Game Info:
Tahoe Knight Monsters atFort Wayne Komets
Game #: Game forty-two
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Puck Drop: 5:00 PM
Location: Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, Indiana
The Tahoe Knight Monsters are set to face the Fort Wayne Komets in their forty-second game of the season, looking to get back on track as the schedule rolls on. As the ECHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights, Tahoe currently sits third in the Western Conference’s Mountain Division with a 22-15-4 record. However, the Knight Monsters enter this matchup searching for answers after a tough stretch that has seen them drop three straight games, including their most recent loss to the Bloomington Bison. Standing in their way are the Fort Wayne Komets, the ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers, who have been trending in the opposite direction. Fort Wayne holds second place in the Western Conference’s Central Division with a strong 22-10-6 record and comes into this contest riding a wave of momentum. The Komets are fresh off back-to-back wins over the Cincinnati Cyclones and have strung together four consecutive victories overall. With one team eager to snap a skid and the other looking to extend a hot streak, this interconference clash sets up as an important test for both sides.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters return to action firmly in the playoff picture, but the urgency is starting to build as they look to snap a three-game losing streak. The Knight Monsters will be focused on tightening up their game early. Getting off to a strong start has been a key factor in many of their wins this season, while playing from behind during this recent skid has made it harder to establish their pace. Special teams could also loom large, as Tahoe will need to make the most of power-play chances to keep momentum from swinging the other way. The Fort Wayne Komets arrive as one of the hotter teams in the conference. Fort Wayne has built its recent success on balanced offensive production and steady goaltending. The Komets are riding a four-game winning streak, and have shown an ability to close out games effectively when playing with the lead. With confidence high, Fort Wayne will aim to dictate the tempo early and force Tahoe to chase the game. This matchup sets up an intriguing contrast in momentum. Fort Wayne is looking to extend its surge, while Tahoe is searching for a response to stop its slide and regain rhythm in the standings. The first goal could play an outsized role in shaping the flow, especially for a Knight Monsters squad eager to rebuild confidence. Special teams may ultimately tip the balance in what looks like a tightly contested game on paper, and even in a cross-division matchup, the points carry weight as both teams continue to position themselves for the postseason push.
Keys to the game:
Start on Time – Tahoe can’t afford to ease into this one. With Fort Wayne coming in hot, the Knight Monsters need an early push to establish pace and confidence. Scoring first or at least controlling the opening minutes will help keep the Komets from settling into their rhythm.
Discipline Matters – Fort Wayne has been capitalizing on momentum swings during its win streak, and unnecessary penalties could hand them exactly what they want. Tahoe’s penalty kill will need to be sharp, but staying out of the box in the first place is even more important.
Net-Front Presence – Games against structured teams like the Komets are often decided in the dirty areas. Second chances, screens, and rebounds could be the difference, especially if both goaltenders settle in early. Tahoe needs traffic at the crease and sticks ready for loose pucks.
Manage the Middle of the Ice – Fort Wayne thrives when it can move the puck cleanly through the neutral zone and generate speed on entry. Tahoe’s forwards and defensemen will need to close gaps, force dump-ins, and win races to loose pucks to slow the Komets’ transition game.
Strong Third Period – With Fort Wayne showing the ability to protect leads during its current streak, Tahoe can’t let this game slip away late. Whether tied or trailing, a composed and aggressive third period will be crucial if the Knight Monsters want to flip their recent narrative.
Zac Electrifly 
Leave a comment