Who's Up Front:
So far in this series there hasn't been on forward in particular who has dominated the Stars. The Wolves have beaten the Stars three times with depth. Game one it was Doug Lindensmith, Game three it was Marc-Andre Carre and in Game Four it was Travis Eggum, Ben Findlay and Dan Conacher. If the Ice Wolves are going to win this series tonight, their depth will have to shine once again.
Who's on D:
On the same night that he was crowned SJHL Player of the Year, Dustin Stevenson scored the most important goal of his career. Stevenson's OT winner has set the Stars back 3-1 in the series. Stevenson will have to bring a similar type of effort in Game Five, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Mike Alexander and Kirk Moore.
Who's in Goal:
Adam Bartko continues to find ways to win hockey games. If Bartko is not the early choice for Playoff MVP then I give up.
X-Factor:
Coaching. Bob Beatty has been the master of putting teams away during his coaching career. The former RBC Champ has already dethroned Humboldt, beaten number one Flin Flon, and has a chance to slay another giant tonight. Beatty knows that momentum is a key thing, and in order to keep momentum on his side, he'll have to lead his troops to victory in Game Five.
Who's Up Front:
Ward Szucki scored twice for the Stars in Game Four, and darn nearly had the OT winner in the first minute. Szucki found great chemistry with Blake Tatchell and Blake Peake, and if those three are together again tonight I'd expect another positive result.
Who's on D:
Hopefully the same group that shut-out the Wolves in Game Two. A stronger emphasis on defence, and net protection will be in order for the Stars tonight if they want to extend the series.
Who's in Goal:
If Ken Pearson sticks to his rotation, it would appear as if Kyle Birch gets the call tonight and likely for the remainder of the series if he can win. Birch loves the pressure, and he's proven that he can win the big game. That being said, don't count out Graham Hildebrand.
X-Factor:
In an elimination type of game, the veterans need to strut their stuff. I'm thinking of four 20-year-olds in particular: Jesse Lebreton, Brody Malek, Coleman Brodbin and Mitch Wall. These four have spent the past three seasons in North Battleford and will not want their North Star's caree to end in defeat. Look for those four in particular to bring a spirited physical effort in tonight's game.
----------------------------
All hands need to be on deck tonight. Puck drop 7:30 from the North Battleford Civic Center. We'll see you there.
No comments:
Post a Comment