Hat Tricks look to extend streak vs Thunder - Series Preview (2/14 & 15)

The Danbury Hat Tricks play host to the Delaware Thunder this weekend, but there's no love in the air this Valentine's Day. The two have engaged in back-and-forth battles all season long, with Danbury getting the better of Delaware in five of their six meetings this season.

Friday night is Date Night at Danbury Arena. Saturday night is Military Appreciation Night. Tickets are available for purchase by clicking here. Live game streaming is available on the Hat Tricks Youtube page. 

Let's take a look at what fans can expect on the ice. 

Shayne got game

Shayne Morrissey has been a revelation for the Danbury Hat Tricks since joining the team. In 10 games, he's erupted for 10 goals and 15 assists, lighting the lamp with regularity with Carter Shinkaruk and Casper Dyrssen on his line. Morrissey's inventive playmaking ability has made him one of the best generators of offense on the team, leading the breakout with creative stickwork and electric chemistry with his former SPHL teammate Shinkaruk.

Morrissey notched three goals and five assists last weekend in a pair of games in Delaware. Expect him to continue his scoring ways this weekend.

pisano's return

Anthony Pisano will be making his return to Danbury tonight. The former Whaler and Titan was a fan favorite in the Hat City, playing in three seasons with Danbury. Pisano racked up 321 penalty minutes in 50 games with the Whalers and Titans. He last played in 2015-16 with the Titans, collecting three points in 10 games. 

Pisano's rough-and-tumble style of play quickly endeared him to the Danbury faithful. With Pisano's role growing within the Thunder organization as roster changes take shape, he will likely see some notable ice time in his old stomping grounds.

gavrik growing

Vlad Gavrik has been bounced between the forward lines and defense throughout the season, balancing the Hat Tricks' roster as injuries and promotions necessitate. He's come into his own on the blueline, growing into one of Danbury's more dependable defenders and a key quarterback of the offense from the point.

Gavrik has six points in his last three games, giving him 28 in 37 on the season. He has logged four multi-point performances in his last seven games. Gavrik's confidence continues to build, making him one of the most versatile- and valuable- weapons on the team.

final thoughts

The Hat Tricks are inching ever-closer to clinching a playoff spot. They can put a significant dent into their magic number with a sweep of the Delaware Thunder, who currently sit 5th in the Eastern Division. That said, the Thunder are fighting for the lives, and have beaten the Hat Tricks once already this season. This will be a battle to the bitter end.