Air Force (2-4, 2-2 AHC) at Army West Point (4-2-1, 3-0-1 AHC)

Friday at 5:05 p.m. MDT, Saturday at 6:05 p.m. MDT

Radio / Web: AM 1300 and GoAirForceFalcons.com / atlantichockey.tv (subscription)

Series: Air Force leads 43-24-6, including 17-15-3 at Tate Rink

Last meeting: The Falcons won a dramatic Atlantic Hockey quarterfinal series at West Point with an overtime goal in the deciding Game 3 of the series.

Overview

On the surface the timing of this series might not be great for the Falcons, who again could face the Black Knights without several of their top players due to injury. Such was the scenario last November at Cadet Arena, and Army swept. In addition, the Black Knights are coming off their first sweep at Mercyhurst and are scoring a goal per game more than the Falcons (3 to 1.83) and allowing nearly a goal per game fewer (2.57 to 3.50). However, the rivalry trumps all in this series, and Air Force has been a very good road team in AHC the past couple of seasons. You can bet the Falcons will be ready for the inevitable Army offensive. … The Falcons will get senior center Evan Feno back Saturday after he serves a one-game suspension for an uncalled elbowing penalty against Niagara this past Friday. … There is a possibility senior defenseman Matt Koch (undisclosed), who missed last Friday’s game, and junior center Erich Jaeger (upper body), who has missed the past five games, could return to the lineup.

Three things to watch

1. Powering up – Army has the bigger team but it also takes 10 minutes more per game on average (19 to 9) in penalties. The Falcons average almost a power-play goal per game (five in six games), and Feno and fellow senior Evan Giesler are two prime candidates to do some damage here. In addition, most of the Falcons’ defensemen have no problem opening fire from the point. In a series where real estate will be hard to come by, winning the power play battle is essential for the Falcons.
2. Black and Blue line – The insertion of freshman Tyler Jutting into the lineup last weekend added a size dimension (he’s 6-foot-4) to Air Force’s defense. Fellow freshman Carter Ekberg is 6-2, and sophomore Zack Mirageas seemed determined to hit anything that moved against Niagara. Could the Falcons give the Black Knights a taste of their own medicine?
3. The Bill comes due – The last time senior goalie Billy Christopoulos was at Tate Rink, he allowed one goal in the last two games and a total of four in three games with the Falcons’ season on the line. In other words, he was money when things mattered the most. Throw the early season numbers out, Christopoulos gives Air Force a decided advantage at the most important position. He’s also coming off his best game of the season, and I would expect him to take it up another notch this weekend. The Falcons will need him to.

Want more on Air Force vs. Army West Point? Check out our latest Falcon Hockey Podcast

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