CHL Chalk-Talk

Team of the Week

The Texas Brahmas are doing things the old fashioned way, timely goals and great defense.  Texas has won six straight games and last week earned victories in four games over a five day period. 

The Brahmas had three straight shutouts last week blanking Allen on Tuesday, Dayton on Wednesday and Rio Grande Valley on Friday.  During their six-game win streak, the Brahmas have allowed just five goals and on the season, Texas leads the league allowing just 2.43 goals per game.

The Brahmas are in third place in the Berry Conference sitting six points behind Allen and 10 points behind conference-leading Wichita.  Earning one of the first two spots is critical to getting home ice in the first round of the playoffs and home ice may be the key to Texas.  On home ice, the Brahmas are 16-4-4.

This week, Texas has a huge game on Tuesday night in Allen against the Americans and a four-point swing is at stake in the standings.  This weekend, the Brahmas will play three straight games against the fourth place team in the Berry, Tulsa.

The Hot Hand

Mark Guggenberger, Texas Brahmas – The rookie goalie set a new CHL record with his 238:31 scoreless minute streak last week (had three straight shutouts).  Guggenberger leads the league with a 1.88 GAA, his .929 save percentage and is tied for the league lead with three shutouts. 

Matt Robinson, Wichita Thunder – Robinson leads the Thunder with 25 goals on the season and last week he scored four times with three of those four goals accounting for game winners.  His seven GWG’s are tied for the league lead.

Marco Cousineau, Allen Americans – Cousineau had back-to-back shootout wins last week (Friday at Dayton and Saturday at Fort Wayne) stopping 79 of 82 shots.  On the season, Cousineau is 13-2-4 with a 2.56 GAA and his three shootout wins are tied for second in the CHL.

Sean O’Connor, Evansville IceMen – O’Connor had eight goals in 39 games entering last week but in four games last week, the forward netted three scores helping the IceMen win all four games. 

Eric Giosa, Quad City Mallards – Giosa had three goals and three assists last week in three games helping the Flock to a pair of wins in those games.  Giosa is now third in the CHL with 63 points (26-37=63).

The Cold Shoulder

Torrie Jung, Laredo Bucks – After back-to-back shutouts in early February, Jung has lost three straight decisions allowing 12 goals in those three games.

Jason Dale, Bloomington Blaze – The young forward is without a point in his last four games.  Previously he had 11 goals and 19 assists in 46 games.

Andrew Courtney, Missouri Mavericks – The Mavs rookie has just one helper and is a -4 in his last six games.  Missouri is 4-2 in those games.

Arizona Sundogs Penalty Kill – The Sundogs have allowed four PP goals in their last 10 shorthanded chances and are 12th in the league killing just over 80% of the PP chances they face.

Ryan Cramer, Tulsa Oilers – The first-year forward has been held without a goal in each of his last nine games.  Prior to that, Cramer was averaging a goal in about every third game.

Game of the Week

Wichita at Evansville (Fri., Feb. 24) – The leaders of the Berry Conference clash with the leaders of the Turner Conference.  The teams have met twice this season with each team winning once and in the chase for the Governors’ Cup, the Thunder hold a two point lead for the top point total in the CHL.   

Games to Watch This Week

Texas at Allen (Tue., Feb. 21) – The Brahmas and Americans battle for the seventh time this season with each team winning three of them.  Allen will be looking to put an end to the Brahmas six-game win streak and the game will feature two of the hottest net minders in the CHL with Mark Guggenberger and Marco Cousineau.

Rapid City at Missouri (Tue., Feb. 21) – The Rush and Mavs are right in the middle of the battle in the Turner Conference with Missouri sitting in third place with 60 points and Rapid City sitting tied for fourth place with 57 points.

Laredo at Allen (Fri., Feb. 24) – After losing the first two meetings head-to-head, the Bucks have battled back winning four of the last six against the Americans.  Rusty Masters has three goals and seven assists in those head-to-head meetings.

Fort Wayne at Evansville (Sat., Feb. 25) – The top teams in the Turner Conference go head-to-head on Saturday night with the Komets currently trailing the IceMen by three points.  It will be the final meeting of the regular season in Evansville between the two clubs.  FTW has won seven of the previous 10 meeting.