Hat Tricks vs Delaware Thunder - Series Preview (1/10 & 11)

The Danbury Hat Tricks take their show on the road this weekend, completing a three-in-three sequence with a pair of road games against the Delaware Thunder. Delaware enters the series sitting fifth in the Eastern Division, but still within striking distance of a playoff spot. Live coverage of Friday and Saturday night's games will be hosted on Delaware's Youtube channel.

Let's take a look at what fan's can expect from this weekend's festivities.

tom terrific

Tom McGuckin continues to impress between the pipes for the Danbury Hat Tricks. The 26-year-old goaltender turned aside 38 shots last night for his 12th in his last 13 outings. McGuckin has only allowed two goals in his last three games, making 155 saves in the process.

Of course, McGuckin has not been the only netminder who has impressed in a Hat Tricks uniform. Dillon Kelley, who was the number one option prior to a promotion to the SPHL, recently returned to the team sporting a 5-1-0 record at the FPHL level. Nick Niedert was spectacular in his last appearance in net as well, stopping 30 shots in a 3-2 win over the Elmira Enforcers on December 28th.

The consistency found in net has given the Hat Tricks a sense of security. No matter who is between the pipes, they have a good chance at winning.

the resiliency of the thunder

In the Delaware Thunder's visit to the Hat City, they never were able to take a lead in two games. That being said, they fought tooth and nail in a nerve-racking series in which the Hat Tricks came away with two narrow victories, 6-4 and 5-4 respectively.

Ryan Marker is the driving force of the offense. With 24 goals to his name already, Marker is on an incredible run with no signs of stopping. He has points in every single game this season. That's a 23-game point streak.

The Thunder have started to put together a few wins, and can put the league on notice by stealing one from the hottest team in the FPHL this weekend. Expect Marker to put on a dazzling display for his home crowd.

behind the danbury bench

Billy McCreary will be serving a one-game suspension tonight after being ejected from last night's contest. McCreary was tossed late in the second period, leaving assistant coaches Adam Blanchette and Matt Voity to man the helm.

Fortunately Blanchette and Voity have had experience controlling the team this season, with McCreary having suited up as a player on multiple occasions. McCreary will return to his usual post Saturday night. 

final thoughts

Delaware is a hungry team looking to make a push for the playoffs. They currently trail the Elmira Enforcers by 14 points and need to rattle off some wins. They have a critical stretch coming up against some tough opponents- two against Danbury, two in Carolina and three hosting the Watertown Wolves. 

Danbury, meanwhile, is looking to extend their five game win streak and take their 17th victory in 18 games. Every divisional point is crucial.