IceCaps Weekly Forecast gives a first look of the week ahead for your St. John’s IceCaps. Staff writer Danielle Barnes maps out the schedule, provides a statistical comparison of each matchup, identifies players to watch, as well as goaltenders and notes for each team. Refer to this page as your guide for each game in the IceCaps schedule this week.
ST JOHN’S, NL. — This week, the St. John’s IceCaps face the Syracuse Crunch in round one of the Calder Cup Playoffs. The two teams will meet in St. John’s for a pair on the 21st and 22nd.
Calendar: April 17 – 23
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St. John’s IceCaps
Following a win against the Toronto Marlies last week, the IceCaps were able to pull ahead of the Utica Comets and clinch a playoff position. The ‘Caps and the Crunch have been evenly matched this season, resulting in four wins for the ‘Caps and four wins for the Crunch. The IceCaps will have to work hard to defeat the division leaders this week, in attempts to move to the next playoff round.
Players to Watch
Joel Hanley – Hanley has been named the team’s top defenceman of the year. He has 22 points in 65 games played.
Jacob de la Rose – De le Rose was given the fans choice award on the 14th. He has 31 points in 62 games played
The Syracuse Crunch clinched the North division title with 90 points, just ahead of the Toronto Marlies with 89. The Crunch have remained strong all season, and held an undefeated streak from April 8th to the 15th. While the team remains ahead of the ‘Caps in the special teams penalty kill, they are fall behind them in the power-play. This may take a toll on them this week, as the ‘Caps have the home team advantage as well.
Players to Watch
Jonathan Racine – Racine has the most penalty minutes on the team with an average of 2.47 minutes per game, and 136 minutes in total.
Matt Taormina – Taormina is the second defenseman leader in the league with 60 points in 70 games played.
Notes
Goaltenders
Yanni Gourde was given the Syracuse Crunch MVP award for the 2016-2017 season (Syracuse Crunch 2017).
