The Waywayseecappo Wolverines will end off their 2018-19 MJHL regular season schedule on home ice against the Virden Oil Capitals on Sunday night.
After the Wolverines dropped their last two games giving up six powerplay goals in the process, the club will look to get on the right track before Friday when the team travels to Portage to take on the Terriers in their first-round playoff matchup.
While the Wolverines had a day off between games, the Oil Capitals come into Sunday nights game on the heels of a 6-4 win over the Dauphin Kings.
The Run Down
On the 22nd of February, the Wolverines clinched their spot in the postseason after taking down the Oil Capitals 4-2 on the road in what was an all-around team effort.
After the Caps’ opened the scoring, it was all Wolverines. Jake Bestul scored twice while Bryce Krauter added three assists. Isaac LaBelle answered the bell when called upon and stopped 37 of 39 shots to seal the victory.
Although the Wolverines already know their first-round opponent, the Oil Caps’ matchup has yet to be determined. Virden will either see the Steinbach Pistons or Selkirk Steelers in the first round and it will all come down to Sunday for them and the Winnipeg Blues to find out their opponent.
The Wolverines have had the Oil Capitals number so far this season going 3-1-1-0 in the season series. Fans should expect an intense game on Sunday night when these two teams meet in their regular season series finale.
Keys to the Game
Whether it’s staying discipline or dodging a phantom call from the officials, the Wolverines need to find a way to stay out of the box heading into the playoffs. In the clubs last two losses, the Wolverines gave up a trio of powerplay goals in each that ultimately sunk the team in both games.
It would be surprising to not a see bounce-back effort on the penalty kill Sunday with one of the leagues most steady pk units in the Wolverines.
Going hard to the net proved to be successful the last time these two clubs met. Dalton Dosch made a few highlights real saves but the Wolverines persistence paid off in the end and got pucks to the net.
Getting off to a quick start and getting to the net will be key should the Wolverines cap off their regular season with a win.
News and Notes
After three games of rest, Isaac LaBelle will make his return to the Wolverines net as the veteran goaltender looks to take the reigns heading into the playoffs.
The Wolverines have a chance to finish above the .500 mark in the standings for the first time since the 2010-11 season when the club went 29-26-7 in a 62 game regular season.
Waywayseecappo’s line up could see a couple of regulars sit out to get some rest with the playoffs just five days away.
Game Updates
You can watch tonights game on hockeytv.com or follow along on social media…
mjhl_Wolverines – Twitter
Wayway Wolverines – Facebook
Instagram – wolverines_mjhl