IDAHO STEELHEADS (22-16-1) VS. KANSAS CITY MAVERICKS (18-20-1)

SATURDAY, JAN. 29, 2022 | 7:10 P.M. MTIDAHO CENTRAL ARENA | BOISE, IDTICKETS: SOLD OUTTV: SPARKLIGHT CH. 72RADIO: 95.3FM/1350AM KTIK | STREAM: FLOHOCKEY

Tonight's Game: The Steelheads complete their three-game weekend against the Kansas City Mavericks on Pink In The Rink Weekend at Idaho Central Arena.

Head-To-Head: The Steelheads claimed the home portion of their eight-game season series thanks to last night’s win and continue their streak of points against the Mavericks, earning points in four-straight with a 3-0-1 record. The Steelheads also extended their unbeaten streak in regulation over the last two seasons in nine games, owning a 7-0-2 record while going 5-0-0 in Boise. The Steelheads have won 15 of 21 meetings in the franchise series against the Mavericks, boasting a 15-4-2 overall record and an 11-1-0 record at Idaho Central Arena.

Last Game: The Steelheads continued their prowice on the power play to net the game’s first tally, and for the second-straight game forward Mason Mitchell (PP, 15:04 1st) nets the opening strike to jump to a 1-0 lead. Both sides traded goals in the second period with Steelheads forward Chase Zieky (12:06 2nd) pushing through a secondary opportunity for the eventual difference-maker before the Mavericks answered late in the frame for the 2-1 score. The Steelheads earned two more late with the first on a snipe from forward Luc Brown (PP, 14:32 3rd) and the final tally from forward David Norris (EN, 18:40 3rd) to take the 4-1 win.

Home, Sweet Home: Despite their recent road struggles, the Steelheads have performed well at home both as of late and this season overall. The Steelheads have won four-straight games at Idaho Central Arena dating back to January 7 while earning four goals or more in all four contests, averaging 5.75 goals per game, as well as four-straight home games with power play goals (8-for-14, 57.1%). The Steelheads have yet to lose a weekend series at home this year in seven attempts and have now won 15 of 20 games at Idaho Central Arena, owning the most home wins across the ECHL.

Statistically Sound: The Steelheads head into a strong situation statistically to close out the three-game weekend series in an attempt to earn their second weekend sweep of the year. The Steelheads have taken back-to-back games to open a three-game home weekend now four times in six attempts though only closing the final game on December 11 against South Carolina. However, the Steelheads have an 8-3-0-0 record in the second game in as many nights as well as an 8-4-0-0 record when playing on Saturdays with wins in three-straight Saturday games at home. Should the Steelheads score at least four goals for a third-straight games, they would be favored with a 14-1-0-0 record when scoring at least four goals this season.

Magic Mase: Steelheads forward Mason Mitchell has started red hot in his time in Idaho continuing his recent strong form in last night’s win. The Calgary, Alb. native has back-to-back games with the opening goal of the contest, tallying three goals in two games with one power play strike in his first two games in Boise. Since joining the Steelehads on January 21 after being acquired from Cincinnati, he has points in four of his first five games with three multi-point contests, adding six points (3-3–6) with a plus-two rating and is four points away from reaching his previous total of 10 points in 17 games. In 22 games, Mitchell owns 16 points (7-9–16) with one power play goal.

Zippie Zieks: Steelheads forward Chase Zieky has found his scoring touch in the 2022 calendar year, netting the game-winner in last night’s victory. The Avon, Conn. product now has goals in two of his last three games with his first game-winner of the season. Since returning to the lineup coming off the injured reserve list on January 2, he has earned seven of his nine points over an 11-game span as well as six goals over his last nine contests. All of his tallies this year have come in close progression, recording one three-game streak, one two-game streak and his current stretch of two in three games. Zieky has posted nine points (8-1–9) in 20 games during his rookie season.

Sliding Stables: The Kansas City Mavericks have hit a skid heading into the final game of the weekend series, dropping three-straight contests over the last seven days. In that time, the Mavericks have allowed four goals or more in all three contests, being outscored 18-9 despite outshooting their opponents in each game, and last night’s game broke a four-game stretch of scoring exactly four goals. Expanding the view, the Mavericks have also dropped four of their last five games in the last two weeks while averaging 5.40 goals-against per game and dropping five of eight games since January 11.

2021-22 MOUNTAIN DIVISION STANDINGS:

Next Game: The Steelheads begin a four-game, five-day stretch on Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 7:10 p.m. against the Jacksonville Icemen from Idaho Central Arena. Tickets are available by going to idahosteelheads.com or calling 208-331-TIXS. Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on 95.3FM/1350AM "The Ticket" as well as 7:00 p.m. on Sparklight Ch. 72 & FloHockey.