VAL-D’OR, Quebec (Interstat) — A heated QMJHL rivalry renews Friday when the Val-d’Or Foreurs host the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies at Centre Agnico Eagle.

The matchup features two clubs heading in opposite directions. The visiting Huskies (22-17-0) have lost three of their last four, including a 4-3 overtime defeat to Saint John on Wednesday. The Foreurs (19-21-0), meanwhile, have won five straight, most recently a 6-3 victory over Saint John on Thursday.

This will be the fifth meeting of the season between the divisional foes, with Rouyn-Noranda holding a 3-1 edge. However, Val-d’Or earned a 6-5 overtime win in the most recent clash on Jan. 9 in Rouyn-Noranda.

Players to watch will be pivotal. Huskies forward Nathan Langlois has been a consistent threat, recording three goals and seven assists in his last eight games, including a goal and an assist in Wednesday’s loss. For the Foreurs, Philippe Veilleux is on a torrid streak, with eight goals and five assists during a seven-game point streak. He posted a hat trick and an assist in Thursday’s win.

Despite Val-d’Or’s surge, statistical projections are split. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 3-2 Foreurs victory, while its ELO rating system gives the Huskies a 55.2% probability to win.

The game could hinge on special teams and which team manages fatigue. Val-d’Or will be playing its second game in as many nights, while Rouyn-Noranda had a day of rest after its overtime contest.

Following Friday’s game, the Huskies travel to Sudbury on Sunday. The Foreurs do not play again until a road trip to Chicoutimi on Jan. 23.