Friday, February 23 | Live Video | Live Audio | Live Stats | Game Notes (Niagara) | Game Notes (Canisius)
Saturday, February 24 | Live Video | Live Audio | Live Stats | Game Notes (Niagara) | Game Notes (Canisius) | Tickets

Games 33-34
Niagara Purple Eagles (11-18-3, 10-13-3 AHC) vs. Canisius Golden Griffins (15-15-2, 15-11-0 AHC)
Friday, February 23 - 7:35 PM / Saturday, February 24 - 7:05 PM
Broadcast: AtlanticHockey.tv
TV: LCTV (Saturday only)
Radio: WLVL 1340 AM - Jeremy White
Internet: Niagara Sports Network

Heading into the final weekend of the regular season, the Niagara Purple Eagles currently sit in ninth position in Atlantic Hockey with only two games remaining. Niagara finds themselves only four points back from fourth place RIT and fifth place Air Force who hold the final two spots for first-round byes in the postseason conference tournament. The Purple Eagles are only one point behind eighth place AIC, the final spot for hosting first-round playoff games.

Niagara looks to gain momentum heading into the conference tournament as it faces off in the final segment of this year's Battle of the Bridge with archrival Canisius. The two teams will play in a home-and-home series this weekend - Friday, Feb. 23 at 7:35 from the HarborCenter and Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7:05 from Dwyer Arena. The Golden Griffins won the first two games in the season series, winning 4-2 on the road and returning home the next night for an 8-2 win.

What to Watch For

• The Niagara Purple Eagles head to Canisius on Friday and return home Saturday for their final two games of the regular season.
• Earlier this season, Niagara fell twice to rivals Canisius on Dec. 8 and 9, 2017. After leading 1-0 and 2-1, the Purple Eagles allowed three unanswered goals in the third period in the first game against the Golden Griffins, who exploded for five unanswered goals in the first period of their 8-2 win in game two of the series.
• In its most recent series, Niagara struggled against Sacred Heart. The Pioneers won 7-1 at Dwyer Arena on Feb. 9. The following night showcased a more even game as Niagara jumped out to a 1-0 lead before surrendering three straight and going on to lose game two, 5-3.
• Hobey Baker nominee Noah Delmas led the team with two points on the weekend (2A), both coming on the power-play.
• In the month of February, Delmas led the team with three points (3A) while Nic Mucci (G, A), Eric Cooley (2G), and fellow Hobey Baker nominee Derian Plouffe (2A) registered two points.
• Plouffe ranks first on the team in goals (15) and points (32) and is tied for third and sixth in the conference in those categories, respectively.
• Delmas ranks first in Atlantic Hockey and fourth in the NCAA in scoring for defensemen with 28 points (3+25). He leads the team with 16 power-play points this season.

Scouting the Golden Griffins

• The Golden Griffins and Purple Eagles face off twice this weekend to settle not only the season series, but also the Battle of the Bridge.
• Canisius currently sits in second place in the conference, two points behind leaders Mercyhurst and two points ahead of third place Holy Cross.
• The Golden Griffins come into the weekend losing three straight games and have a 2-4 record through the month of February.
• Niagara's last win against Canisius came in game one of the 2016 AHC Tournament First Round, losing the last 10 matchups including postseason games.
• Dylan McLaughlin ranks first on the team and tied for first in the AHC in assists (27) and points (42). He ranks second on the team with 15 goals.
• Ryan Schmelzer ranks second on the team with 29 points (13+16).
• Daniel Urbani has played in 27 games this season, recording a 3.04 GAA and .910 save percentage.