(WAUSAU, WI)- The Cyclones host the West Bend Power on Friday in the Division Finals and head to West Bend for game two of the series on Saturday. Wausau will be back home at Marathon Park for game three on Sunday if necessary. Puck drops at 7:10pm Friday night, 7:30pm Saturday night and 6:10pm Sunday night and streams on NAHLTV. Wausau advanced to the Division Final by sweeping the Wisconsin Woodsmen. West Bend was able to advance after defeating the Oregon Tradesmen in three games by winning both on their home ice.
What to Watch For
Wausau forward Matthew Mahoney had one goal and two assists in the series against the Woodmen. Mahoney was a trade deadline acquisition from the St. Louis Jr. Blues and has been solid since joining the Cyclones. Mahoney finished the regular season with 12 goals and 19 assists putting him 7th on the team for points. Wausau spilt the eight game season series against the Power in the regular season. The Cyclones were 2-2 at home and 2-2 on the road during the regular season. Wausau won three of the last four matchups dating back to February 16th. The Clones scored a total of 33 goals on the Power, 14 of those goals coming on the power play. Watch for special teams execution to be a critical factor in deciding this playoff series.
Between the Pipes
Wausau is expected to start Collin Lemanski in net Friday. Lemanski has a 2.31 GAA and .935 save percentage in 28 regular season games and two playoff games. His record is currently 22-7-0-1 this year and the 22 wins has him at 3rd in the league. Look for Tanner Bonjernoor to start Saturday’s game at West Bend. Bonjernoor had a 2.52 GAA and .918 save percentage in 14 regular season games. West Bend is expected to start Ian Kangas in net Friday night. Kangas has a 2.36 GAA and .921 save percentage. His record is currently 9-1-0-1 this season.
Up Next
If Wausau wins two games this weekend versus the West Bend Power they will head to St. Louis for the Fraser Cup Championship Tournament. The Cyclones would then play the West Division Champion (Rochester/Granite City) at 4:00 pm March 20th, and then the Frontier Division Wild Card (Gillette/Helena) at 4:00 pm March 22nd. If Wausau advances in pool play, they will then play March 23rd at 4:00pm or 7:00 pm. If they make it to the Fraser Cup Championship game Wausau will play at 3:00 pm March 24th. You can catch the games live on NAHLTV.
