Game Story

Surrey Eagles vs Chilliwack Chiefs: Game 5 Preview

by Ryan Ho

Best of 3

Chilliwack, BC – As the series shifts to game 5 between the Surrey Eagles and the Chilliwack Chiefs, it’s the Eagles turn to try and do what no team has done in this series. After 4 games, both teams are 2-0 inside their own barn for a 2-2 series split. With the series becoming a best of 3,  the Eagles can do themselves a great favour if they find a win in Chilliwack.  A ton hangs in the balance as this series turns into a best of 3.

The Eagles are turning back to Tommy Scarfone after he picked up 2 wins inside the South Surrey Arena in games 3 and 4. While up front, the Eagles will see Kieran O’Hearn return to the lineup as his 3 game suspension has come an end. For the full Eagles roster, check out our social media channels later today.

Who To Watch Out For

The Eagles secondary scoring played a huge role in their 2 wins, with 7 of their 8 goals coming from outside the big 3 of Cristophe Tellier, Hudson Schandor, and Gabe Schovanek. They’ll need more of the same tonight, as Chilliwack will scrap and claw to put the Eagles back in a series deficit. For game 5, look for one of the Eagles centres to continue his great playoff series while the Chiefs look towards their leading scorer back at home.

Surrey Eagles: Wyatt Schlaht

Schlaht has been outright terrific in the first 4 games of this series, with 1 goal and 3 assists in 4 games. The Brown University commit started playing centre this year, and has found himself stapled between Adamo Santia and Christian Fitzgerald for the last few months. If his line can continue to play well, with Wyatt driving it, the Eagles will find more success in game 5.

Chilliwack Chiefs: Nikita Nesterenko

Nesterenko will continue to be the player to watch for as Chilliwack tries to retake their series lead. The prolific scorer hasn’t found the back of the net yet in the series, but has 4 assists to pace his team in scoring. Nesterenko has come close a number of times throughout the 4 games, but has to find momentum if Chilliwack wants to bounce back at home.

3 Keys To The Game

The Eagles were great at home in games 3 and 4 in every aspect. Their penalty kill was perfect, they scored 3 powerplay goals, they got great goaltending, and they played two 60 minute games en route to 2 wins. With game 5 back in Chilliwack, the boys need to try and carry that momentum through another tough road game to put themselves in a position to win the series at home. Here are tonight’s 3 keys to the game.

  • Special Teams: The reason this key is on here is because the Eagles didn’t do a good enough job in games 1 and 2 in Chilliwack on special teams. The Eagles gave up 3 powerplay goals and only scored 1 of their own with more opportunities. Expect their new-found success at home to transfer into Chilliwack if the Eagles want to take their first series lead.
  • Simplifying: The biggest test for Surrey in the Chilliwack Coliseum is adjusting to the smaller ice surface where Chilliwack knows how to play. The Eagles got to keep doing a good job at simplifying their game plan and taking their opportunities as they come up instead of getting too cute with the puck. If they can get shots through onto Caron, they’ll generate the necessary 2nd and 3rd chances to beat him like they did in Surrey.
  • #InTommyWeTrust: Tommy Scarfone has been incredible in the series, sporting a 1.79 goals against average and a 934 save percentage. He’s got the net again tonight, where he’ll look to continue his impressive play to help the Eagles win.

Summary

This series has been a terrific battle between two teams with lots of skill and toughness. Expect more of the same as the Eagles and Chiefs will each scrap and claw to gain the series advantage heading into a crucial game 6. Look for the Eagles special teams to continue playing well, more great goaltending from Scarfone, and a simple but effective offense to propel the Eagles to their first lead in the series tonight inside the Chilliwack Coliseum.

Can’t make the game tonight? No worries. You can catch the broadcast on HockeyTV and Mixlr tonight, starting at 6:50pm. Puck drop for tonight’s game will be 7:00pm.