LEWISTON – The last two teams the Lewiston Maineiacs probably want to see right now are the top two teams in the division. Losers of five in a row and seven of their last eight, the Maineiacs get exactly that this weekend at the Colisee, but say they are ready for whatever the teams, particularly Acadie-Bathurst, will throw at them tonight at the Colisee.
“We checked the video, we went over it with them and we talked about what are (the Titan’s) tendencies,” said Maineiacs coach Clem Jodoin. “We have to be aware of that. We had video sessions Tuesday and Wednesday and we’ll have another (this) morning. We are practicing according to what they are doing.”
Two of the Maineiacs’ losses on their current string of defeats came at the hands of the Titan. Both of those losses were by one goal, and one was a 7-6 loss in a shootout.
“We are confident,” said Maineiacs assistant captain Mathieu Aubin. “We know that we can play with them if we play well. Last game against them we scored six goals so we know we can score against that goalie. If we start to put the puck in the net everything will be O.K.”
Goal scoring has been a problem for Lewiston this season. Through 14 games, Lewiston has scored just 45 goals (3.21 per game). In the 10 games when Jonathan Bernier has played, the Maineiacs have scored just 19 goals (1.90 per game).
Despite a record of 2-8, Bernier is third among regular starting netminders with a 2.58 goals-against average and fourth with a .914 save percentage.
“We worked hard on scoring this week,” said Aubin. “Every time we had to go 1-on-0 or something we take the rebound until we scored.
“We need to start to score more goals because we are playing well and we are shooting a lot but we are not scoring and we are losing. It’s frustrating but I think we’ll be ready for (tonight).”
Bathurst (12-2-0-2) is currently ranked No. 1 in the Canadian Hockey League’s top 10 poll, and brings with it a wealth of firepower and offensive prowess.
“Just take a look at their roster,” said Jodoin. “(Olivier) Labelle, how many points did he have in the league last year? (Petr) Pohl, how many points did he have in the league last year? It’s that and all of the drafted players they had last year and two years ago, they are all mature. Just take a look at the roster, you see why they are good.”
For the record, Labelle had 56 points last season, while Pohl recorded 59. This year, they both have 27 points through 15 games.
“Their offense is a big strength,” said Maineiacs’ captain Brandon Roach. “We just have to keep the puck in their zone if we can and gain the red line the best we can. The power play and the offense is definitely the biggest strength they have.”
Lewiston is concentrating heavily on its defense this weekend, and is confident that will lead to more offense.
“I believe if we are playing well defensively, we are going to find a way to score,” said Jodoin. “We have to play a tight game, there’s no question in my mind.
“We can’t afford to open up the game because we don’t have the natural scorers that they have. We have to be smart and use our weapons.”
Welcome back
Acadie-Bathurst head coach Mario Durocher returns to Lewiston with the Titan for the second time in the regular season.
Last year, the the Titan’s only visit to Lewiston after Durocher took the helm, Lewiston rallied from a 3-1 deficit after the first period to upend Bathurst 5-3 on third-period goals by Alexandre Picard and Derek Bailey.
In their one preseason visit to the Colisee, the Titan and Durocher left upset over Lewiston’s depleted roster.
Welcome back, part 2
Chad Denny, the Maineiacs’ new utility player who has not played in any capacity since injuring his hip two weeks ago, will be back on the ice tonight against the Titan.
“It’s been two weeks since I played in a game,” said Denny, who then quickly turned his attention to the game itself. “I think if we concentrate on defense and think of the defensive zone first then the scoring will come.”
Denny is expected to play primarily on the blue line, but didn’t rule out another stint on offense as needed.
On the hunt
The Maineiacs are bringing back a popular promotion this weekend with “Blaze Orange Night” on Friday.
Fans who show up to the game wearing blaze (hunter’s) orange will be given a coupon and be entered into a raffle. There are five prizes, at least one of which is a team autographed stick. On Sunday afternoon against Moncton, the Maineiacs are hosting costume night and inviting all fans to appear in their Halloween costumes at the game.
Light it up
The new light system was up overnight this week, and will be operational at this weekend’s games. The new lights, which replace the old mercury-based lights, can be turned on and off at the flip of a switch, and will allow better lighting effects for all events, including during Maineiacs games.
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