Spring Previews - Week Two - February 20th

Sabr vs Ikhlas - 8PM

Ikhlas had a thoroughly disappointing week one in which it seemed like everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Everything from line changes to just simply moving their feet seemed like an enormous challenge and in the end Ikhlas suffered a difficult 5-2 loss.

Far worse than the score was just the effort level of the team. They were outshot 43-13 and the game was never remotely close.

For Sabr's, week one could have gone much, much worse but instead they were able to salvage a point with a tie. With the entire first line of Yousuf Sowdagar, Atif Mian and Navas Sheikh out of the lineup, Sabr was able to hang in and ultimately score a late powerplay goal to record a tie. However, Sabr had ample time on the PP throughout the game, including a 5 minute power-play which they were unable to capitalize on and yet still had to hang on to gain a point. 

Sowdagar will still be missing for this game but sources say that he is very close to returning and will be joining the Sabr roster for week three. But with Sheikh and Mian reportedly joining the club, there should be a boost of speed at the top of the lineup waiting to meet Ikhlas.

Player to Watch:
You can't complain about Ibad Khan's performance because he had no help. The problem is, he might not get any help. He may need to be fantastic and steal games - something he is fully capable of.

Who's Hot?
Mohammad Khattab scored his first of the season after taking a one season hiatus for Sabr. He's not a big goal-scorer, so I'll put him here whenever I get the chance!

Shukr vs Ihsan - 9PM

Red and Blue will meet up for this week two matchup after disappointing starts to the season. Ihsan dropped their first game to Haya after clearly having trouble with Haya's speed and grind game while Shukr tied a grueling match to Sabr after squandering many chances to take a definitive lead.

Ihsan managed to battle back last week but clearly had trouble generating shots on goal. But never count Ihsan out. They've been to the finals twice already since the Spring season's inauguration two years ago, and have been champions once. They will figure things out considering the talent in their group.

Gehad Alhundi was missing from Shukr's efforts last week and is expected to join this week, but Shukr seems to be a revolving door of absences at this point - so don't expect a full team this week either.

If this game opens up with both sides trading chances, I imagine that Ihsan will win favour as Yousuf and Hani Soliman and Ahmad Hathout would thrive in those circumstances. A more tightly structured game may bring different results. And knowing the friendship between Gehad Alhundi and Yousuf Soliman, the matchup between the two might be hotly contested.

Player to Watch:
Hani Soliman is still recovering from a tough ankle injury he suffered in the fall. He was playing extremely well prior to the injury, so you might expect him to take off once he begins to feel better.

Who's Hot?
Ahmad Hathout scored a goal last week and looked dangerous throughout his game.

Emaan vs. Haya - 10PM

It's the return of the home and home series in I-Slam Hockey. After a hiatus of a few years, two teams will battle each other on consecutive weeks. And to make matters more interesting, the matchup is between the two most impressive teams on week one.

Emaan basically dismantled their opposition in week one, out-shooting them 43-13. That's nearly a 4:1 ratio. That's insane!

Haya meanwhile kept grinding, running and working as they stifled Ihsan's offensive weapons and pulled out an impressive 3-2 win. Though they wobbled near the end, Haya was strong during the majority of the game.

Both teams are noted for the same weakness - between the pipes. Emaan's Sadiq Rehman missed game one with a wrist injury and the jury is out on whether he'll be ready for this game but Haya's Yusuf Kapoor looks to have regained his confidence following two back-to-back strong seasons.

Emaan looks like the strongest offensive team in the league with Haya looking like they have the deepest defense corps. Goaltending is about even. Who wins? Your guess is as good as mine.

Player To Watch:
Furqan Salam had a disappointing fall season without registering a goal. He's got two assists already this season and I'm guessing he can't wait to get back in the goal category.

Who's Hot?
Jibraan Salam leads the league with 3 points after a strong start last week.