BY SCOTT HADDOW
The Sudbury Wolves will look to feast on the
cellar dwelling Oshawa Generals tonight, but they know it
won't be an easy meal.
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Mike Mills has become a really
defensive force for the Wolves this season with his
speed and grit. |
Game time at the Sudbury Arena is 7:30
pm.
The Generals, despite the fact they are in
last place in the Eastern Conference standings with just 15
wins and 34 points, but feature phenom John Tavares, who, as a
15-year old, has ripped 39 goals and 65 points in his first 54
games.
Wolves head coach and GM Mike Foligno
doesn't want his troops to stroll through the game at
all.
"A team like that is playing loose hockey and
you have to fear them for it," said Foligno.
"They have nothing to loose and are playing
for pride. They go out and play a relaxed game because
there's no playoffs for them. It's a game we have to
win and must win. We have to be at our best and are prepared.
We need to take advantage of our opportunities and play a solid
defensive game."
The Wolves' will also look to rebound
tonight after a 5-4 shoot-out loss in Barrie Thursday. On a
line with Nick Foligno and Akim Aliu, Mark Versteeg-Lytwyn led
the way for Sudbury with a goal and two helpers.
With only 10 games left in the regular season
before the playoffs, Foligno wants his troops to take command
of home ice and on the road.
"There's a good chance we can win our
remaining home games," said the former Wolves star.
"It's a real good goal for us. If we win
our remaining home games, we'll be feeling comfortable and
good about playing at home.
Foligno would also like to see some injuries
clear up before the playoffs.
Devin DiDiomete (another week or so), Matt
Dias (one to two weeks) and Justin Allen (another week) are all
on the shelf.
Foligno has been impressed with the play of
checkers like Mike Mills, Gary Friesen and Ryan Donally, who
make life hell for opposing forwards.
"Mike has really become a reliable penalty
killer for us," said Foligno. "He really takes pride in that.
He and Friesen have worked hard together and have become
dangerous players in that role.
Defenceman Ryan Hastings lost his bid to
become the all time leader in games played for the Wolves with
suspensions and injuries this season, but he can still lay
claim to second on the list.
If Hastings plays in tonight's contest,
he will tie Mike Gazdic, at 286 games played, and pass him on
Sunday in the game against Windsor.
Jamie Matthews still holds the all time
record with 301.
