Weekend Preview 4-14-23

Apr 14, 2023

Austin, MN – The NAHL Central has long been considered the best and most competitive division in the league, going into the final weekend of the season it is living up to the hype.  No one, not even last place Bismarck, has been eliminated from the playoff race.  Similarly, only first place Austin has clinched a spot in the Robertson Cup playoffs.

The scenarios are plentiful with the Tauros, St. Cloud, Aberdeen, and North Iowa all possibly finishing as high as second or out of the playoffs.  Bismarck can still reach as high as third or finish as low as last.  For the Tauros the short version is they can clinch a playoff spot on Friday night with a win paired with an Aberdeen regulation loss and either a North Iowa regulation loss or Bismarck loss of any kind.  If that does not happen a weekend sweep by the Tauros would ensure the Tauros finish either second or third depending on the outcome of the St. Cloud/Aberdeen series.  Conversely, should the Tauros get swept by the Bruins they would finish as low as sixth place or as high as the fourth and final playoff spot depending on how the other games play out.

The Tauros enter the weekend riding a four game win streak and have won six of their last eight in pushing for a return to the playoffs.  The Tauros’ once struggling offense has posted 25 goals in that time while allowing just 16.  Ultimately though heading into the weekend the Tauros control their own playoff fate, be the final score 1-0 or 9-7 the only thing that matters is coming out on the right side of it.

As always fans will be able to tune into the games on the Minotauros Network.  The game can be watched on HockeyTV or fans can listen to free audio broadcasts on the Tauros Facebook page, Mixlr, gotauros.com, or in the Tauros Hockey App.  The Farmers Union Pregame show will start at 6:50 p.m., 15 minutes before puck drop.