via the Stingrays
After a 1-1-1 week, the South Carolina Stingrays are just one point away from clinching a spot in the 2018 Kelly Cup Playoffs. A big reason for that is the Stingrays have allowed 120 total goals against this season in 55 games, which is 17 less than second-best Toledo’s 137 goals allowed in 59 games played. In addition, the Stingrays own the top penalty killing unit in the league at 90.7% through 55 games.
The week that was:
Wednesday, the Stingrays lost 2-1 in overtime to the Cincinnati Cyclones. Paul Geiger scored the lone goal for the Rays on the power play while Parker Milner made 17 saves in the loss.
The Stingrays then traveled to Toledo for the first time since the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals for a two game series. In the first game, the Walleye doubled up the Rays 4-2. Kelly Zajac and Joe Devin scored for the Rays and Jeff Jakaitis made 32 saves in the loss.
The following night, Kris Bindulis knocked home a rebound to give the Rays the win in the dying moments of overtime. Milner got the win stopping 25 shots. Devin scored the other goal for his team-leading 17th
The week ahead: The Stingrays have two games against their Palmetto State rival, Greenville. The series starts in Greenville on Tuesday then the series moves to North Charleston on Friday. On Saturday South Carolina hosts the Atlanta Gladiators. Both of those games are at 7. On Sunday, the Rays host the Jacksonville Icemen at 3.
LEADERS
Goals: 17 – Devin
Assists: 28 – Devin
Points: 45 – Devin
Plus/Minus: Plus-23 – Danny Federico
Shots On Goal: 153 – Devin
Wins: 19 – Milner
Goals Against Average: 1.93 – Milner
Save Percentage: 0.930 – Milner
Standings: While the Rays are only one point away from clinching a playoff spot, the goal is to still finish first in the division. The Rays are five points back from the Florida Everblades who have already clinched a playoff spot. The Rays do have two games in hand however.
