GAME PREVIEW: SILVERBACKS @ KINGS

RECORD: Silverbacks- 37-17-2-0 (2nd Interior) Kings- 43-9-3-2 (1st Coastal)

ROAD vs. HOME: Silverbacks- 15-10-1-0 Kings- 24-4-0-1

Silverbacks vs. Coastal Conference: 7-5-0-0 Kings vs. Interior Conference: 12-3-0-0
POWER-PLAY: Silverbacks- 28.91% (1st) Kings- 21.51% (9th)
Road: Silverbacks- 25.62 % (1st) Home: Kings- 23.36% (7th)
PENALTY-KILL: Silverbacks- 82.33% (3rd) Kings- 88.14% (1st)
Road: Silverbacks- 87.50% (2nd) Kings- 87.60% (1st)
STREAKS: Silverbacks- 9 wins Kings- 2 wins

Season Series: This will be the second and final meeting in the regular season between Powell River and Salmon Arm. The Silverbacks won the first meeting on October 23rd 3-2 at the Sunwave Centre. That was the only loss for the Kings on their first four game BC interior road trip.

Team Scope

Silverbacks: Salmon Arm is arguably the best team right now in the BCHL. The 'Backs have a season high nine game winning streak, dating back to January 22nd when they lost to Trail 3-2.

Since the loss the Apes have scored an average of just under six goals per game and have scored five or more goals in a game six times.  Salmon Arm had two offensive explosions during this streak. The 'Backs thumped Prince George 11-4 and also beat up Alberni Valley 9-2.

Their success of late can be contributed to a red hot power-play. Salmon Arm is 7-30 in their last five games, which is roughly a 30 percent average, though most recently the man advantage has slightly tailed off. In their last two games the Silverback have not scored a power-play goal on eight opportunities, including an 0-6 night against Trail on February 11th. But at this point it seems like I'm splitting hairs.

Also Salmon Arm's success can be tied to their starts over the past nine games. In all but two games the Silverbacks scored the first goal and in seven of their nine games they had a lead of two goals or greater in the first or second periods. This team has been flying out of the starting blocks.

Kings: Powell River is the second hottest team in the circuit, right behind the Silverbacks. The Kings have strung together two wins and have won eight of their last nine games. Furthermore, the Kings are 8-2 in their past 10, just behind Salmon Arm's 9-1-0-0 mark.

After a disappointing performance Friday versus the Eagles, the Kings played a sound road game against the Capitals in a 3-1 win and cruised to a 6-3 win over Coquitlam. However, it isn't all rosy for the Kings. The coaches will be the first ones to tell you the performances against Surrey and Coquitlam left something to be desired.

Friday seemed like the team was still at game day skate when the first period started. The Eagles were given a 4-0 lead after the first period. Yes, the Kings made a game of it late but missing the first twenty minutes cost them in the end. On Sunday the Kings were guilty of being too cute and cutting corners in their game. Players were caught up in a run and gun style game, which isn't their forte.

Tonight has been talked about at length as a true test for the top BCHL team and an opportunity to flex their muscle one again.

Who's Hot: Chad Niddery is looking to extend his season high eight game point streak. The forward is coming off a three goal performance against the Express. Niddery in fact scored two of his goals short-handed, on two breakaways. Matt Garbowsky hasn't missed a step since returning from a two game hiatus. The centreman has three points in his last two games and goals in seven of his last nine games.  Jason Yee's assist on Sunday gives him six points in his last seven games.  Yes all six points have been helpers.

David Killip has one goal and five points in as many games. The forward is also looking to extend his assist streak to five straight games.  Rookie Cody Michelle is heating up as the winger is riding a four game point streak.  Mike Hammond just had his seven game point streak snapped in the 3-2 win over Trail on Saturday.

Injury Report: Cohen Adair, Dan Schuler and Teagan Waugh remain out for Powell River.  Add Scott Renner to the list due to illness.  Justin Bardarson will return tonight from his battle with strep throat.  Schuler could return as early as Friday. 

Stat Pack: The Silverbacks are the only BCHL team that the Kings do not have a win against this season.