The Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks will travel to Middletown, New Jersey for a two-game series against the New Jersey Titans. Let’s take a look at the keys to the series.
Record
Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks – 39 games, 16-20-3 (35 points, 6th in East Division)
New Jersey Titans – 47 games, 22-18-2 (51 points, 3rd in East Division)
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Tale of the Tape
Danbury will need a strong performance this weekend to keep pace in the push for the Robertson Cup Playoffs. They currently sit 12 points out of the last playoff spot with 15 games left to be played this season.
The Jr. Hat Tricks look to get back in the win column after suffering a sweep at the hands of the Maine Nordiques last weekend. Having lost six of their last seven, they will need to string together a slew of wins to catch the streaking Maryland Black Bears (7-0-1 in their last eight).
The New Jersey Titans have faltered lately as well, dropping both games against the Johnstown Tomahawks last weekend and allowing 13 goals in the process. They are just 2-7-1 in their last 10 games.
New Jersey holds the season series advantage on the Jr. Hat Tricks, having won three of five meetings. Both of Danbury’s wins against the Titans have come in overtime.
Players to watch
Alex Duncan, F (DHT)- The 6’4”, 225-pound Duncan is getting hot at the right time, with three of his eight points this season coming in the last three games. In Duncan’s first game back from suspension on April 16th, he notched his first career multi-point game in the NAHL including a highlight-reel goal in the opening minute of the third period, using his size and speed to shield the puck on a partial breakaway. Duncan has been playing aggressively, utilizing his frame to his advantage. His line with Jackson Hughes and a combination of Valentino Passarelli and Jason Kleinhans has been producing.
Porter Schachle, F (DHT)- Exceptionally skilled for his size, Schachle tallied a point in his first game back from suspension last Saturday. The Alaska native has five multi-point performances under his belt this season, and the Jr. Hat Tricks will need Schachle to produce down the stretch. He has forged strong chemistry with center Levi Stauber, a connection which generated the overtime winner the last time they played the Titans back on March 10th.
Jake LaRusso, F (NJT)- LaRusso, a Colts Neck, New Jersey product, was named East Division Star of the Week for the week of April 5th. He enters the weekend on a four-game point streak, having accumulated four goals and five assists. He has four points in five games against the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks this season.
How to Watch
Live streaming will be featured on HockeyTV. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday night.
Written by Johnny Alexandre