Friday Night Fights

Mar 4, 2016

By: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com

Bismarck, ND – The Minotauros and Bobcats have battled atop the Central Division all season long to an even 5-5-0 record against each other.  Now with just over a month remaining the season the Tauros make their final trip down Highway 83 with a chance to draw back even with the Cats for first place in the Central. 

At this point in the series there will be few surprises.  The teams have been evenly matched to this point with the main difference being the power play.  The Bobcats have outscored the Tauros 36-29 on the season series, thanks to a 14-7 edge in power play goals.  Jared Pike (17g 14a) has done the most damage against the Tauros with eight goals, five of which have come with a Tauro in the penalty box.  Tyler Jeanson (8g 21a) leads the Tauros with five goals against the Bobcats. In net Gunner Rivers (4-1-2) has been spectacular since being acquired via trade posting a .943 SV% and 1.82 GAA including a 27 save 3-1 win over the Bobcats.  Hunter Shepard (29-9-0) has been a workhorse for the Cats playing in 40 of their 46 games with a 1.98 GAA and .924 SV%.

Tonight is the Tauros only game this weekend followed by a rare Saturday night off.  The Tauros return to the Maysa Arena on Tuesday night to host the Aberdeen Wings at 7:05.  Season ticket holders can trade in any unused game ticket from earlier in the season for free tickets to Tuesday’s game sponsored by Mattress Firm.