A win-less week for the Thunder this last week as they dropped both away games against Quad City and Tulsa. The lone point the Thunder earned was not enough to keep them in first place as Allen capitalized and earned three points on the week to claim first place by two points.
Wichita hosts Missouri on Tuesday night, Texas on Friday Night, and travels ten hours to Evansville on Saturday. Missouri's struggles of late have continued as they fight to stay afloat in the Turner conference. Meanwhile Evansville has taken a step back as of late but none the less are still a dangerous team. Texas has been a consistent close-game team all year. The scheduling for the Thunder continues to prove to be one of the most difficult in the league.
While the Thunder power play seems to be improving as of late, the penalty kill does not. Ranking third worst in the fourteen team Central Hockey League at 78.76%. That is a far cry from the leagues worst, Dayton, at 70.54%, but still needs much improvement. It seems as though this Thunder team has it all, scoring, defense, and a solid number one goaltender. But they lack that killer instinct to go out and dominate games. Most of the time this has come on the road. The Thunder are 5-5-1 on the road this season, compared to a league best 12-3-0 at home. If the Thunder can learn to lock down games on the road, in example Texas and Allen three weeks ago, this team would far away be the best team in the league. However allowing leads to slip away and tarnish on the road, have kept Wichita from hitting the "elite" status in the league.
Alex Bourret and Thomas Beauregard have become the hottest scoring duo in the league. Bourret continues his scoring touch, having a goal in each of his last three games. Beauregard, while being held scoreless against Quad City, has eight points in his last five games. The "french connection" between the two have proven to be a dream line for Kevin McClelland, and barring a call up to a higher league, should keep the two producing all season long.
Adam Russo has gone from splitting time in Quad City, where he was peppered with shots night in and night out, to becoming one of the elite starters in the Central Hockey League. This past week Russo won the Central Hockey League's "Oakley Goaltender of the Week Award" for the second time this year. He has not lost in regulation since December 9th and has won four of his last five starts. Consistent goal tending will become key for the Thunder down the stretch. It will be important for both Russo and MacDonald to be in top form every night to keep this team in contention for a number one seed.
I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable Christmas.
Until next time.
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