NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX — With just seven games left in the regular season, the Brahmas are gearing up for the playoffs. That doesn’t mean, however, that they’re looking past this weekend’s series with the Odessa Jackalopes.
Lone Star has built themselves a comfortable lead at the top of the NAHL South, which allows for a bit of a reprieve in this final stretch while seeds two, three, and four in the division are barely separated by a one-game spread. The Shreveport Mudbugs have the edge in that battle, with 60 points in 47 games. Wichita Falls is a point back at 59 with 48 games played, and the red-hot Corpus Christi IceRays are in fourth place with 58 points in 47 games.
The Odessa Jackalopes, on the other hand, sit in fifth place in the division. While not mathematically eliminated, the Jacks’ playoff hopes are slim. It would take something of a monumental collapse from one of the teams above them and a miraculous run from Odessa for a shot at the Robertson Cup.
However, the intensity level this series should still be fairly high. Fans may remember last season’s line brawl against the Jacks, which occurred almost exactly a year ago.
While the Brahmas aren’t exactly planning on a repeat of that situation, the rivalry between these two teams should lend some intensity to a series that ultimately won’t have much of an effect on the standings.
The Brahmas will also be looking to keep their offense moving in the right direction. After a stretch of four regulation goals in four games, Lone Star scored nine goals last weekend against Amarillo.
One major factor in that series was the emergence of depth scoring for the Brahmas. The Brahmas’ third line was particularly productive, as all three members registered three points over the weekend series, and with three goals in the last two games, forward Julian Biondo will be looking to stay hot.
The other factor that played in the Brahmas’ favor last weekend was the return of impact players to the lineup. Drake Glover looked particularly strong, and Lone Star’s top-producing line will certainly be looking to put points on the board.
Puck drop on both Friday and Saturday will be at 7:30 PM. Don’t forget to stop by our shop to purchase St. Patrick’s Day t-shirts in preparation for next week!