Let Simmer, then Bring to a Boil

The Waterloo Black Hawks' lone game this weekend is against the Lincoln Stars on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. at Young Arena.  It will be the first meeting between the teams since the Stars won a best-of-three playoff series in Waterloo at the end of April.  Despite the outcome, Waterloo's Griffin Erdman was the top individual scorer during the set, tallying five points (one goal, four assists).  Other notable contributors last spring who could be in the lineup Friday include the Hawks' Connor Brown (two goals), plus Lincoln's Jack Larrigan (goal, assist) and Jared Mangan (two assists).  Including the regular season and playoffs since the beginning of the 2021/22 season, Waterloo and Lincoln have identical 9-9-0 head-to-head records against each other.
    
Trading for Experience

Between the end of last season and the start of 2023/24, Waterloo made a pair of unrelated trades to add European forwards with USHL experience.  Both deals have worked out well during the first four weeks of the schedule.  After two seasons with the Sioux Falls Stampede, Adam Zlnka is currently tied for Waterloo's scoring lead (six points), as well as goals (four), and stands alone atop the Hawks' plus/minus chart at +5.  Jakub Altrichter was not available for Waterloo's first three games but has made a strong impression since.  The former Green Bay Gambler was named the USHL's Forward of the Week on Monday and has delivered two goals and three assists in four appearances.
Power Play Scoring

The Black Hawks have produced at least one power play goal in three consecutive games.  Gavin Lindberg, Griffin Erdman, John Mustard, and Adam Zlinka have each found the net on the advantage in that time.  Waterloo is halfway to matching last season's longest run of power play success: six straight games between October 29th and November 18th.  The run ended November 19, 2022, in a win against the Lincoln Stars.

Shorthanded Scoring

Jakub Altrichter scored shorthanded goals in both Hawks games last weekend.  Those two tallies put Waterloo halfway to matching last season's shorthanded total of four.  Coincidentally, the Hawks also scored shorthanded goals in consecutive games last fall: Tyler Procious had one on November 12th versus the Tri-City Storm, then Myles Hilman produced another versus the Lincoln Stars on November 18th.

Recent Games

The Black Hawks propelled themselves past the Chicago Steel Friday.  A four-goal second period set the table for a 5-2 road result.  At Young Arena for their home debut the next night, Waterloo had four more goals in the second and topped the Omaha Lancers 4-3. Calvin Vachon was the winning netminder in each game.
  
Friday, October 13 BLACK HAWKS 5, Chicago2  Recap
Saturday, October 14 Omaha 3, BLACK HAWKS 4  Recap

Minnesota Coaches is dedicated to upholding a pristine over-the-road reputation built over more than 30 years. The official travel partner of the Black Hawks offers a state-of-the-art fleet of vehicles and has the highest standards in the industry.  Travel in safety and comfort when you use Minnesota Coaches for all your transportation needs.
  
While supplies last on Friday, claim one of the Black Hawks' 2023/24 magnetic schedules.  It's perfect for any refrigerator.  Get your seats by visiting tickets.waterlooblackhawks.com or by calling the Domino's Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680.