The Dauphin Kings are rolling on all cylinders and they will look to keep it going on Friday when they make another trip to Portage.
This time, they will play the team that calls Stride Place their home, the Portage Terriers for the first time this season. Dauphin enters the contest in first place in the league and they have a six-point advantage on Waywayseecappo for first in the West Division.
The Terriers; meanwhile, are near the bottom of the East Division. At 7-12-1-1, Portage is in fifth in the East; however, they are only four points behind the Selkirk Steelers for the fourth and final playoff spot in the division. They’re also coming off a showcase sweep so they are playing some good hockey entering the contest.
Dauphin has won six straight entering the game and Doug Hedley is expecting a tough test.
“We’re going to have to bring it and our focus is going to have to be strong,” said Hedley. “We know Portage is playing well and they can beat anyone in the league.”
Portage is 7-2 in the last five years against Dauphin at Stride Place. After Friday’s contest, the two teams will return to Credit Union Place on Saturday for the back end of a home-and-home.
Darnell Duff will have the Parkland Source for Sports pregame show at 7:15.
By the numbers:
Dauphin
GF – 88
GA – 44
PP% – 22 for 82 – 26.8
PK% – 85-for-96 – 88.5
Road record: 9-2
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Portage
GF – 55
GA – 77
PP% – 14-for-105 – 13.3
PK% – 84-for-100 – 84
Road record: 4-4-1-1