By Marty Joseph, QBSN Staff Writer
The Quinnipiac women’s ice hockey team (14-9-2, 8-5-1 ECAC) returns to the T.D. Bank Sports Center on Friday for its first regular season home game since Dec. 8. The Bobcats will take on the Brown Bears (4-14-1, 3-11 ECAC) at 7 p.m. in an ECAC Hockey matchup.
The Bobcats head into the weekend series riding the momentum of a pair of come-from-behind victories at Robert Morris two weeks ago. Brittany Lyons led the Bobcats with two goals in Pennsylvania. The highlight of the weekend came off the stick of Lyons when she scored the game-winner with 22 seconds remaining in the third, sealing the 2-1 victory.
The Bears travel to Hamden on a two-game losing streak and only have one win in their last six games. The Bears were in action last weekend at home coming up short against Cornell and Colgate.
Keys for Quinnipiac:
Start Strong: The Bobcats had to come from behind to take two wins away from Robert Morris. Though it is impressive, it isn’t a good habit to develop heading into February. Especially after having last weekend off it is important for the Bobcats to have a strong start to this one. Look for the Bobcats to benefit from rest and finally playing back at home. An early goal could be the spark that ignites the Bobcats in this one.
Powerplay: The Bobcats powerplay will need to capitalize against a very strong Brown penalty kill. Quinnipiac enters the game with the fifth ranked powerplay in the nation and has been an essential part of its offensive attack this season. Lyons leads the Bobcats with seven powerplay goals on the season and is always a player to focus in on when the Bobcats have the extra skater advantage.
Keys for Brown:
Get Pucks to the Net: Goals have been hard to come by this season for the Bears averaging under a goal and a half per game in the conference and will need to do better than that to come out of Hamden with points. The Bears need to come out early and throw everything at the net. Three of Brown’s four wins this season have come when the team scores the game’s first goal. An early lead would go a long way for the Bears, a team that has struggled of late.
Penalty Kill: Brown comes into the game currently ranked 9th in the nation on the penalty kill at 85.3 percent. The Bears penalty killers will need to be on their game against one of the best powerplay units in the nation.
