Inside The Rink’s ECHL Triple Threat: Our Must Watch Hockey Showdowns (12/20-12/22/2024)

As we head into an exciting weekend of hockey, there are several matchups that promise to deliver thrilling action and significant implications for the standings. Initially, we identified three top games to watch, but given the intensity and importance of the upcoming matchups, we’ve added a fourth game to the list. These games feature some of the best teams and players in the league, making them must-watch events for any hockey fan. The matchups include Toledo vs. Wheeling, South Carolina vs. Florida, Tulsa vs Kansas City, and Rapid City vs. Idaho. Notably, Rapid City vs. Idaho has been selected as FloHockey‘s pick of the week, highlighting its potential for excitement and impact. Each of these games is set to be highly competitive and exciting, showcasing top talent and crucial battles for division supremacy.

Rapid City Rush vs. Idaho Steelheads

Friday, December 20 at 7:10 PM MST

This game is another exciting matchup to watch, featuring Rapid City and Idaho from the Mountain Division. While both teams are currently lower in the standings, this game is crucial for them to gain momentum and improve their positions. Key players to watch include Idaho’s Hank Crone, who leads the league with thirty-two points (10g, 22a), and Ty Pelton-Byce, who has 29 points (13g, 16a). For Rapid City, keep an eye on Jordan Papirny, who has five wins with a 2.52 GAA and a .927 save percentage, and Ryan Wagner, who has 88 shots on goal. This game will be important for both teams as they strive to climb the standings and make a push for the playoffs.

Toledo Walleye vs. Wheeling Nailers

Friday, December 20 at 7:10 PM EST 

This game is a must-see, featuring the top team in the Central Division, Toledo, facing off against the leading team in the North Division, Wheeling. Both squads have been performing exceptionally well, with Wheeling enjoying an impressive winning streak and Toledo maintaining strong records at home and on the road. Key players to watch include Brandon Hawkins from Toledo, who has netted eleven goals and provided seventeen assists for a total of 28 points, along with goaltender Jan Bednar, who has achieved eleven wins with a 2.35 GAA and a .910 save percentage. For Wheeling, keep an eye on Jordan Martel, who has scored eight goals and assisted eighteen times for 26 points, and goaltender Sergei Murashov, who boasts ten wins with a 2.24 GAA and a .926 save percentage. This matchup is set to be fiercely competitive and thrilling, with important implications for both teams’ standings.

South Carolina Stingrays vs. Florida Everblades

Friday, December 20 at 7:30 PM EST

This matchup could be pivotal in determining the top position in the South Division, as both South Carolina and Florida are tied with equal points and winning percentages. While South Carolina boasts a slightly superior goal differential, Florida has demonstrated strength on their home turf. Notable players to keep an eye on include Micah Miller from South Carolina, who has scored five game-winning goals, along with goaltenders Garin Bjorklund and Seth Eisele, who have impressive goals-against averages (GAA) of 1.71 and 2.00, respectively. On Florida’s side, Carson Gicewicz stands out with 11 goals and 12 assists for a total of 23 points, while goaltender Cam Johnson has secured thirteen wins with a 1.58 GAA and a .936 save percentage. This game promises to be an exhilarating contest as both teams compete for dominance in the South.

Tulsa Oilers vs. Kansas City Mavericks

Saturday, December 21 at 6:05 PM CST

Kansas City, the leader of the Mountain Division, faces off against Tulsa, which is in third place but still within striking distance. Kansas City has been dominant at home, while Tulsa has a solid road record. Key players to watch for the Mavericks is goaltender Victor Ostman, who has eleven wins with a 2.28 GAA and a .913 save percentage. For Tulsa, Talyn Boyko, who has six wins with a 2.52 GAA and a .913 save percentage, and key scorers like Carson Golder will be pivotal. This game will be crucial for Tulsa to close the gap and for Kansas City to maintain their lead, making it an exciting and important matchup. Notably, these teams will also play on Friday night, but at opposite venues, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their Saturday showdown depending the the outcome of the previous night’s matchup.

With top teams and standout players facing off, each game promises excitement and significant implications for the standings. Don’t miss out on these must-watch events!