LEWISTON – What started as a slow-rolling train has turned into an Amtrak express in just three short weeks.

And while the metaphor could easily work in describing the Lewiston Maineiacs’ current eight-game win streak, it also works with the Maineiacs’ next opponent, the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, winners of nine of their last 10 games.

The Titan’s only loss in that stretch? An overtime setback in Lewiston on Nov. 7.

“Bathurst is a dangerous, dangerous team,” said Maineiacs’ assistant coach and assistant general manager Ed Harding. “They have got some players that are just superior offensively, and they think that way. We’re going to have our hands full dealing with that.”

The Titan’s offense has been more than explosive. The top two scoring forwards in the league, Mathieu Perreault and Thomas Beauregard, play on Bathurst’s top line. Perreault (58 points) and Beauregard (54 points) are each averaging more than two points per game.

“Mathieu Perreault is an outstanding young hockey player,” Harding said. “He’s improved tremendously from last year. All five guys out there have to have some ice awareness and know where he is along with his line.”

In stark contrast, the Maineiacs, who have allowed the fewest goals in the league, don’t have anyone in the league’s top 25 in scoring. Captain Marc-Andre Cliche is tied for 27th with 32 points.

But the team’s goals-against average, a stingy 2.76 goals per game, is far ahead of the next best team – PEI with 3.04.

The teams, said Harding, match up well.

“The game we played against Bathurst here a couple of weeks ago was probably the best game I’ve seen all year that we’ve been involved in,” said Harding. “I have a lot of respect for Bathurst, and the players do as well.”

Brant Miller has taken over between the pipes for Bathurst, and his emergence coincides with the start of the team’s good fortune. After losing two of his first four starts, Miller has had a stellar November, winning all six starts against teams other than Lewiston.

But the biggest key, according to Harding, will be staying out of the penalty box.

“They score most of their goals on the power play,” said Harding. “That’s no secret, everybody knows that, so if we take stupid penalties, we could get ourselves in trouble.

“If we can play the game in their zone, and make them play defensive-zone coverage, we’ll have a better chance.”