Record: 1-2
Who's Up Front:
The Melfort Mustangs need their big-guns to get going. So far it seems as if injuries have had a big impact on the success of the Melfort forwards Todd Chinova and Blake Hietela. Hietela has gone two games without a point, while Chinova has managed one assist in the first three games of the series. We've seen consistent strong play from Brant Harris who's averaging a point-per-game, but he's going to need some help tonight of Melfort wants to even the series.
Who's on D:
Aside from Harrison Tribble, only one other defenceman has recorded a point for Melfort. Mitch Berg has one assist to his credit, and has been one of the stronger defenders for Melfort this year. Berg has proven to be a reliable defender for Darrell Mann's club, and displayed strong speed and grit in Game Three. If Berg can continue to play well, and contribute some more offensively, the Mustang's will be in good shape.
Who's in Goal:
The most consistent member of the Melfort Mustangs so far this post-season has been goaltender Chris Ward. Ward has played well in all three games so far in the series, but only has one win to show for it. In Game One, Ward made several saves that maybe he had no business making. In Game's two and three, it was Graham Hildebrand who made those type of saves. It's safe to say that Chris Ward needs to have his best game of the series tonight.
X-Factor:
The Powerplay. Yes Melfort is 3-24 (13.6%) but at this point in the series it's not good enough. Even if the power-play had clicked 'once more' in both Game Two or Game Three, chances are that Melfort would be leading the series.
Record: 2-1
Who's Up Front:
The North Stars are winning playoff games in the same fashion that they won during the regular season: Depth. The Stars got a goal from all four lines in Game Four, and will look for a similar accomplishment tonight in Melfort. Ward Szucki leads the team with three points in the playoffs, and he's showing that his 19-goal regular season was no fluke.
Who's on D:
Defensively, the duo of Brody Malek and Coleman Brodbin were outstanding in Game Three. Both were physical, and both made plays. The Brodbin/Malek tandem will likely get another chance to play together tonight again, and if they can play a similar game, it will be a tough night for Mustang forwards.
Who's in Goal:
Nothing confirmed as of yet, but it's hard to not immediately default to Graham Hildebrand. Two games played - Two wins.
X-Factor:
Josh Daley. After a strong Game One, Daley has struggled to get going in Games Two and Three. It seems he's fighting the puck a little bit, and credit the Mustang's defense for limiting his time and space. Daley is too good a player to be kept quiet for long. If Josh Daley can have a 'breakout' game tonight in Melfort, the Star's are in good shape.
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