The Matchup
The UBC Thunderbirds (8-13-3) host the Regina Cougars (3-19-2) for the final home games of the regular season Friday and Saturday, February 3
rd and 4
th needing a pair of wins.
The T-Birds continue to chase down the Pronghorns for the final Canada West playoff spot. But sitting four points back of Lethbridge and with just four games remaining on the schedule, UBC needs to secure every point they can get.
Having lost 12 straight, the Cougars have already been eliminated from playoff contention but two of their three wins have come at UBC's expense posting 6-1 and 4-3 victories in Regina back in November.
Puck drop Friday is 7:00 p.m. PT at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre with Saturday's final home game of the regular season beginning at 4:00 p.m. PT.
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Last Action
The T-Birds were handed a blow in the standings picking up just a single point in Lethbridge last weekend courtesy of an 8-7 overtime loss Saturday afternoon. It was an impressive push after falling behind 4-1 in the first period but UBC will now need to win and get help on the out of town scoreboard to catch the Pronghorns.
The Cougars dropped both halves of a home-and-home series with the Huskies last weekend. Regina was thumped 10-2 in Saskatoon Friday before falling 5-2 at home Saturday in a game they were outshot 46-16.
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By the Numbers
9 – After scoring just four power play goals in the first 18 games of the season, the T-Birds have nine in their last six games, a conversion rate of 35 percent in that span.
770 – UBC's goaltenders have faced a total of 770 shots against so far this season, or an average of 27.5 per game, the third highest total in the Canada West.
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Players to Watch
Austin Vetterl (#17, F) – With 2 goals and 2 assists last Saturday, Vetterl completed his first four-point game with the Thunderbirds and now has 10 points in his last seven games. His 14 assists mark a Canada West career high while he is one point away from matching last year's point total of 21.
Anthony Bardaro (#10, F) – Bardaro is also coming off his first Canada West four-point game Saturday with a goal and three helpers. With 11 points in his last eight games, the fourth-year forward has set a new career high in goals with 13 and is one point away from his season best total of 27 points.
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Coach's Take
For the Thunderbirds, the necessary outcome for this weekend is simple, but it's getting there that is the tough part. UBC head coach
Sven Butenschon says it's going to be about being mentally prepared and executing in two games the 'Birds need to win.
"We're focussing on us and what we do when we're playing well what do we do that gives us success," said Butenschon.
"Everything starts with our defensive zone. I thought last weekend our D zone wasn't as good as it was in previous weeks so we're focussing on that and defensive zone battles. If we focus on the little things we need to do well, the bigger picture will take care of itself."
Despite the fact the 'Birds have their backs up against the wall, Butenschon says the team remains positive and resilient.
"Last weekend was tough on us but it seems like the whole season we've had to scratch and claw and do things the hard way. We seem to respond well in those situations so there's a little adversity here but I think we'll be well prepared."
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