FIDDLER'S FACTS: Hockey Panthers entertain Acadia tonight

The UPEI men’s hockey Panthers continue their weekend home stand tonight at 7 p.m. when they entertain the Acadia Axemen at MacLauchlan Arena in a game that should tell us if they belong among the upper echelon of the Atlantic University Sport or down with the also-rans.

The Panthers were drubbed 6-0 and 8-2 last week on the road against Saint Mary’s and Acadia, but you can bet they'll be a lot tougher at home.

Head coach Forbie MacPherson is breaking in a cast of young defencemen, which is a gigantic task considering the competition in the Atlantic conference, possibly the toughest in the country. The forward ranks, however, appear to be in good hands. The addition of ex-Islanders junior standouts Kameron Kielly and Filip Rydstrom has given the Panthers offence a big lift as the last three years guys like Darcy Ashley, Marcus Power, Brent Andrews and Cody Payne have shouldered much of that load.

The goaltending of highly regarded freshman Matt Mancina and Matt Mahalak will eventually be a strong aspect of the puck Panthers. To date, they have allowed the most goals in the league (33), which is a surprise especially after Mancina's sensational debut here earlier in a loss to UNB.

When you take a closer look, however, the Panthers are the most penalized team in the conference and they've allowed 14 power-play goals in six games.

Mancina comes here after an outstanding OHL career, having starred with Ontario champion Guelph Storm and last year with Mississauga Steelheads.

The Panthers are much better than last week's double loss in Nova Scotia, tonight should tell us how much better.

In other local hockey action, the Charlottetown junior Islanders also are in action today at 3 p.m. at Eastlink Centre when they host Rouyn-Noranda.

It is refreshing to see the Panthers and Islanders at home and not playing at the same time, which is wise for small-market teams.

Golf

I talked with Craig Jones, GM of Rodd Crowbush, and he told me Crowbush is closed for the season.

The glorious weather this past week has seen large numbers at golf courses that are still open. Wendell MacEachern finished off his season at Avondale with a sharp 79, which means he and Roger MacLauchlan will probably play until the snow arrives.

At Stanhope, veteran golfer Bob McGee posted a 76 at Stanhope, which is his best round of the year.

Harness racing

Live harness racing goes Sunday at 1 p.m. in Charlottetown with a 14-dash card, which includes the Island Breeders finals with the best two- and three-year-olds.

The $2,400 top class has the likes of Rose Run Quest, Elm Grove Kaboom, Junebugs Baby, Smiley Bayama, Adkins Hanover and Forever Paradise.

The U.S. Breeders Crown continues tonight from Hoosier Park, Ind., and Mark MacDonald has Blood Line from Post 10 in the $527,000 three-year-old colt final and Post 9 with Keystone Tenacious in the freshman $600,000 colt final.

Summerside has a 12-dash card Monday at 6 p.m.

At Yonkers last Saturday night, ASS standout Elektra Express left from Post 7 for Mark MacDonald and was fourth by three lengths, home in 28:1 in 1:54 for a $27,000 purse. She is in to go Monday night.

The local race game lost a great supporter in the sudden and unexpected passing of Shawn Campbell of Orwell. He was the father of Jordan, Avery and Jude and brother of the region's top driver, Marc. My condolences to all connected to this gentleman.

Also I regret to report the passing of Kingston resident Barrie Willis, son of one of the most prominent owners ever in the Atlantic Canada race game, H B Willis. Condolences as well to his wife, Paula, and all related.

Fred MacDonald's column appears every Saturday in The Guardian. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Pigskin picks

Dallas Cowboys (3-3) at Washington Redskins (3-3) – The Cowboys are coming on and the Skins are injury-riddled, especially the offensive line. There are two very good QBs but Cowboys Dak Prescott has protection, Kirk Cousins has none. Besides, Washington's best cornerback Josh Norman is out, and Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is raring to go and should have a big day. Take the Cowboys at -3 points.

Chicago Bears (3-4) at New Orleans Saints (4-2) – Be careful, two teams that are sharp right now, veteran star quarterback Drew Brees against a rookie but talented Mitch Trubisky, who was won his first two starts. The Bears front seven are as good as any but wily Brees can pull this one out. The Saints are nine-point favourites but that's far to big a gap. The Saints will win but not by nine. So the smart bet is to take the Bears and the points.

Oakland Raiders (3-4) at Buffalo Bills (4-2) – The Raiders salvaged their season with a last-second victory over Kansas City last week. The Bills are better defensively than the Raiders and Bills QB Tyrod Taylor is a scrambler with a solid run game. The Raiders will put up points with standout QB Derek Carr but the Bills are 3-0 and unbeaten at home. The spread is -2.5, so jump aboard.

Indianapolis Colts (2-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) – Just what the Bengals need, a game against the worst team in the NFL. The Colts have no pass defence and a porous run defence and against Cincinnati's Andy Dalton that spells a blowout win.

LA Chargers (3-4) at New England (5-2) – The Patriots at home against a hot Chargers QB in Phil Rivers, who has won three straight. I am not sold on the Patriots defence, still one of the worst in the NFL and now without their best defender linebacker Danta Hightower and receiver Danny Amendola. Betting against Brady at home is not advisable and the spread is seven points but now close to Halloween could be the time to look for an upset.

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) at Detroit Lions (3-3) – A tough game with two top QBs in Ben Roethlisberger and Matt Stafford. The Lions are coming off a bye week but the Steelers defence is just too tough right now. The Lions are 0-6 on Sunday night games at home. The Steelers are three-point road favourites, so give up the points and take the Steelers.