Thunder Look to Bounce Back in Anchorage

Published on February 7, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


After falling in the first of three, the Thunder look to bounce back against the Alaska Aces tonight at Sullivan Arena beginning at 8:15 p.m. PST

Arena: Sullivan Arena

Date: Saturday, February 7

Time: 8:15 p.m. PST

Broadcast: ECHL.TV and Spreaker beginning at 8:00 p.m. PST

This Season's Record: Stockton is 2-6-1-0 vs. Alaska

Follow the Thunder Facebook Page for occasional updates or follow @StocktonThunder on Twitter for the play-by-play tweeting!

Last Time vs. Alaska

It was the Brendan Connolly show early in last night's contest as he had scored two goals for the Aces to get the lead in the first period. The lead would be increased to three 1:08 into the second when Greg Wolfe scored another Aces power-play goal to put the team up 3-0.

However the Thunder began to crawl back when James Henry entered the zone on the power-play with numbers and teed up Adam Phillips for the one timer past Johan Gustafsson to pull within two. Later in the period the Thunder would get another back when Tyler Shattock on the left wing boards threaded a perfect pass to Tyler Maxwell who tapped it past Gustafsson and pulled the Thunder within one.

However the Aces would rattle off four unanswered goals, one at the end of the second and three in the third to take the 7-2 win.

Tonight

The Thunder have some work to do in order to come away with a win against the Aces in the second of three-straight.

Last night the Aces scored three goals on the power play and when the Thunder allow more than two power-play markers in a single game, they've only won once this season.

In addition to the three power-play goals, the Aces scored on two delayed penalty calls. The Thunder were officially whistled for eight penalties last night and killed off only three of six opportunities on the power play. The Thunder will have to maintain their discipline against a team that has played much better on the power play recently. Alaska has power play goals in seven of their last nine and have scored two power-play goals or more on four occasions during that time.

One other interesting parallel to draw is the first series in Anchorage this season back in November. Game 1 saw a lopsided Aces win over the Thunder 6-2 before scores were much closer in 2-1 and 3-1 Alaska wins. The score could be a lot closer than what we saw last night.

Who to Watch

Both J.P. Chabot and Bryon Paulazzo impressed in their debuts and as they become more familiar with their new teammates you could see them settle in more and more.

Chabot was relied on early in the game and got onto the scoresheet in the second when he fought Jacob Doty after the big forward put J.T. Barnett into the wall. He played physical all night, before and after the fight and drew a penalty right in front of the net where the scouting report says he likes to be.

We saw more of Paulazzo in the third and the forward really was impressive. He had a couple clear chances on goal and played physical during his time on the ice. He had one shift in particular where his team was changing and he stayed on the forecheck, created an excellent turnover on the half-wall, and created a high quality scoring chance. Paulazzo did take a penalty that the Aces would capitalize on but he also drew two Aces penalties during his time on the ice.

Lets keep an eye on the two newest members of the team tonight. As they get inserted into the lineup and are relied on heavier, you could see both make key impacts on the team. Chabot in particular was excellent near the net and it's only a matter of time before he finds himself with some extra power play duty, stationed in Thomas Holmstrom's office!

All-Time Watch

We're monitoring the situation between Garet Hunt, Ryan Constant and Mike Lalonde as Lalonde's all-time lead in points could be in danger of falling to one of the Thunder's star players soon.

Lalonde's 156 career points is in jeopardy as Constant pulled ahead with 151 points with the Thunder while Hunt is right behind them both with 149.

That means Constant is just 5 points back of tying the record while Hunt is 7 points back of tying the record. Both players have missed time due to injuries this season as Hunt missed 11 games while Constant was placed on Injured Reserve on December 14.

Hunt is the only one close to Lalonde's all-time record of 72 goals with his 57 markers, putting the Thunder captain 15 shy of tying the record.

Interesting Fact

Garet Hunt is the only active player in the top-20 of the ECHL's all-time penalty minute leaderboard. His 1,539 minutes ranks 10th all-time. Hunt is only 115 minutes away from Kam White for 9th all-time.

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ECHL Stories from February 7, 2015


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