Stars - Mustangs Preview (Game Two)

MELFORT MUSTANGS

Record: 1-0 (They lead the Best of Seven Series 1-0)

Who's Up Front:

Brant Harris was the second best Mustang on the ice Saturday night. He scored twice, and was instrumental in setting up Blake Hietela's opening goal. Harris can do it all. He's got size, skill and smarts and he sure made good use of those qualities Saturday night. Stopping Harris and Hietela is objective one for the Stars tonight.

Who's on D:

Defensively the Mustangs played a solid, two-way game on Saturday. Harrison Tribble was solid. Mitch and Carter Berg were dependable, and Denton King played a simple, yet effective game. Nothing flashy from the Mustang's D-Core, yet they did what they were supposed to do - Defend.

Who's in Goal:

The best player Saturday night was Chris Ward. He stopped Blake Peake on a breakaway early on and never looked back. Blake Tatchell, Dane Muench and Josh Daley were some of the others who were stymied by Ward during Saturday's game. Another strong outing from Ward tonight will give the Mustangs a ton of confidence, especially at home.

X-Factor:

It's simple. It's Chris Ward again. The point could be argued that the Stars win Game One if not for the goaltending of Ward. It'll be up to the Mustang's netminder to play as well or better in Game Two if they want to go up 2-0.

BATTLEFORDS NORTHSTARS

Record: 0-1

Who's Up Front:

Tony Oak draws back into the lineup tonight after serving five games due to a suspension. Oak's purpose is a simple one: Hit! If Oak can set a physical tone, and get the Mustang's thinking twice about skating back for a puck in their own zone, then Oak has succeeded. In early November the Stars beat the Mustang's 5-2 in Melfort, and physicality had a lot to with the positive result. Playing on the road makes things more simple from a preparation stand-point.

EDIT: Tony Oak will not be playing tonight due to an un-disclosed ailment.

Who's on D:

As a whole, the Stars defense needs to block more shots. The Mustang's dominated that category in game one and the Stars are going to have to find an answer tonight. Cody Folstad, Grant Fahnhorst, Coleman Brodbin and Dominic Perrault especially are going to have to get their big bodies in front of shots and create a little more space for their goaltender.

Who's in Goal:

I know that many fans will be waiting on 'pins and needles' to see who gets the call tonight. At this point (11:04 AM) I don't know. However, I wouldn't bet against Graham Hildebrand getting his first playoff start. But in the same breath I wouldn't count against Kyle Birch. Birchy was definitely NOT the reason why the Stars lost Game One. If the coach leaks the info to me early, I'll post it on the blog and on twitter.

X-Factor:

Two players come to mind: Mitch Wall and Brett Miller. Both players had their moments in Game One, but both are capable of contributing lots more. Miller has at his best when he's fort-checking hard and creating chances off the rush. Wall is at his best when he's throwing his weight around behind and in front of the other team's goaltender. A strong game from both Miller and Wall and this series could be heading back to North Battleford tied 1-1.