Photo by Marc Lafleur
After splitting their weekend with a win over the Gee-Gees and a loss the the Carabins, the Ravens look ahead to a challenging weekend against two of Canada’s best. On Thursday, the Conspiracy will travel to McGill for a matchup against the Martlets before a Saturday matinee against the Stingers at Concordia.
A weekend against two of Canada’s best is an opportunity for the 3-5 Ravens to prove their ready for a long run in the RSEQ. Sitting only one point behind the Carabins for fourth in the division, the Ravens will need to improve their league-low 13 goals for if they want to keep pace for the playoffs. The new six-team format of the RSEQ has also allowed teams to stay even in games played helping to paint a clear picture of the playoffs after each weekend.
Thursday, November 25, 20217:00 p.m. at McConnel Arena, MontrealBroadcast: $6.99 from McGill Athletics
Sunday, November 28, 20213:00 p.m. at Ed Meagher Arena, MontrealBroadcast: Free on Stingers TV
The Ravens look at avenge their two biggest losses of the season this weekend, and they will need to start strong when they venture to the arena at the top of the hill to face McGill. The Martlets took advantage of 14 minutes in Ravens penalties in their first meeting to pull away with four unanswered goals for a 7-2 victory. After the Ravens had cut the lead to 3-2 in the second period they looked to be right in the fight against the number 3 ranked Martlets before a pair of late second period goals were the difference.
On Sunday, the Ravens will head back to Montreal for their second trip to Ed Meagher on the season. Their first was one to forget. The Stingers exploded on the Ravens early before punishing an injury-riddled Ravens team with 53 shots on route to an 8-1 victory.
Limit the Shots Against – The Stingers and Martlets are first and second in the RSEQ in shots per game with 35.9 and 31.4 respectively. For the Ravens to shut down the two offensive monsters they’ll need to keep them contained and limit their offensive opportunities.
Road Legs – The Ravens are 1-2 on the road this season, having dropped three straight since beating the Gee-Gees on their opening weekend. The Ravens will need to rely on their perfect road penalty kill while finding some early success on the powerplay, which is goalless thus far on the road, if they want to come away from Montreal with key points.
More Than Morais – Jenna Morais has been a rock for the Ravens thus far. With four goals and two assists in six games, Morais leads the young Ravens in scoring. Having missed the last two games, the Ravens will need to find more balance in their offence if Morais remains out long-term. Look to veterans Nicole Macneil and Stephanie Chouchani to lead the offence if Morais is unable to suit up.