Air Force (11-6-3, 8-3-1 AHC) at Mercyhurst (8-10-1, 7-6-1)
When: Friday and Saturday at 5 p.m MST
Radio: 1300 AM and goairforcefalcons.com
Series: Air Force leads 15-13-3
Overview
The Falcons, who sit in second in Atlantic Hockey, continue a four-game road trip and hope to build on their longest winning streak (four) in two seasons. The Lakers, who are 2-1-1 in their past four, are in fifth in the league but just two points behind the Falcons.
Offense
Kyle Haak leads the Falcons with 17 points (seven goals) and line mate Jordan Himley leads them with nine goals (14 points – 10 in his past 12 games). Evan Giesler has 16 points, buoyed by a five-game points streak and 12 points in his past 12 games. Tyler Ledford‘s three-point weekend at Sacred Heart not only earned him AHC Player of the Week honors but it ended a 12-game points drought. If the Falcons’ leading scorer from last season keeps it going it will be a big boost for AFA. …
AFA’s offense scores nearly a half goal per game more (3.05/T25th) than Mercyhurst’s (2.74/37th). The Lakers are led by sophomore forward Derek Barach (20 points, 16 assists) and junior forward Jonathan Charbonneau (10 goals).
Defense
The Falcons have a similar statistical advantage here as well, giving up 2.80 goals per game (T26th) to the Lakers’ 3.21 (42nd). Shane Starrett has gotten on a bit of a roll of late, allowing just four goals in his past four starts. His numbers have improved to 11-3-2, 2:39 GAA and a .916 save percentage. …
Colin DeAugustine (5-3-1, 2.64 GAA and .925 save percentage) has started six of the past seven games for Mercyhurst, which also will play Brandon Wildung periodically.
Special teams
The Falcons continue to field one of the nation’s top penalty kills. They have allowed just 10 goals on 91 chances (89 percent, fifth best in the nation). Their power play is middle of the pack at 16.5 percent (34th). …
Conversely, both units have been a source of struggle for the Lakers. Their penalty killing is among the worst in Division I (75 percent, 57th), their power play is only marginally better (12.1 percent, T 52nd).