The Insider Preview - Texas Brahmas vs. Mississippi RiverKings

"The Killer" returns to NYTEX

The Texas Brahmas return home after a thrilling victory last night to face their most formidable opponent this season, Kevin Kaminski's Mississippi RiverKings.

The Brahmas (28-10-4, 60 points) defeated Mississippi (25-14-1, 51 points) 4-2 in their first meeting at the NYTEX Sports Centre for the home opener on October 18th. Since then, the Brahmas haven't been able to get much going against the RiverKings, losing three games in a row (7-2, 4-3 SO and 4-1) at the DeSoto Civic Center.

The difference tonight may be the barn as the Brahmas have a 15-3-1 home record and have won seven in a row at NYTEX, undefeated there since losing a 2-1 shootout against the Laredo Bucks on December 6th. Throw in the best fans in the league and the Brahmas have the edge.

Brett Jaeger (20-5-4-2) is expected to be in net tonight against Kevin Beech (20-10-1-2) in a contest between two of the leagues best goaltenders. Jaeger is ranked 2nd in the league with a 2.39 GAA and 4th with a .923 save percentage. Beech is ranked 3rd with a 2.41 GAA and 13th with a .906 save percentage.

The RiverKings three top scorers are Louis Dumont (C) with 40 points (13 G, 27 A), Bobby Chaumont (RW) with 39 points (23 G, 16 A) and Garrett Larson (LW) with 36 points (17 G, 19 A).

On special teams, the RiverKings are 5th in the league overall with a 18.6% powerplay and ranked 10th on the road at 15.9%. On the penalty kill, they are 8th in the league overall at 84.2% and 6th on the road at 83.2%.

The Brahmas top three are Scott Sheppard (F) with 49 points (24 G, 25 A), Grant Jacobsen (F) with 44 points (17 G, 27 A) and Jordan Cameron (F) with 40 points (16 G, 24 A).

On special teams, the Brahmas are 3rd in the league overall with a 20.6% powerplay and are ranked 5th at home at 19.6%. On the penalty kill, they are 12th in the league overall at 81.4% and 1st at home at 89.2%.

The Brahmas may be without forward Matt Burto again tonight. Burto sat out last night's game in Corpus Christi for undisclosed reasons.

The RiverKings may be without forward Dallas Costanzo who has been out on the injured reserve.

The game starts at 7:05pm and can be seen on Nifty-TV if you have a reason not to be at NYTEX tonight. Remember, the first 1,000 fans will receive a free Brahmas cap, courtesy of NYTEX Sports. Also, ZuRoma Sicilian Kitchen will be opening their doors for the first time to Brahmas fans tonight. The new restaurant is located inside the NYTEX Sports Centre and will be open before, during, and after the game with a limited menu.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith