ODENTON, MD – The Philadelphia Rebels (18-22-1-1, 38 pts) hit the road again to play a series with the Maryland Black Bears (30-11-4-0, 64 pts) this weekend.
Here are five things to know ahead of the series:
1. Back on Track
After a loss on Tuesday, the Rebels have two more games against the top team in the East Division, something they have become accustomed to.
They have played three of the top four teams in the NAHL East Division in Maryland, Northeast, and Maine in the last month.
2. Start Fast
When the Rebels grab the lead early, they have been able to hold onto it to win games. In games where the Rebels lead after the first period, they are 8-0-0-0.
Throughout the season, the Rebels have won a lot of their games coming from behind. Their most recent comeback-win came in a 4-2 win over the Northeast Generals on Feb. 9.
Scoring and leading after the first period will be important against the second-highest scoring team in the league.
3. Road Warriors
The Rebels are 6-4 in their past 10 games on the road, and have three more road games ahead of them before returning to Hollydell in early March.
The Rebels have found success on the road, totaling a 11-9-1-0 record on the road this season.
The Rebels have also scored the fourth most points in the NAHL East Division on the road with 23, and have allowed the fourth fewest amount of goals on the road in the division.
4. Last Time Out
In their most recent matchup, the Rebels suffered a 5-2 loss to the Black Bears. Although a 5-2 score, it was a one-goal game until halfway throughout the third period.
Connor Sedlak scored his 15th goal of the season on Tuesday night, which tied him with David Deputy for the most on the Rebels.
Tyler Stern also scored against the Black Bears, making it his eighth of the season and 17 points to go along.
5. Scouting Maryland
Staying out of the penalty box will be an important factor for the Rebels this weekend, with Maryland scoring 37 goals on the power play this season.
The Black Bears lead the NAHL East Division with 64 points, however are 5-4-1-0 in their last ten games.
Two Black Bears are averaging over one point per game, Christian Catalano at 1.02 and Branden Piku at 1.11.
Both games begin at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen on HockeyTV.
