The Sarnia Legionnaires return to action tonight after an extended Christmas break. Here's a preview of the contest:
WHO – Sarnia Legionnaires (14-16-5) vs. St. Thomas Stars (14-18-3).
WHERE – Sarnia Arena, 7:30 p.m.
WHO TO WATCH:
St. Thomas – Former Legionnaire Scott Stafford has scored five points in seven games since he joined the Stars from the Thorold Blackhawks. Sarnia native Chris Rocca has 24 goals and 22 assists.
Sarnia – Captain Tyler Cicchini has scored 14 goals, leaving him just one short of his total for all of last season.
SIGNIFICANCE – The Legionnaires are just two points ahead of the Stars in the battle for sixth place in the Western Conference. With just 15 games left, Sarnia must win games like this one if it is to have any hope of moving up in the standings.
SPECIAL TEAMS – Sarnia has the better powerplay. In fact, it's clicking 17.2 per cent of the time, compared to only 14.2 per cent for the Stars. But St. Thomas has the better penalty killers. They are successful 83.1 per cent of the time, compared to only 79.8 per cent for the Legionnaires.
HOME ICE FACTOR – Sarnia is 9-7-2 at home, while the Stars are 6-8-1 on the road.
LAST OUTINGS – Sarnia lost its last game 5-1 in Strathroy, while St. Thomas dropped its last contest 4-2 in London.
HISTORY – The teams have played three times this campaign, with St. Thomas winning the first 2-1 in a shootout. Sarnia has won the last two meetings by 5-2 and 3-0 scores.
