Lancers Begin 2010 Playoff Run Tomorrow
Published on April 6, 2010 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Omaha Lancers News Release
OMAHA, NE - The Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) begin their quest for the 2010 Clark Cup tomorrow as they host Game 1 of the West Division Semifinals vs. the Tri-City Storm. The opening round is a best-of-five series which will be played in an alternating 1-1-1-1-1 format with Game 2 scheduled for Friday evening at the Viaero Event Center in Kearney, Nebraska. Omaha (42-12-6, 90 Pts.) is making its 21st consecutive playoff appearance and enters the 2010 postseason as the number one seed in the West. Omaha's first round opponent, Tri-City (29-25-6, 64 Pts.), enters USHL postseason play as the number four seed in the West after narrowly holding off the Sioux City Musketeers for the final playoff berth on the final evening of regular season action.
Both clubs enter the 2010 postseason on a roll as Tri-City won three straight games to close the regular season in capturing the fourth and final playoff berth while Omaha closed the regular year on a six-game winning run. In fact, the Lancers posted a 13-0-3 record over their final 16 regular season games in claiming 29 of a possible 32 standings points since February 13th.
Omaha took four of five regular season meetings with the Storm this year including a 3-2 victory at the Omaha Civic Auditorium less than two weeks ago. The Lancers were 3-0 against Tri-City at home this season and registered a 1-0-1 record in games played at the Viaero Event Center in Kearney. Omaha's Erik Haula led all scorers in the season series with six points (goal, 5 assists) while Matt White, Troy Power and Mathieu Brisson each tallied five points for the Lancers head-to-head against the Storm. Meanwhile, Tri-City's Jaden Schwartz and Nate Jensen led the Storm with three points each against the Lancers. All tolled, Omaha outscored Tri-City 22-10 in the five meetings during the regular season.
The opening round series not only pits bitter Nebraska rivals against one another, it also features the USHL's two leading scorers in Tri-City's Schwartz and Omaha's White. Schwartz finished the year with a USHL-best 83 points (33 goals, 50 assists) while White was just a point behind after tallying 35 goals and 47 assists. White did, however, lead all USHL skaters this season with 8 shorthanded goals, 253 shots and a +41 +/- rating. While the Storm can claim the league's top scorer, Omaha can claim a more balanced offensive attack as the Lancers roster features six 20-goal scorers while Tri-City has just two.
The opening face off for tomorrow evening's Game 1 is scheduled for 7:05 PM. Tickets are currently available through the Qwest Center Box office from 10 AM - 6 PM and will also be on sale beginning tomorrow morning at 10 AM at the Omaha Civic Auditorium Box Office. Tickets can also always be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com .
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