One Last Rush: After splitting their two-game set with the Cincinnati Cyclones, a team they had not seen since 2010, the Idaho Steelheads prepare for a three-game series with a much more familiar foe at CenturyLink Arena. The Rapid City Rush appear on Idaho’s schedule more than any other team this season, and they’ll play their final three games against each other this week with the Rush sitting 17 points out of a playoff spot. The Steelheads have won their last five contests against the Rush, all on the road. Idaho won two of three games during the Rush’s only other visit to Idaho this year.
Captain in Command: Jefferson Dahl scored twice over the weekend, netting the Steelheads’ first goal in each game against the Cyclones. Dahl rides a four-game points streak into the series against Rapid City, and he has three goals and seven points in his last seven games. Dahl has totaled three goals and eight points in ten games against the Rush this season.
Comeback Knack: The Steelheads’ win on Saturday night against the Cyclones certainly had the feel of a comfortable victory, but the Steelheads did have to come from behind after surrendering the game’s first goal less than a minute into the contest. The Steelheads have come from behind in each of their past three wins, and in four of their last five. The Steelheads are 13-13-4 this season when surrendering the game’s first goal.
Defensive Outburst: The Steelheads’ blue line led the scoring attack on Saturday night, the Travis Walsh, Brandon Anselmini, and Aaron Harstad all finding the back of the net. The three goals were the most the Steelheads defense has produced in a game this season. Harstad’s power play goal gives him seven points in eight games since joining the Steelheads in mid-February. Joe Faust didn’t score over the weekend, but his 13 goals this year still sit one shy of setting a new Steelheads single-season ECHL record for goals by a defenseman.
Playoffs on Horizon: With just 12 games left on the schedule, the Steelheads’ playoff math is beginning to take shape. The Steelheads have six games remaining at home and six on the road in Wheeling and Alaska. Idaho currently has a solid grip on a playoff spot, ten points ahead of fifth-place Utah. Idaho’s magic number is currently at 15 points, meaning any combination of 15 points in the standings earned by Idaho or lost by the Missouri Mavericks would secure Idaho its 20th consecutive playoff berth.
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