Aces, Rockhoppers Pregame Thoughts

With two wins in their last two games, the Brooklyn Aces have seemingly put their struggles over the past month behind them and are looking increasingly ready for the playoffs.

That makes today’s game with the New Jersey Rockhoppers an incredibly interesting one, even though there’s no telling who the Aces will play in the post-season as of yet.

Currently only two points separate the Danbury Mad Hatters and New Jersey with both teams having only five games left to play. If you ask most fans in the league, they probably feel a series between the Aces and Mad Hatters would be great, as both teams aren’t on the friendliest terms with one another, making for a physical and emotional series. However, New Jersey is the better team of the two and if they would play Brooklyn, the quality of the games would be better than if Danbury reached the post-season.

Overall, it’s going o be quite interesting to see who ends up claiming that final playoff spot.

With a win today, the Aces can play a big factor in that eventual outcome.

Nevertheless, Aces head coach Chris Firriolo is trying to keep his team focused the rest of the season and continue to develop the team’s revamped forechecking and puck pursuit systems that have played a big role in the team’s turnaround over the past few games.

“We’re not really thinking about that now,” said Firriolo. “We just want to get ready for the playoffs.”

Felice Ready- With Eddie Neville out indefinitely with a strained back and neck, the Aces called on a familiar face on Saturday night, signing 35-year-old netminder Anthony Felice, who has had a few stints with the team this season. Making seven saves on eight shots in the third, Felice was solid and told Aces Over Brooklyn that he knows that Brooklyn is in a tough spot right now and is ready to help.

“I told them I’m at their disposal,” he said after last night’s game. “I’m here to do whatever they need me to.”

With a solid backup on the bench, the Aces have one less thing to worry about and should have no problem maintaining their focus against a talented Rockhoppers team that is fighting for their playoff lives.

Should be an interesting one.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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