The Battlefords North Stars have regained home ice advantage in their semi-final series with the Mustangs.
Monday night in Melfort the Stars doubled the Melfort Mustangs 4-2.
Chad Filteau's first of the playoffs came with 2:24 remaining and would stand to be the game winner.
The Mustangs drew first blood at 6:03 of the first period when Harrison Tribble let a hard shot go from just inside the blueline. The shot seemed to handcuff Hildebrand slightly. 1-0 home team.
The Stars tied it at the five minute mark of the second when Blake Tatchell converted on a two-on-one with Ward Szucki.
71 seconds later the Stars took the lead on Mitch Wall's first of the playoffs. Wall won a battle in the corner and lugged the puck out front and shovelled it underneath Chris Ward. That goal was a power-play tally The Stars wouldn't get another, and finished the night 1-3.
The Mustangs had a chance to tie in the second when Jesse Mireau was awarded a penalty-shot. Mireau skated in on Hildebrand and then slowed right down in the slot and fired the puck over the net.
The Mustangs had two more power-plays in the second but couldn't get anything going on the man advantage.
Early in the third period Graham Hildebrand kept his team alive with a glorious set of saves off of both Brant Harris and Blake Hietela.
However mid-way through the third period, the 'Stangs finally converted on a power-play - Their seventh of the game. Jesse Mireau redeemed his penalty-shot miss with a one-timed goal off a pass from Todd Chinova.
The game seemed destined for overtime, but Filteau's goal prooved to be the back-breaker. Brett Miller added an empty-netter for good measure.
The Stars outshot the Mustangs 29-28.
Next up is Game Three on Wednesday night. The Stars will look to keep their momentum going and they'll get a big boost with Tony Oak frawing back into the lineup too.
If you can't make it to the rink, you can catch Game Four on CJNB/CJNS starting at 7:15.
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So there you have it. We can all breathe a little easier heading into Game Three. I'm sure most of the coaches, players, fans and broadcasters will be content with a split during the first two games of the series. Two good teams duking it out in two close games. This friends, is what playoffs are all about.
Tonight the Stars showed lots of resiliency, character and got some timely stops in goal.
Mitch Wall, Chad Filteau and Brett Miller were fantadtic tonight and were rewarded with goals.
The line of Malek, Tomac and Watt did their job brilliantly and were integral to the team's success tonight.
Get excited North Star Nation because this team seems to be on the verge of finding their playoff stride.
Thanks for listening tonight.
DO
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9 comments:
Great job bud, Cant wait for wednesday and going to melfort on friday. I know you dont want to hear this but here is my vote for Hildy to start the next game. Lets stay with who is winning.
GO STARS GO
There's no denying that Hildebrand played a whale of a game. And never feel like I don't 'want' to read or hear your comments. I wish more would share their thoughts like you.
I agree with Saskgolf. Go with Hildy as long as he stays hot. The playoff games are not going to be high scoring, it would seem, so each goal given up is big. I watched the game on Melfort TV last night, and neither goal Hildy gave up was his fault. Stopping the penalty shot was huge!!
I Know you like the feeback but i just meant the thrill of last nights game was still there and i am already bringing up the starter for the next game. LOL. Hildy is only a 91 to boot future is so bright we better get some new shades.
I think everyone played a great game. I thought they came out a bit slow when Melfort got the first goal...but we seemed to have gotten the jitters out and settled down to play like we can!! Keep it up guys!! You are the better team!!
I think for game 3 you start Birch. You throw a nuckle ball at Melfort and kind of get there players second guessing. Sometimes the players find something out with a goalie and if you keep switching it up then its frustrating for the opposition team. Hildy played great, but lets not forget Birch played great as well in game 1, if it wasnt for a couple of his timely saves the game may of been worse. I think goaltending is the least of our problems. We need to tighten up on defence and elimanate the odd man rushes and we need to move the puck faster out of our own end. I personally think the stars match up better against Laronge then FF. Its hard not to look ahead but sometimes its impossible not to. Heres a go stars for game 3.
Stars123,
I'll admit that I'm intrigued by your thought process. I like it. If Ken sticks with the 'rotation' then it will be Birch in goal tonight.
I know that hockey is all about the, "What have you done for me lately?" type of mindset, but for the 'umpteenth' time we have a great chance at winning irregardless of the goaltender.
If anything, Ken's 'poker-face' with regards to goaltending has made for great discussion. Keep it up!
although I'm a fan of both goaltenders...I would like to see Hildy start one at home.
Dont want to beat a dead horse but would it not be playing with there heads to keep the same goalie in that just beat them, or the goalie they have confidence with and that they just beat. Just my opinion
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