GAME PREVIEW: Kings vs. Bulldogs

RECORD: Kings- 45-9-3-3 (95pts) Bulldogs- 24-28-4-3 (55pts)

ROAD vs. HOME: Kings- 20-5-3-2 Bulldogs- 18-9-2-0

LAST 10: Kings- 9-1-0-0 Bulldogs- 4-6-0-0

STREAK: Kings- 4 wins Bulldogs- 1 loss

POWER-PLAY: Kings- 22.10 (9th) Bulldogs 25.10 (4th)

PENALTY-KILL: Kings- 86.94 (1st) Bulldogs 80.27 (6th)

Season Series: The Kings make their final visit to the Weyerhauser Arena in Port Alberni. The Kings have split their first two visits to the Dog Pound, winning 4-1 and losing 3-1. The Kings have won three straight against the 'Dawgs, including the last meeting 4-2 on January 4th in Powell River.

Team Scope

Kings: Powell River rides a four game win streak into the final game of their 2010-2011 BCHL regular season. The Kings almost had that streak end last night but pulled off a dramatic 6-5 OT win against Cowichan.

Some might question what the Kings have left to play for given their record and the matter of already clinching a first round bye,however, there are a few records the team is in pursuit of. The team is looking for the BCHL record for fewest goals allowed in a single season. The mark is 119 which was set last season by the Vipers. Also Mike Garteig still has two records that are within reach.

I reported last night that he did indeed secure the BCHL record for goals against average, on the assumption that he would be getting tonight off. However, Garteig looks to be the starter tonight and will have an opportunity to secure the mark and one other record that I will leave better unsaid.

Also the simple fact is this team want's to go into their 17 day on a winning note, playing well and playing hard. There is no worse feeling then having a long layoff after a sour effort to end the season.

Bulldogs: Alberni Valley is in a similar situation to that of Powell River. The Bulldogs can't improve their place in the standings regardless of tonight's outcome. The Bulldogs will face the Langley Chiefs in the first round of the BCHL playoffs starting Friday in Langley. However, like the Kings, the Bulldogs will also want to play well in their last home game of the regular season.

Furthermore, what a better test for the playoffs then playing your old playoff foe. The Kings will provide a great rivalry game and there is quite the history between these two teams in the past few years. The 'Dawgs will be chomping at the bit I'm sure.

Who's Hot: No one is playing better then Chad Niddery. The Kings left winger is riding a league best 11 game point streak. Over those 11 games Niddery has 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points to match his sweater number.  Matt Garbowsky has quickly put together a four game point streak and two game goal streak. Josh Mitchell is just behind Niddery as he is riding a eight game point streak.

Stat Pack: The Kings won just their third game when tied after two periods last night. Entering the game agiants the Capitals the Kings were 2-2-1-1 when tied after two periods.