The Matchup
The No. 5 UBC Thunderbirds (14-5-4-3) enter the final weekend of the regular season with plenty still to be decided as they visit the No. 2 Alberta Pandas (13-5-5-3) Friday and Saturday, February 9 and 10 at Edmonton's Clare Drake Arena.
UBC has already clinched a home ice playoff berth but second place in the Canada West, and a bye through next weekend's quarter-finals, is still up for grabs.
The 'Birds are just one point ahead of both Alberta and Saskatchewan for second, and a weekend sweep by UBC would clinch a coveted bye. The T-Birds may be in the driver's seat but face a Pandas team that has won seven of their last eight games.
Both of this season's previous meetings between the 'Birds and Pandas went to overtime with the rivals splitting a November doubleheader in Vancouver.
The rematch of last year's Canada West final gets underway Friday at 6:00 p.m. PT with the regular season finale scheduled for 1:00 p.m. PT Saturday.
Last Action
The T-Birds picked up five out of a possible six points last weekend with the sweep over Mount Royal. The 'Birds needed a shootout to secure a 1-0 win last Friday followed up by a 2-1 regulation win Saturday.
Alberta split their final road weekend of the regular season with the Huskies. The Pandas also needed a shootout Friday earning the 2-1 win but then dropped Saturday's rematch, 3-2 in regulation.
By the Numbers
134 – UBC has racked up 134 total power plays over the course of the season, the most in the conference and nearly a full extra man advantage per game than the team with the second highest amount. The 'Birds have also been on the penalty kill more than any other team, a total of 138 times.
16 – The 'Birds have allowed just 16 goals against through 12 road games so far this season, the stingiest defence in the conference. Alberta has allowed just 15 goals against on home ice.
Players to Watch
Madison Patrick (#19, D) – The fourth-year defenceman has set new career highs in goals (3) and points (9). Patrick has played in every game for the 'Birds this season logging heavy minutes while accumulating just four penalty minutes. The Winnipeg native also boasts a +6 rating.
Emily Costales (#11, F) – With a goal and an assist last Saturday, Costales now sits third in team scoring with 13 points. In her first year with the Thunderbirds, Costales is tied for the team lead with six power play points and two game winning goals.
Coach's Take
The Thunderbirds have a big challenge in front of them in order to secure one of the two quarter-final byes, but it's one UBC head coach
Graham Thomas is looking forward to.
"At the end of the day it is nice to know we're in control of the situation," said Thomas who is hoping to clinch a bye for the fourth straight season. "We need to embrace the excitement of the opportunity. This is a playoff situation and a good dress rehearsal for the post-season. We need to win to achieve one of our goals for the year but regardless of what happens we need to be excited to embrace the challenge and find the fun in that challenge."
This weekend also provides an opportunity to tune-up against a very strong opponent and get back to consistent habits.
"We need to follow up how we played Saturday night where we had a sharp, consistent, hard game in terms of effort," said Thomas. "Special teams needs to be better, both power play and penalty kill. At this point it's mental, we need to make sure we are motivated individually and as a team to play in these intense games."
