ECHL Weekend Watch: Tahoe Looks To Continue Hot Start

The Tahoe Knight Monsters could not have asked for a better start in their inaugural season. The ECHL's 29th franchise has achieved a record of 6-3-1-1, placing them seventh in the Western Conference and fourth in the Mountain Division.

Tahoe is coming off a convincing 4-1 victory against Kansas City on Wednesday, where four different players found the back of the net. Forward Simon Pinard has made an impressive debut, amassing 13 points in his first 10 games, including seven goals in his last four outings.

On the other hand, the Mavericks currently hold an 8-4-0-1 record. Prior to Wednesday's loss, Kansas City had recorded two consecutive wins, including a thrilling overtime victory against Wichita.

In Wednesday's game, the Mavericks' only goal came from Damien Giroux, who has three goals and nine points in his first 12 games with the team.

Kalamazoo Wings vs. Florida Everblades

The Wings are looking to bounce back after losing two consecutive games, including a 4-2 defeat against the Everblades on Wednesday. Kalamazoo fell behind 3-0 early in the third period but attempted a comeback, which ultimately fell short.

Forward Ben Berard scored his seventh goal of the season during Wednesday's game. The 25-year-old is currently on a four-game point streak.

On the other hand, the Everblades are currently at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 10-3-0-0. Before Wednesday's game against Kalamazoo, Florida had split their weekend series with Greenville, notably scoring eight goals on Saturday.

Goaltender Cam Johnson, who was named the ECHL's Goaltender of the Week, boasts the third-best goals-against average in the league at 1.49 and is tied for the most shutouts with two.

Orlando Solar Bears vs. Toledo Walleye

The Solar Bears are still trying to establish their rhythm in the early stages of the season, currently holding a record of 5-8-1-0. Orlando recently suffered two home losses to Atlanta and Savannah.

Forward Spencer Kersten is building on his success from last year's Kelly Cup Playoffs, as he has recorded two goals and seven points in his first 14 games this season.

On the other hand, Toledo is looking like one of the top teams in the Western Conference again. The Walleye have earned points in eight of their last ten games and currently sit in first place in the Central Division.

Toledo recently completed an impressive weekend sweep against Norfolk, outscoring the Admirals 11-3. Forward Brandon Hawkins contributed three goals, including two on Saturday.

Idaho Steelheads vs. Rapid City Rush

The Steelheads have lost their last three games and seven of their last ten. Last week, Idaho dropped all three home games to the Rush, including a closely-contested 4-3 overtime game on Friday.

Forward Lynden McCallum scored twice in that one and has netted goals in five of his last eight games.

On the other side, the Rush aim to extend their five-game point streak after a sluggish start.

Forward Brett Davis has four goals in his last three games, including his first career hat trick in Rapid City's 5-2 win over the Steelheads last week.

The Rush forward and alternate captain was named the ECHL's Player of the Week for his performance.

Iowa Heartlanders vs. Bloomington Bison

The Heartlanders and Bison have already faced each other five times this season, with Iowa winning three of those matchups.

Iowa lost to Bloomington in overtime last Sunday but previously swept Wichita in two close games. Matthew Sop is having a standout rookie season, leading all first-year players with 19 points, the second-most in the league overall.

Bloomington aims to extend its two-game win streak after defeating Iowa and Cincinnati consecutively. Former Heartlander Brett Budgell is off to a strong start, scoring two goals in Sunday’s win over Iowa and netting four goals in his last three games.

Jacksonville Icemen vs. Atlanta Gladiators

The Icemen are on fire (pun intended), currently riding a three-game win streak and earning points in seven of their last ten games.

On Wednesday, Jacksonville dominated the Adirondack Thunder with a 5-0 shutout, featuring five goal scorers. Goaltender Matt Vernon made 30 saves, and forward Christopher Brown scored a goal, becoming the franchise's all-time leading goal scorer with 68 goals.

On the other hand, the Gladiators are struggling, having lost eight of their last ten games. However, Atlanta did secure a shutout win against Orlando on Tuesday, with four players contributing goals.

Forward Joey Cipollone has netted three goals in his last two games, including two in a recent loss to the Icemen, bringing his season total to six goals.