The California Thunder are determined to give number one ranked Westslope a run for their money in the Eruzione Conference. The Thunder have a nice blend of offense and defense and have run their record to 43-19-4. They lead the Broten Division with 90 points, with Sacramento second at 76 points.

The Thunder are led offensively by the line of Brad Richards, Marian Gaborik and Rick Nash. Richards leads all California players with 90 points. Marian Gaborik leads all shooters with 42 goals in just 62 games. Nash rounds out the line with 27 goals and 58 points in 62 games. But the offense does not stop there as second line RW Mikael Samuelsson has chipped in 23 goals with the help of play making center Scott Gomez. The key to beating the Thunder is stopping that first line,but it is easier said than done.

On the blueline the Thunder are led by offensive dman Dan Boyle. Boyle is not only a force defensively but also offensively as he is fourth in team scoring with 53 points in 62 games. He is a key guy on the powerplay for California. Alex Goligoski also helps out with 34 points in 55 games to give them a formidable five man unit on the powerplay.

In goal California is led by Chris Mason. Mason is fourth in wins for all goalies in the league but is 20th in save percentage at .908. If there is an achilles heel for this powerful club, it might be between the pipes. It should be a fun playoff run for the powerful purple and black. No doubt they will be tough to stop but cross state rival Sacramento might have something to say about the division title come playoff time.