EHEC Game Previews 12/3

[Virtual Jarmo]

With a light schedule the past few days, the waters of EHEC have calmed slightly. But, when the weather outside gets frightful, the EHEC schedule lights up with 27 games over the next four days, including a heavy Thursday and Saturday schedule. Now that we're in the final month of 2009, it is a time to reflect on the previous 11 months and look toward the future as we throw away last year's desktop SI Swimsuit calendar and look forward to what the new year will bring.

2009 will forever go down as the birth of Eastside's Hockey Elite Collide. A lot of people have put a lot of work in to what has gone on here so far and I am eternally grateful to all of those individuals. The league just celebrated the two-month anniversary of its original savefile and so many good things have transpired since then. That being said, while Christmas shopping is in full swing, EHEC is also shopping for some GMs to replace current inactive ones. If anyone reading this wants to be a part of the league, or has friends/relatives who would be good additions to the EHEC family, please have them fill out an application. On the main page, the link can be found under the 'Application' tab at the top of the page. And without further adieu, on to tonight's action!

Calgary (14-6-6) @ Phoenix (16-11-0)

After a five-game losing streak, the league-controlled Flames have won two of their last three games, both on the road in overtime. Since former GM Jeff Emack had to step down after bringing a new life into the world, the team has had plenty of bumps in the road. Miikka Kiprusoff has been ridden hard so far this season and the heavy workload early in the season may be the reason for Calgary's rough month of November.

One of four teams without an overtime loss, the Phoenix Coyotes have been an EHEC surprise so far this year. Their 16 wins put them in a tie for the most wins in the Western Conference, with five other teams. If you take away a terrible six game losing streak from October 28-November 5, the Coyotes would be one of the top teams in the entire league. But, they have bounced back from that awful stretch and even answered it with a six game winning streak right after. They're looking to build off recent success and continue their modest three game winning streak.

Season series to date:
11/25/09: PHX 4, CGY 3 (SO)

Vancouver (15-11-1) @ Philadelphia (15-8-1)

Playing .500 hockey over their last six games, the Vancouver Canucks have been more inconsistent than the moods of Sybil. After losing twice to Colorado on back to back nights, where they managed just two goals against the only EHEC team that has allowed over 100 this season, Vancouver has also hammered Chicago (6-1) and San Jose (4-0). Consistency is the name of the game in hockey and the Canucks have absolutely none of it right now. A trip away from the distractions of home all the way across North America to the east coast may be just what the doctor ordered for the Canucks. They'll need a much better effort tonight after managing just 18 shots in last night's 2-1 loss to New Jersey.

November ended on a strange note for the Flyers, dropping a 3-1 decision to the Atlanta Thrashers after beating Buffalo soundly the previous night. With the 12th month now upon us, the Flyers will try to put that game behind them as they host the Canucks. The powerplay has been a source of concern for GM Ryan Spurrell. The team is loaded with skill players, but is just a shade over 15% with the man advantage. With just four players in the minus category, the Broad Street Bullies have dictated even strength play, but the powerplay has really let them down.

Season series to date:
First game played tonight

In other games, San Jose hosts St. Louis in the second game of a five-game homestand. Washington takes on division foe Florida, a team that they have split two games with so far this season. Pittsburgh plays the epitome of a trap game against a young, hungry Avalanche squad.

[Tuo-SabresGM]

Phoenix has been an absolute shocker this season, though its nice to see. Parker's done a hell of a job so far, hopefully they'll be around and put up a fight come playoff time.

Hopefully I can pull one off at home tonight; a win I'm desperate for.

We also need more line brawls to build these rivalries up. That and more cowbell.