Owatonna has won the last five games in its rivalry with Faribault, and while the Huskies hope to continue their streak, they're coming up against a stronger Falcons team than they've faced the past few seasons.
Owatonna has scored in all 15 periods (30 total goals) they've played against Faribault the past four years, and the Huskies look to continue the trend this season with a balanced team. Owatonna (9-5, 5-2) is outscoring opponents 3.62 to 2.46 goals per game, and Dominic Valento leads a group of seven Huskies with at least four goals.
Faribault's last win over Owatonna was Jan. 31, 2015 — the last season the Falcons had a winning record. The Falcons (9-4-1, 3-3-1) are off to their best start since 2014-15 and are fresh off a 2-1 win against Red Wing on Jan. 10, which means they’ve already tied their win total from last season.
In Faribault’s favor is the fact the game is at home. The last two close games in the series came at the Faribault Ice Arena — a 3-1 loss on Jan. 18, 2018 and a 3-2 finish on Dec. 10, 2015 — and the Falcons could hold the advantage if this matchup follows suit. The Falcons have excelled in close games this season, at 7-2-1 in contests decided by two or fewer goals.
Zack Slinger not only leads the Falcons in goals with 16, but in big moments. He has four game-winning goals and notched the game-tying goal in an eventual 4-3 win over Waseca on Dec. 4.