Panthers host Saint Mary's looking to inch closer to playoffs

With just seven games remaining, the UPEI Panthers are on the verge of punching their ticket to the playoffs. But the path won't come easy, as five of those games are against teams above them in the standings.

The first test begins tonight when the fifth-place Panthers (11-9-1) welcome the third-place Saint Mary's Huskies (14-7-1) to MacLauchlan Arena for a 7 p.m. tilt. 

Head-to-head: 

The visiting Huskies lead the season series 2-1, while outscoring the Panthers 7-2. Shae Demale and Sioban Birch have been thorns in UPEI's side with each having scored a pair of goals. 

Bits and Bites: 

Scoring: Rachel Colle (6G, 7A) good for 14th in the AUS; Jolena Gillard (6G, 6A); Kelly Clements (4G, 6A); Maria Clinton (3G, 7A)

Plus/Minus: Gabrielle Gray (plus-6); Caroline Daoust (plus-4); Rachel Colle (plus-3)

Goalie: Camille Scherger leads the league in games played (21) and minutes (1277) and sports a 2.11 GAA and .920 save percentage.

Team Stats: 7th in goals (43); 5th in goals against (45); 1st in power play (18.9%); 5th in penalty kill (83.8%)

Bell Let's Talk Day:

Come out and show your support for mental health initiatives during our Bell Let's Talk game on Wednesday, Jan. 30 when the Panthers host the Mount Allison Mounties.

Next Up:

SMU @ UPEI – Friday 7 p.m.

UPEI @ STU – Saturday 7 p.m.

Mt. A @ UPEI – Wednesday 7 p.m.