Riptide vs. FireWolves- Game Preview

The New York Riptide return to action on Saturday, March 18 when they face the Albany FireWolves, with opening faceoff scheduled for 7:30 PM at Nassau Coliseum.

This is the third and final meeting between the Riptide and FireWolves this season, with New York having taken both previous encounters with their in-state rival, winning 16-10 in Albany on January 21 and 14-12 in Uniondale on February 11. In those two games, Jeff Teat recorded a combined 21 points on 14 goals and 7 assists and Jay Thorimbert won 39 of 61 faceoffs, while Steve Orleman made 50 saves in the most recent encounter.

Albany’s biggest struggles have been finding the back of the net, scoring a league low 101 goals this season, and winning faceoffs Two former Riptide players in Kieran McArdle and Connor Kelly lead the team in points and goals respectively, with McArdle having 49 points and Kelly, despite missing two games earlier this season, leading the way with 19 goals. They looked to bolster that earlier this week in trading for forward Marshall Powless, who had 19 points in 10 games for the Saskatchewan Rush this season. At the dot, Albany has won just 28.2% of their faceoffs this season, with the team largely facing off by committee after losing star faceoff man Joe Nardella following the first game of the season. Defensively, Albany has allowed more goals than all but two teams, with goaltenders Doug Jamieson and Justin Geddie combining for just an 0.765 save percentage, and they are currently without one of their leaders on the back end in Jackson Nishimura, who is on injured reserve.

The Riptide are coming off a win over the Philadelphia Wings and are looking for their first win streak of the season. Goaltender Cameron Dunkerley was a revelation for New York in that game, making 48 saves in his debut with the team and just the second start of his career. The defense in front of him had a strong game as well, with Scott Dominey, Ron John, and Brent Noseworthy sticking out in particular as they allowed just 10 goals, tied for a season low. The offense was clicking as well, with 9 different goalscorers, including 2 from transition players, something that New York has seen lots of in recent weeks.

The game will be available to watch on ESPN+ and MSG Network, and listen to on WRHU 88.7 FM, WRHU.org and the WRHU iPhone App. Live stats and periodic in-game updates will be available via Twitter @ NewYorkRiptide.