Premium ContentMouse over Home then click on Premium Content for information.Saturday's game: 7:05 p.m. vs. Waterloo
Where: Civic Auditorium
Radio: 1290 AM KKAR
Yes, there's the potential for more rock 'em, sock 'em shifts when the Lincoln Stars visit Civic Auditorium for Friday's 7:05 p.m. United States Hockey League showdown with the Omaha Lancers.
But because there is so much at stake for the Lancers and both of their opponents — Waterloo comes calling Saturday night at 7:05 — risking suspensions for the sake of a few good shots or another six-fight card might not be worth the price.
The Lancers lead the USHL's Western Conference with a 24-12-3 record and 51 standings points. Lincoln is in second at 22-13-2 and 46 points while Waterloo is tied with Fargo for third place (20-12-4, 44 points). The Black Hawks have played three fewer games than the Force and Lancers, and two less than Lincoln.
"We respect both of these teams we play this weekend," Lancers coach Mike Aikens said. "So far we've shown focus to really get ready mentally and play at a higher level against some of the upper teams."
Aikens said that high level of intensity has been evident during this week's preparations.
"Our guys have been pretty focused in everything they've done this week, both on and off the ice," Aikens said. "If preparation is good, you give yourself a chance."
Don't expect Omaha and Lincoln to play pond hockey; Friday's game likely still will be physical. Lincoln has the second-largest number of penalty minutes in the league — 827 — behind only the 942 racked up by Muskegon, even though the Lumberjacks have played three fewer games.
In contrast, the Lancers are 13th in penalty minutes with 593 in 39 games. Worth noting — 82 of those minutes came in Omaha's last game with Lincoln, a 3-2 Lancers victory Jan. 21 in which the Stars were assessed 112 minutes in the box.
"We won't go searching for anything," Aikens said. "I certainly wouldn't rule anything out, either. If they try to intimidate us, we won't be intimidated. It will be high intensity, fast and physical.
"If something happens, I'm confident our guys will be smart about it and take care of things the right way."
That win also was Omaha's fourth in a row over its longtime rival after the Lancers dropped the first of eight games between the two teams this season, a 2-1 setback on Nov. 12.
The second-period line brawl in the Jan. 21 game also cost the teams their starting goaltenders for Friday's game. Both Lincoln's Jackson Teichroeb and Omaha's Alex Lyon will serve the second and final games of their suspensions from their brawl at center ice.
These two games kick off a four-game homestand, Omaha's longest of the season. The Lancers are 12-6-1 at home and have outscored opponents 63-53 in those games. They've been even hotter recently, winning seven of their past nine at Civic.
The Lancers will be at full strength entering the Lincoln game after a few players got sick on last week's road swing to Fargo and Sioux City. Omaha still managed to earn three of a possible four standings points with an overtime win over Fargo and a shootout loss to the Musketeers.
Forward Jimmy Murray continues to lead all Lancers and is tied for fifth in the USHL in scoring with 45 points (13 goals, 32 assists). He has been especially hot the last two weeks, recording five goals and four assists during a five-game scoring streak.
Nolan Zajac leads USHL defensemen in scoring with 25 points (seven goals, 18 assists), and forward Casey Bailey is tied for 10th in the league with 18 goals.
Lincoln has proven to be a tough out for home teams. The Stars are 10-7-1 on the road, in large part because they sport the USHL's No. 3-ranked power play — 21.6 percent — a number that improves to 23.8 percent in road games.
Penalty killing is a different story for the Stars. They are 13th in the league when they're a man down (80.5 percent). The Lancers have had their share of success against Lincoln in that department by converting seven power-play goals in 26 attempts.
Stars forward Kevin Roy continues to lead all USHL skaters in goals (31) and points (58), including 17 points in his past nine games.
Saturday's battle with Waterloo is the fourth and final time Omaha will meet the Black Hawks in the regular season. Waterloo is 2-1 against the Lancers, but Omaha won the most recent game, a 5-2 decision on Dec. 3.
Contact the writer:
402-618-4113, alexsdad@mail.com
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