Air Force (6-8-2, 2-5-1 Atlantic Hockey) vs. Holy Cross (3-12-1, 2-7-1)
Friday, 7 p.m., and Saturday, 5 p.m. at Cadet Arena
Streaming / Radio: FloHockey.tv / 1300 AM
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Goals. Both teams are struggling in this department. Holy Cross has only scored as many as three goals three times this season – but those were the Crusaders’ three victories (over New Hampshire last weekend and vs. Canisius and AIC earlier this year). … After 36 goals in their first 10 games, the Falcons have put in just 12 in their past six. Air Force’s two most consistent scoring threats of late have been defenseman Luke Rowe, with three goals in his past five games and five overall, and left wing Nate Horn, who has three in the past four and a team-high six overall. Rowe was selected Atlantic Hockey’s defenseman of the month earlier this week. Center Clayton Cosentino has points in four of the past five games.
Stop streaking. Air Force can address two streaks at once with a strong showing this weekend, which is the final series before Christmas break. It can end a three-game skid (part of a 1-4-1 slump) overall, and it can halt a five-game winless streak vs. Holy Cross (which it has just two wins against in its past 12 games). Air Force’s one win in the past six this season was a Guy Blessing shutout of Bentley. Otherwise, the Falcons have allowed 20 goals in the other five games. The rushes that AIC and Mercyhurst capitalized on likely will be less of a factor vs. Holy Cross, which plays a more controlled game but also doesn’t allow many prime chances. Still, Air Force must play better team defense. … While Blessing (6-6-1, 3.41 goals-against average, .887 save percentage) is the man in net for the Falcons, the Crusaders have played three goalies, with sophomore Thomas Gale (1-7-1, 2.76 and .898) getting the most starts. Junior Jason Grande, a Bentley transfer who is 2-2 with 4.52 and .852 numbers, beat New Hampshire.
MORE FALCONS: Get to know forward Will Gavin
©First Line Editorial 2022
