Game Info:
Tahoe Knight Monsters atFort Wayne Komets
Game #: Game forty-three
Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
Puck Drop: 2:00 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-third game of the season, and the timing couldn’t be more crucial for both sides. Tahoe, the ECHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights, currently sits third in the Western Conference’s Mountain Division with a 22-16-4 record. However, they enter this matchup looking to halt a slide, having dropped their last four games, including their most recent meeting with Fort Wayne. On the other side, the Komets are surging. The ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers holds second place in the Central Division with an impressive 23-10-6 record. Fort Wayne is riding a five-game winning streak and just defeated Tahoe in their previous outing. Even more impressive, the Komets have posted back-to-back shutouts, showcasing a defense and goaltending group that is completely locked in right now. This game pits a Tahoe squad desperate to stop the bleeding against a Fort Wayne team that’s firing on all cylinders, making it a major momentum matchup for both clubs.
The Knight Monsters are looking to snap a four-game losing streak, with their most recent loss coming against this same Fort Wayne squad. During this skid, Tahoe has struggled to generate consistent offense while also tightening things up defensively late in games. Fort Wayne comes in trending the opposite direction. They are riding a five-game winning streak and have been one of the hottest teams in the conference over the past two weeks. Defense has been the calling card for Fort Wayne lately. The Komets have recorded back-to-back shutouts entering this game, showing strong structure in their own zone and elite recent goaltending performances. This is the second straight meeting between the two teams, giving it a bit of a mini-series feel. Tahoe will be looking for adjustments after being held in check offensively last game, while Fort Wayne will try to continue dictating pace and keeping games low-scoring. Special teams could play a major factor. Tahoe’s power play will be under pressure against a Komets penalty kill unit that has been sharp during their win streak. On the other side, staying out of the penalty box will be critical for the Knight Monsters to avoid giving Fort Wayne extra momentum. With Tahoe trying to stop a slide and Fort Wayne trying to extend its surge, this matchup carries important momentum implications for both clubs as the playoff race continues to take shape.
Keys to the game:
Start Fast and Play With a Lead – Tahoe cannot afford to chase this game. During their losing streak, they’ve spent too much time playing from behind, which plays right into Fort Wayne’s defensive structure. An early goal would force the Komets to open things up instead of sitting back and protecting a lead.
Crack the Komets’ Defensive Wall – Fort Wayne enters with back-to-back shutouts, meaning their defensive zone coverage and goaltending are locked in. Tahoe needs traffic at the net, second-chance opportunities, and shots from the point with bodies in front. Pretty goals won’t beat a team defending this well, greasy ones will.
Stay Out of the Box – Fort Wayne is rolling, and giving a hot team extra chances is a dangerous recipe. Tahoe’s discipline will be critical, especially early, to avoid letting the Komets’ power play dictate momentum and keep the crowd engaged.
Netfront Battle – Both teams will look to establish a presence at the top of the crease. Fort Wayne’s recent shutouts show how well they protect their goalie’s sightlines. Tahoe must win those physical battles, while their own defense has to clear rebounds and sticks in front of their net.
Manage the Momentum Swings – Fort Wayne is confident and riding a five-game heater. If they score first or generate a big push, Tahoe has to stay composed and not unravel. Short shifts, smart puck management, and simple exits will be key to weathering momentum waves.
Secondary Scoring Needs to Show Up – Top lines are always important, but breaking a defensive team often comes from depth players grinding out shifts and capitalizing on limited chances. Tahoe especially needs contributions beyond its top scorers to break through.
Goaltending Duel – With Fort Wayne playing shutdown hockey, this game could turn into a low-scoring battle. Tahoe’s goalie needs to match the level at the other end and make the timely save that keeps things within reach, or preserves a lead if they get one.
Zac Electrifly 
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