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CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Prepared For Important Weekend

February 28, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


Remember what happened Feb. 15? The Mississippi RiverKings certainly do. The Tulsa Oilers probably do, as well.

With pink ice for the second straight night at the DeSoto Civic Center, the Oilers scored five times in the second period to crown the RiverKings 10-3.

Two weeks later, the Oilers have returned to Southaven for another battle between two of the Central Hockey League's original franchises. The RiverKings remain in the Northern Conference playoff picture, but they no longer have any margin for error. Anything can truly happen now. They can still finish as high as third in the conference, but they can also completely miss out on the postseason.

The team sits in fourth position with 62 points. The Youngstown SteelHounds also have 62 points, but the RiverKings have a game in hand, an extra win, and the season series in their back pockets. So we can really rank the SteelHounds fifth. Nevertheless, the Brahmas trail both teams by just one point and also have a game in hand on the SteelHounds.

While they do not find themselves mathematically eliminated just yet, the Oilers won't make the playoffs this season. So they have nothing to lose at this juncture. A season filled with promise at the outset has evolved into one of disappointment. However, the Oilers still have lots of pride. They would love nothing more than to make life difficult for all of the contenders down the stretch.

As for the RiverKings, many expect them to win tomorrow's game against the Oilers. Everyone says they need these two points badly, especially with the Rocky Mountain Rage coming to Southaven on Saturday and then a four-game road trip out west next week.

Don't call it a true must-win, but the RiverKings have to take care of business like they did on Tuesday. Ryan Held's third-period goal lifted the RiverKings over the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 3-2, giving the team its first win over the Mudbugs since the Mudbugs' 24-game unbeaten streak that ended Feb. 8. Of the Mudbugs' 10 losses this year, five have come at the hands of the RiverKings. You can bet no one wants to play the RiverKings in the first full round of the playoffs, let alone the Mudbugs, whose fans still cringe over the mention of last year's early postseason exit. However, the RiverKings have to qualify first. A win against the Oilers tomorrow would help.

Besides, they have a humiliating loss to avenge. They should not have a shortage of motivation to get the job done.

Both home games begin at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, call the RiverKings at (662) 342-1755 or log on to the Internet at www.riverkings.com. If you can't make it to the games, then listen to the broadcasts on Sports 56 WHBQ starting at 6:55 p.m.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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