Roadrunner Roundup: On The Border Cup, Dylan Strome shining, and Nick Merkley’s injury

Roadrunners split week with San Diego, still hold the lead in the Border Cup series

The Tucson Roadrunners completed continued their weekly series with a 5-3 loss to the San Diego Gulls at the Tucson Convention Center Wednesday morning.

The loss pushes the Roadrunners to 43 points at 20-12-2-1 (0.614 Points Percentage). Tucson remains in first place in the Pacific Division and is 14 points behind Western Conference leaders Manitoba Moose.

The Border Cup saga continues

On the rivalry side of things, Tucson holds a nine points to eight lead over the Gulls in the Border Cup Series.

The Roadrunners began their series against San Diego with a 6-1 points deficit, but had then went on to capture eight straight points before falling to the Gulls on Wednesday.

There are now only four more games against the San Diego Gulls remaining on the Roadrunners schedule. The winner of the rivalry series will take home the inaugural Border Cup Trophy.

Dylan Strome continues to shine

It comes to no surprise that Strome gets his own section in this article... again. In 26 games now played with the Roadrunners, Strome has scored 39 points (17 Goals, 22 Assists) and a +12 plus-minus.

But that’s not all. With a goal and two assists on Monday night, Strome recorded his second consecutive game with three points in a single game. On Wednesday, however, Strome remained quiet, not registering a single point against San Diego.

Where in the world is Nick Merkley?

Ok Roadrunners fans, take a deep breath, prepare yourself, and stay calm. During the second period in last Friday’s game against the Ontario Reign, Roadrunners forward Nick Merkley took a big hit from Ontario’s Alex Lintuniemi. He has not returned to the ice since then.

Merkley is one of the Roadrunners key components this season currently leading the AHL in power play goals (11). Merkley also sits near Dylan Strome in the top 10 in scoring, recording 35 points in 28 games.

At the time of this writing, Merkley is presumed to be listed as “day-to-day” with an “upper body injury.” The severity of the injury is unknown.

We will provide more information when it becomes available.

The Roadrunners will head on the road this weekend to San Antonio, taking on the Rampage starting Friday night.

Other Notes:

• Former Roadrunners’ Goaltender, Justin Peters was named to the 2018 Team Canada Olympic hockey team.
• Earlier last week, the Arizona Coyotes traded former Roadrunners, Anthony Duclair and Adam Clendening to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Richard Panik and Laurent Dauphin

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