BY SCOTT HADDOW
The Sudbury Wolves are on a modest two-game
winning streak and head coach and GM Mike Foligno wants them to
stay on the winning track heading into the playoffs.
 |
| name="valign"
top >
Adam McQuaid, who was a -17 at the
end of January, has played his best hockey recently,
going +11 in his last 12 games. |
The Wolves look to expand their winning
streak tonight against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Game
time at the Sudbury Arena is 7:30 pm.
The Wolves have won four out of the five
games against their Northern rivals, but they were nail biters,
with four of the games being decided by one goal.
"Every game against them has been close and
battles right to the end," said Foligno. "They play hard and
work hard. We've matched their intensity and work ethic . .
. We need to keep doing that. It will be a competitive game. We
have to keep being responsible defensively.
We will also try out some different players
on different lines to find more strengths and to prepare for
the playoffs."
Foligno is also looking for the power play
units to come to life, which has gone stale recently. Sudbury
has scored just two power play goals on their last 44 chances,
over the last five games.
"You need a good power play in the playoffs
no ifs, ands or buts," said the bench boss. "It has to be
creating and scoring. Teams have won championships with a solid
power play. The players have to look at each power play as the
only one we will get that game. We need that mentality."
The Wolves have been bolstered by the return
to form of strapping defender Adam McQuaid.
The defenceman was a dismal -17 at the end of
January. In February, he posted a +11, to bring his rating to
-6.
"In the last 20 games, Adam has been playing
his best hockey," said Foligno. "He's been one of our most
solid players. He's been aggressive and taking the body
cleanly. Adam's playing an assertive game, paying the price
and playing with confidence."
Forward Mark Versteeg-Lytwyn, who has three
goals and six points in his last six games, is also
impressing.
"Mark's really applied himself . . .
He's been a dangerous player lately and we need him to keep
improving."
The Wolves might get good news as forwards
Devin DiDiomete and Matt Dias could return from the injury
shelf this weekend. DiDiomete is questionable and Dias could
play tonight.