Nationals finally make a return to the Havre Ice Dome

After a hectic schedule recently, the Glacier Nationals finally get to play on their home ice this weekend and with just one game on the slate, it will allow them a nice break afterward.

In terms of winnable games, tonight's contest inside the Havre Ice Dome against the Helena Bighorns certainly counts as one. The first puck will drop tonight at 7:30.

While the Nationals, who, along with Helena, are part of the Frontier Division in the North American Tier 3 Hockey League, have won just one game this season. Helena has won just four, which ranks sixth in the league. The Nationals currently have three points and Helena has nine.

That means Glacier, which has earned all three points this season on their home ice, should have a good chance to not only be competitive in the game but also to win it.

If they are going to win, the first thing the Nationals need to do is reduce the number of shots on goal they are allowing. The numbers have been really high in recent games, with the Nationals allowing more than 80 shots on goal or more three times in the last four games. Obviously, that is going to lead to some goals, despite some solid play between the pipes from Brendan Schultz, the team's top goaltender.

Limiting the shots on goal will be a big key in holding Helena in check offensively, something the Nationals defensive has struggled to do throughout the year, regardless of opponent. So far, in 16 games, the Nationals have allowed 107 goals, which is 6.6 per game. On the other side, the Nationals have scored just 27 goals, which gives them a goal differential of negative 80.

Helena, which allows the second-most goals in the Frontier, having given up 76, has scored 43 this season, meaning it has a goal differential of negative 23. But like Glacier, which is 1-81 in its last 10 games, the Bighorns, who are just 2-7-1 in their last 10 outings, aren't firing on all cylinders.

In terms of generating offense, the Nationals will turn to leading scorer Jamahl Eckhart, who has six goals this season. Gavin Cline is second on the team is goal with five, but leads in overall points with 10. He will be another key factor on the offensive end of the ice, as will Lindros Beard, who also has four goals and five assists.

Helena will counter with John Heddle, who has a team-high 20 points thanks to 12 goals and eight assists. The other big weapon for the Bighorns is Bradley Estrada, who has nine goals and 11 assists in 14 games.

Glacier and Helena will play tonight at 7:30 inside the Havre Ice Dome. Glacier will be off Saturday and will be back on the ice next Friday in Great Falls.