Game 69: ANC @ HAL

Comment #1:
Going into their final match up of the season on Day 37 (Game 73), let’s breakdown the season series between these two bitter rivals!
After Halifax dominated early in the year, Anchorage has won three straight by a 10-4 margin including tonight’s 4-1 drubbing of the Raiders. The season series stands at 4-2-0 Armada. Here are the head-to-head stats:

Head to Head Stats
Goals For:           16                   18
PIMS:               50                   46
Hits:                 98                      75
SB:                   43                     41
SOG:                147                   158
PP:                    5/25 (20%)        3/28 (10.7%)
PK:                   25/28 (89.3%)    20/25 (80%)
 
While Halifax has struggled the last few games against Anchorage, in the season series they have outplayed the Armada in two key areas: special teams and physicality. Halifax has outhit Anchorage 98-75, yet only have 4 more penalty minutes than the Armanda. This clean yet physical game has given the Raiders opportunities to get into the Armada players’ heads, leading to retaliatory penalties. When the Raiders do take penalties, they have killed them at almost a 90 percent clip, allowing only three powerplay goals in 28 opportunities. On the flip side, they have had success with the man advantage, scoring five powerplay goals in 25 attempts. Going into the final game between these teams, the physical game and special teams will no doubt be a major key for whichever team wins.

Comment #2: Shark Vacuums Unsung Hero of the Game: ANC @ HAL, Game 69
Is there any question that this is Karl Von Wittelsbach? The German defender played in all situations and finished with the second most time on ice with 21:52 (behind first year player Vegeta Muerto). He also produced a healthy stat line of a goal, assist, two shots, one hit, two blocked shots, and a +3 rating. Anytime good things happened for the Armada, Von Wittelsbach was on the ice tonight. While not a regular offensive contributor, the fifth-year player has produced 2-8-10 through the first 18 games for the Armada. The team was unable to convert on three power play chances, but Von Wittelsbach led all skaters with 2:21 on the powerplay and helped keep constant pressure on Raiders goaltender Justin Willis.