SERIES PREVIEW: MOCCASINS HOST ZYDECO IN CRITICAL NEW YEAR'S EVE CLASH

by Joseph Furtado

Monroe, LA – The Monroe Moccasins return home after a six-game road trip for a special New Year’s Eve showdown against the division-leading Baton Rouge Zydeco. This marks the final regular-season matchup between until February 14, with Monroe holding a 0-1-1 at home against the Zydeco this season. Both teams are in the thick of a tight continental division, making tonight’s contest critical as they look to end 2024 on a high note and carry momentum into the new year.

Monroe (8-8-5-0-2) has struggled at home this season, with a 2-4-4-0-0 record. On the other hand, the Zydeco (10-5-3-3-3) sit atop the Continental Division, fueled by their strong 3-0-1-1-2 road record and the league’s second highest-scoring offense (90 goals).

TOP SHELF TAKEAWAYS

  • GILL’S HOME DEBUT: Gary Gill’s impact has been immediate, leading Monroe to a 4-1-1 record on the road. The New Year's Eve clash marks his first opportunity to showcase the improved Moccasins in front of the home crowd.
  • ROAD WARRIORS: Baton Rouge has been dominant on the road with a 3-0-1-1-2, they have not lost a game in regulation or in Monroe.
  • BATTLE OF LOUISIANA: The Moccasins and Zydeco meet for the sixth time this season, with Baton Rouge holding a 3-2 edge. Four of the five previous games have gone to overtime or a shootout.
  • THIRD PERIOD STRUGGLES: The Moccasins have faced difficulties in the final 20 minutes, making it their weakest period of play. Offensively, they have managed just 22 goals, while defensively, they have allowed 29.
  • PENALTY MINUTES: Monroe ranks second in the league with 437 penalty minutes over 23 games, averaging 19 per game. The team has struggled to maintain discipline and has been a problem all season.
  • SPECIAL TEAMS BATTLE: The Moccasins’ powerplay sits at 19.4% (19/87). Baton Rouge holds a slightly better powerplay at 21.2% (21/99). Monroe’s penalty kill has been struggling at times, operating at 82.5%, while the Zydeco boast an 83% penalty kill efficiency.
  • WILSON’S MILESTONE WATCH: Baton Rouge’s Elijah Wilson is just two points shy of reaching 100 career points, making him a player to watch tonight. 

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

MONROE:

  • #7 Declan Conway – Conway has been the driving force for the Moccasins' offense, leading the team with 21 points (12G, 9A) across 21 games. Against the Zydeco this season, he has tallied 1 goal and 2 assists. Facing his former team, Conway will aim to snap a four-game scoring drought and head into the new year on a high note.

BATON ROUGE:

  • #16 Elijah Wilson – Leading the Zydeco with 30 points (16G, 14A) in 24 games. Wilson has been a constant offensive threat, especially on the power-play with five goals. He is just two points shy of reaching 100 career points, making him a key player to watch.

  • #1 Breandan Colgan – Colgan has been a top performer in net for the Zydeco, boasting a 12-4-0-1 record with a 2.31 GAA and a .923 save percentage.

TALE OF THE TAPE

Monroe’s return home sets the stage for a highly competitive matchup with the Baton Rouge Zydeco. Both teams will look to build momentum heading into the new year, with crucial points on the line.

THE SCHEDULE:

  • Tuesday, December 31: 6:35 PM CST

HOW TO WATCH:

You can watch both games live on the Moccasins' Facebook and YouTube pages.