance to prove they are ready for the post-season.