ECHL Idaho Steelheads

The race is on

Published on April 3, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


BOISE, Idaho - All things being equal, Idaho would have home ice advantage over the Stockton Thunder for the first round of the 2007 ECHL Kelly Cup playoffs if they began today...but all things are not equal. Idaho is currently holding a fourth place spot in the National Conference with 84 points, but Stockton has caught up and tied the Steelheads in points. However, Idaho has the edge because its 39 wins beats Stockton's 37 wins.

This week will tell the tale as both teams have three games to go in the regular season though we may not have a "winner" until we know the results of Saturday's game. If both teams are tied for points at the end of the regular season, the team with the most wins will be the tie-breaker, then it would break down to head-to-head record. This week, with home ice at stake, every game counts.

Regardless of whether it's at Qwest Arena or on the road, Idaho will drop the puck against the Stockton Thunder for the playoffs beginning next week. If Idaho is the higher seed, the first game will be on home ice on Tuesday, April 10th. If Idaho is seeded lower, the series would most likely open on Wednesday, April 11th at Stockton's arena. A full first-round schedule will be released as soon as the seeds are determined.

Upcoming

- Wed. 4/6 @ BAK

- Fri. 4/8 @ BAK

- Sat. 4/9 @ FRE

Reel Rewind

- Wed. 3/28 vs LBH: W 5-2

- Fri. 3/30 vs LBH: SOL 3-4

- Sat. 3/31 vs LBH: W 4-2

Of Note

Fan favorite Lance Galbraith was released from the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers this morning and is expected to be in the Steelheads lineup for tomorrow night's game in Bakersfield. With Bridgeport, Galbraith tallied three assists (0g-3a) and seven penalty minutes in seven games played. With Idaho this season, he scored 24 goals, 38 assists (24g-38a) for 62 points and a team-leading 228 penalty minutes in 56 games played.

Individual Notes

- Derek Nesbitt has at least one point in 10 of his last 11 games (6g-10a)

- Goaltender Steve Silverthorn has made six straight starts and he is unbeaten in his last five decisions (4-0-0-1)

- Tuomas Mikkonen has scored four goals in his last three contests...he's riding a four-game scoring streak (4g-3a)

Team Notes

- Steelheads are unbeaten in their last five games (4-0-0-1), all coming on home ice

- Steelheads are 26-2-1-1 when scoring more than three goals in a game

- Steelheads have a power play goal in three straight games and four of the last five tilts

Recent Transactions

3/31 Add Blake Forsyth, D activated off IR

3/31 Delete Darrell Hay, D placed on the 3-day IR

3/27 Add Charlie Johnson, F activated off IR,

3/27 Add Colin Peters, D returned from Iowa (AHL)

3/27 Delete Blake Forsyth, D placed on the 3-day IR

3/27 Delete Colin Shields, F transferred to the 30-day IR

3/25 Delete Scott Burt, F placed on the 7-day IR

3/23 Add Jay Beagle, F signed contract,

3/23 Delete Charlie Johnson, F placed on the 3-day IR

3/23 Add Steven Gillen, F signed contract

Team Practice

The team is on the road all week.

Star Gazing

Idaho's American Hockey League and National Hockey League affiliates reports:

AHL Iowa Stars = 39-31-3-1, 82 points; 4th place West Division

NHL Dallas Stars = 48-25-6, 102 points; 3rd place Pacific Division (clinched playoff spot)

Listen Up

Join "Voice of the Steelheads," Joe O'Donnell, on 1350 KTIK The Ticket every Tuesday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for the Bud Light Sports Talk Show. Stay tuned on game nights as Joe will bring fans play-by-play live action for all 72 games; Rink-side reporters Mark Broz and John MacMillan join Joe for home games. Games can be heard via the Internet through the Steelheads website at www.idahosteelheads.com. Games can also be watched live through a Webcast ($6 per view) - link also available from the Steelheads Website. CableOne Channel 17 will broadcast Friday games live and air all other games delayed the following day at 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

Be There

Flex plan tickets for the playoffs may be purchased by calling 208.383.0080. Two packages are available: 10 for $130 or 20 for $200.

Print From Home

New this year! Fans who wish to purchase individual game tickets can select their seats online at www.idahosteelheads.com and print their tickets from the comforts of their home.

Check out the Idaho Steelheads Statistics

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ECHL Stories from April 3, 2007


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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