SEWELL, NJ – The Philadelphia Rebels (3-4-0-0, 6 pts) will host the Northeast Generals (6-5-0-0, 12 pts) in a two-game series this weekend at the Hollydell Ice Arena.
Here are five things to know before the series kicks off:
1. Stay Hot Spitz
After an impressive four games at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, MN, Greg Spitznagel came up huge for the Rebels last weekend in Johnstown, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime.
The Rebels were able to steal the game away from Johnstown who had a 3-1 lead halfway through the second period last Saturday night. The comeback started with goals from Klaus Jogi and Kris Samitis, and was completed with Greg Spitznagel ripping one into the back of the net to give the Rebels the comeback win.
After last weekend, Spitznagel leads the Rebels in points (6) and assists with four. With Saturday’s overtime goal, both of Spitznagel’s goals this season have come on the power play.
Spitznagel, in his first year as a Rebel, was named as an Honorable Mention Star of the Week for NAHL’s East Division and brought the same award home for the NAHL’s Star of the Month awards for September.
2. Defense Wins
Northeast features a prolific offense, having scored the third-most goals in the league (35) so far.
Forward David Andreychuk has led the way so far this season for the Generals, recording four goals and 14 points through 11 games.
His teammate Paul Minnehan does not fall far behind him, tallying 13 points with six goals and seven assists throughout eight games he has played in.
The Rebels defense needs to be sharp to slow down the two forwards who rank second and fourth in points.
3. Home Cooking
The Philadelphia Rebels look to record their first home win at Hollydell Ice Arena on Friday night, which would also even out their record to .500.
Taking advantage of their home games can help Philadelphia keep pace in the East Division after five-straight Northeast wins have catapulted the Generals into second place.
New Jersey is currently tied at six points with the Rebels, although the Rebels have played three less games. The Titans will be the next home opponent for the Rebels after this weekend when they come to Hollydell Ice Arena on Oct. 21 and 22.
4. Great In Goal
Throughout the first seven games, the Rebels goaltenders have combined for a .930 save percentage. Jack Fialkoff and Jakub Krbecek are both Rebels for the first time this season, and the tandem has been a key in the early season.
Krbecek, playing in five of the seven games, has a record of 3-2 with a .912 save percentage in the net. Krebecek has already faced a number of skaters in the top ten points total, and will do so again this weekend against Northeast.
Jack Fialkoff has been lights out in the two games he started in this season, posting a .961 save percentage and a 1.74 goals against average over three total games. Fialkoff has stopped 103 of 107 shots so far, and will continue to get more action as the season unfolds.
5. Knowing Northeast
The Generals offense has been among the best in the league so far with four forwards recording over ten points.
Although having a winning record, the Generals have allowed the most goals in the NAHL throughout their 11 games. Both goalies for Northeast have posted a 3.22 GAA, and a .899 save percentage.
Cullen DeYoung has gotten the start for the Generals in seven of their 11 games and has posted an .891 save percentage and 3.60 goals against average.
Friday’s game will start at 8:00 p.m. in Hollydell Ice Arena, and admission will be free for all fans. Friday’s game will also be streamed on HockeyTV, with the Rebels pre-game show beginning at 7:45 p.m.
