GAME OF THE WEEK: Thunder look for standings push against Bellies

The Salmonbellies seemingly have the Langley Thunder's number a bit this year. After a 15-3 drubbing early in the season, some would tell you New Westminster got a little luck on the way to a 10-9 overtime thriller at the Field House just a few weeks ago.

But that's the thing about lacrosse: it's most often luck that prevails in close games, and this contest was the epitome of that. It literally could've gone either way. Langley outshot the Bellies over the last 26-15 over the final two frames and finished the game 3-1 before Max Gerhardt got the game-winner halfway through the OT period. 

This is a pivotal game for Langley, who can pull within four points with a win. They could also fall eight back if they lose, which makes their path to second place a tough slog with nine games to go. 

HEAD-TO-HEAD

MAY 16, 2017 -- SALMONBELLIES 15-3

MAY 25, 2017 -- SALMONBELLIES 10-9 (OT) 

GAME DETAILS

7:30 PM, LANGLEY EVENTS CENTRE

STREAMING - PLAYFULLSCREEN

The push for second

As we mentioned above, tonight could go a lot of different ways. The Thunder are 6-3-0-1 in the last 10 games but have played New West awfully competitive. They can beat anyone on any different night with their talented offensive cast and have the goalies to get the necessary saves. 

But a win tonight would go a long way in their chase of New West. The difference between four and eight points at this point of the year will either be incredibly hard to make up or a few lucky breaks along the way. 

Bellies define consistency

Outside of a close loss to the Adanacs 9-7, the Bellies are 10-1 and have been fantastic in all facets of the game for a long time now. 

Their O is potent, led by Connor Robinson who has 67 points in 10 games and Larson Sundown who is already 2nd in team scoring despite only playing in six games (28 points). Their D unit is tough and athletic and they love getting on the fast break. 

With Erik Kratz in net, they are probably the second best team in the league right now. 

PREDICTION: Langley has a strong start but the 'Bellies chip away through the game and end up winning 12-9.