Few players have the capacity to score a hat trick. Few can score a Gordie Howe hat trick. Rob Flick did both against Manchester Friday night, one of three Stingrays victories this week.
The Eastern Conference playoff picture is crowding up. While the Florida Everblades are running away with the South at 73 points, the Manchester Monarchs (67), Reading Royals (65), Brampton Beast (64), and Adirondack Thunder (64) are jockeying for the North. Behind them all are the Stingrays, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, and Orlando Solar Bears are all tied for second place in the South at 61 points.