Armed Forces Ice Palace, Boston, MA - The Massachusetts Militia find themselves at a crucial point of their season as they return home to host the Tucson Muertos on Monday night. After a blazing start, the Militia have hit the skids in a major way, dropping four straight games including a shootout loss.
That single point from the shootout defeat represents the only point the Militia (39-12-5, 83 points) have earned during the abysmal 0-3-1 stretch. Previously running away with the Northern Conference, their cushion has diminished significantly.
"We're in a bit of a rut right now, there's no denying that," admitted head coach Julian Weiss. "The important thing is not to let this snowball and regain our form quickly. Getting back on home ice is hopefully just what we need to get things turned around."
The Militia will need to be sharp against the Muertos (32-18-6, 70 points), who have been one of the hottest teams in the league of late by going 7-3-0 over their last 10 games and coming off four straight wins. Tucson's offense has been dynamic, led by Steve Banga's 51 points.
In the Massachusetts crease, the struggling Leon Campaner (14-4-4, 2.83 GAA, .924 SV%) will try to regain his early-season form. The Muertos will counter with an unproven commodity, as Harri-Antti Yrjanen is set to make his first career LTLHL start.
For the Militia's Amadeus Helm, the mission is simple - get himself and his teammates going offensively again after the recent dry spell. Helm's 42 points have been one of the club's few bright spots during the skid.
With the playoffs rapidly approaching, stemming the tide becomes of utmost importance for Massachusetts. Losing streaks can quickly derail a season if not corrected. The Militia hope some home cooking is just what the doctor ordered.