Copyright scotsman
Edinburgh Capitals travel to Aberdeen this Saturday to face the Lynx for the second time this season after another 2-0 weekend last time out against the Paisley Pirates and the North Ayrshire Wild. After scoring 12 goals in two games last weekend and maintaining their unbelievable run of form to start this season, the Capitals will once again have a challenging opponent in front of them looking to end their now nine game win streak. Both North Ayrshire and Paisley were no match for the Capitals ruthless offense, with contributions coming from up and down the line up. Connor McNulty had a breakout weekend, scoring four goals–two in each match–and Chad Smith put up four of his own. Goaltender Ben Keddie had another stellar performance on Sunday against the Pirates, stopping 29/29 for his second shutout of the season. While Ciaran Hoggan made his first appearance in net against North Ayrshire stopping 30/32 with several impressive saves. Coach Steven Lynch spoke to CapsTV this week about his thoughts on the upcoming game in Aberdeen, he said: “We’ve won quite a few games up there, I think we won both games last season. We certainly don’t go up there with any fear, we know it’s going to be difficult in front of a packed out crowd up in that small little rink. But like I say we go there with confidence, we’re riding the crest of a wave right now.” Coach Lynch’s confidence is well placed, with an undefeated record last season against the Lynx and a strong 2-0 win this season at the Murrayfield Ice Arena the Capitals should head up to Aberdeen expecting another strong outing. Moreover, the team can expect a sturdy backstop in goaltender Ben Keddie who not so long ago tallied his first shut-out in a Caps kit against the Lynx. The young goalie has hit his stride early in the season, now sitting at a .944 SVE%–which puts him second in the league–and an impressive 1.86 GAA. A strong netminder has always been a key component to a good hockey team and Keddie has certainly proved that thus far, however, offensive depth will ensure that even the closest games fall in the Capitals favor. Fortunately for Edinburgh, newcomer Connor McNulty seems to have found his groove, coach Lynch said: “He had a really good weekend, we knew what we were getting from him when we tried to sign him in the summer. Some players need a little bit more time adjusting to a new team and new surroundings. But the last couple of games last weekend and even in Dundee, I think Connor has played four really, really solid games. He’s looking dangerous and he’s putting the puck in the net.” McNulty will certainly be the player to watch this weekend and going forward. Moreover, pairing him with the already elite offense provided by Joe Lynch, Chad Smith and Joel Gautshi, the Capitals seem to have all of the pieces coming together to dominate any team unlucky enough to have them on their schedule. If Keddie can keep up his stellar form with continued support from Edinburgh’s bullet-proof defense, the Capitals truly look like an unstoppable force ready to dominate the SNL for the remainder of the season and run away with the league title in hand. Your next Ice Hockey read: Edinburgh Capitals make it 10 straight wins with another double victory weekend
