Now a couple of games into the final full month of the 2018/19 regular season, the Lloydminster Bobcats (9-39-1) will begin a three-game southern road trip Friday night in Brooks against the league-leading Bandits (47-3-0). Winners of 23 straight games, the Bandits will try to tie the league record for longest win streak in a season with a win over Lloydminster, while the Bobcats will look to end the streak at 23. All the action can be heard live on Real Country 95.9 beginning at 6:45.
Heading In: Third Period Goals Not Enough for Cats in Loss to Eagles
Despite a late rally in the third period, the Lloydminster Bobcats were unable to overcome a four-goal deficit Saturday night at the Civic Centre. Hosting the Canmore Eagles for the only time this season, the Eagles netted four second period goals as they defeated the Cats 4-2 picking up their second straight win. Scoring the goals for Lloydminster in the contest were Rylan Nivon and Jordan Borysiuk. Cale Edler made 39 saves in the loss.
Head to Head
In their only other meeting this season, the Bobcats and Bandits were in a tight game. With the score tied up 1-1 after two periods of play, the Bobcats were doing their best to hang with the defending Viterra South Division champions, however a pair of third period goals propelled the Bandits to a 3-1 win. Chance Adrian had the lone goal for the Cats in the defeat.
Battling the Best
With only three losses all season, and a perfect 23-0 record on home ice, the Brooks Bandits have been ranked as the number one team in the CJHL rankings throughout most of the season. The 2019 RBC Cup hosts have been on a tremendous tear all season. And while the Lloydminster Bobcats have not had much luck in the Centennial Regional Arena of late. However, they did hold the Bandits quite close in their only meeting earlier this year, and they will look to carry over a similar effort into Brooks on Friday. Perhaps the biggest key, as it often is, will be penalties. Twice the Bandit’s power-play (which leads the league) burnt the Cats in their 3-1 loss in late November. Staying out of the box will be crucial for Lloydminster is they try to snap the Bandit’s lengthy win streak.
Upcoming Schedule
Bobcats @ Olds – Saturday February 9, 7:00 p.m. – Olds Sportsplex
Bobcats @ Calgary Canucks – Sunday February 10, 3:00 p.m. – Ken Bracko Arena
Grande Prairie @ Bobcats – Wednesday February 13, 7:30 p.m. – Centennial Civic Centre