Having had the chance to clinch a playoff spot for the past three games may be weighing on the Swarm a bit. A win against the Buffalo Bandits, Edmonton Rush, or Calgary Roughnecks would have ensured the Swarm a spot in the post season. They have lost all three games.
Tonight, however, the Swarm can clinch at home, in front of "Hockey Night at the Hive." With the game immediately following a Minnesota Wild game, fans have a chance to show their love for both teams, and spend a beautiful, sunny, warm Saturday inside at the X. Probably shouldn't have mentioned that last part.
Last night, the Swarm lost to the same Roughnecks they face tonight after giving up eight goals in the third quarter. With the 15-10 final, the Roughnecks clinched the Western Division championship, ensuring home field advantage through the first two rounds of the playoffs.
To beat the Roughnecks tonight, the Swarm will need to capitalize better on their chances, especially on the power play, and keep themselves out of the penalty box. They will also need someone other than Ryan Benesch, Aaron Wilson, and Callum Crawford to step up. All three of the Swarm's leading scorers hat hat tricks last night, but it just wasn't enough. Someone else will need to help out a bit if they want to have a chance.
Notes:
With "Hockey Night at the Hive," there will be a pub-crawl at the local bars, starting The Liffey, followed by McGovern's, Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub and Eagle Street Bar & Grill. Follwoing the Swarm game, the turf will be removed, and fans will have a chance to skate on the Xcel Energy Center ice for just $25.