Discussions

Chilliwack Bruins (29-29-1-5, 7th in Western Conference)  
 
Top scorers: Ryan Howse (41+22=63), Kevin Sundher (24+31=55), Brandno Manning (11+39=50), Roman Horak (18+23=41)  
 
Top scoring defenceman: Manning (11+39=50)  
 
Full scoring: http://tinyurl.com/yax2h5a  
 
Probable starting goaltender: Lucas Gore (18-15-1-0, 2.92 goals against average, 0.903 save percentage)  
 
Manitobans: None  
 
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Brandon Wheat Kings (42-18-1-3, 3rd in Eastern Conference)  
 
Top scorers: Matt Calvert (39+42=81), Brayden Schenn (26+55=81), Aaron Lewadniuk (31+43=74), Scott Glennie (26+45=71)  
 
Top scoring defenceman: Colby Robak (14+45=59)  
 
Full scoring: http://tinyurl.com/yczhy5n  
 
Probable starting goaltender: Jacob De Serres (20-8-1-1, 3.03 goals against average, 0.896 save percentage)  
 
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If the Wheat Kings are going to have a shot at finishing first in the Eastern Conference, tonight is an example of the kind of game they are going to have to win.  
The Bruins might have other ideas, having gone 3-1 so far on their Eastern Conference road trip.  
 
This will only be the second time the Bruins have ever played in Brandon. The Wheat Kings won the only other matchup 6-3 almost two years ago to the day (Feb 27/08) on the strength of four and three point games from Scott Glennie and Matt Calvert respectively.  
 
Speaking of the race for first place, the Saskatoon Blades host the Prince Albert Raiders tonight. The Raiders interestingly enough have gone 4-0-0-2 against the Blades so far this season. If that trend holds, tonight could be a prime opportunity for the Wheat Kings to chip away at Saskatoon's three point lead.  
 
The Canada-Slovakia game will no doubt be on the mind of many hockey fans as well. I feel pretty lucky that that game doesn't start until 8:30.. meaning a likely chance to catch the third period at home after the Wheat King game is over.  
 
I'll have lineups and scratches around the usual time. I'm going to flip back to posting game pictures rather than a full video highlight pack for this game. With the highlights of last game only having 60 views, I'm not sure that that format is something that enough people are looking for for your average game. Will have my camcorder on hand and will try to tape any specific discussion-worthy events from games and plan to experiment with other uses of video.  
 
Would be great as always to hear others' thoughts on tonight's matchup.