Photo credit: Richard Hovey
#15 University of Arizona (5-4) @ University of Arkansas (3-14-1)
Puck Drop: Friday, October 28th at 7:30pm
Location: The Jones Center Springdale, AR
Broadcast: mixlr.com/hoghockey
Author credit: http://droptheglovesproductions.com/
The Division I Arkansas Razorbacks will play a two game set against the Arizona Wildcats following their Thursday night loss to the Arizona State Sun Devils, 5-2. Arizona comes into the game off of a win against Missouri State in Springfield, taking down the Bears 5-3, and improving to a winning record.
Arkansas will not be an easy out tomorrow night, and should have the Jones Center rocking as they don pink in support of breast cancer awareness for their annual Pink the Rink night.
Coach Gallini will have a lot of preparing to do in a short amount of time to get ready for the Wildcats.
Three Things to Watch
- Hogs Top-Line Production
The Razorbacks have clung to the goal-scoring prowess of their top scorers all year.Tomorrow, the duo of Matt Robinson and Luc Gradisar will have to produce yet again to keep the young Hogs in the game early, and hopefully set up for the win late. Arkansas’ top duo accounts for 35% of their total goals scored this year, and will need to score this weekend to ensure victory.
- Arizona’s Special Teams
The Wildcats are not strong in either area on special teams, scoring on less than 10% of their power plays and being an average team when shorthanded. Their success could hinge on being disciplined, and forcing the young Razorbacks into mistakes. Arizona has three players above 15 penalty minutes through just eight games, so staying out of the box and not letting the potent Arkansas power play go to work will be critical in stealing a win on the road.
- Time to Step Up
No question Arkansas is still trying to get their legs under them this far into the season. However, the team has not seen a whole lot of consistent production from all of their players on a given night. Every player has shown their talent, and it’s time for them to gel in order to snap the losing streak and get back in the win column. Coach Gallini will be looking to players such as Tobias Sjolund and Alec Morris to step up and show their talent.
Final Analysis
This is a winnable series for the Hogs. Despite the close losses in the past couple of weeks, the Razorbacks really do a whole lot of things correctly. Coach Gallini has given the players the keys to success, but they haven’t quite put together a full 60 minutes in some time, making crucial mistakes in key moments and losing tight games. However, fortunes can change at any time, and catching the Wildcats at the end of a road trip might be the spark they need to get back on the winning track.
