Who's Up Front:
Marc-Andre Carre was the first star in last night's game, and he earned it with two goals including the game winner. The Rookie of the Year finalist has eight goals in the playoffs, and really used his speed effective in Game Three. It'll be important for the Star's to return to form defensively and keep the likes of Carre, Lindensmith, Findlay and Brennan away from the high percentage scoring areas.
Who's on D:
Hands down, Mike Alexander had his best game of the series in Game Three. He tallied two helpers, and was excellent defensively. He blocked shots, passes, and played physically against some of the Star's top forwards. His patience, and skill with the puck has been an asset to the Wolves all season, and it will be up to the Star's to defend better against Alexander tonight.
Who's in Goal:
Adam Bartko played well enough to warrant another start in my opinion. It's not my call to make, but I suspect that Bob Beatty will continue to play the hot hand.
X-Factor:
The Power-Play was excellent for La Ronge in Game Three, and if they continue to find success with the extra man, then the Stars will be in tough in Game Four. Keeping the Wolves silenced on the Power-play tonight is of the utmost importance.
Who's Up Front:
Chad Filteau, Blake Peake and Ward Szucki were probably the three most consistent players for the Stars in Game Three. Filteau scored the first goal and remained a threat all game. Blake Peake had a ton of opportunities to score, and Ward Szucki showed some great offensive ability. When the Stars win games, it's usually because of their depth, and that will definitely have to be the case in Game Four.
Who's on D:
Jesse Lebreton and Brody Malek contributed offensively in Game Three and can hopefully continue that trend moving forward. If the Stars can get some more offense from the defense, they'll be in good shape for a victory in Game Four. In particular I look to Lebreton and Woody Klassen to have their best game of the series tonight.
Who's in Goal:
A very difficult decision has to be made, and I'm glad that I don't have to make it. Whoever gets the call tonight will be charged with 'stealing a game' in La Ronge. Does the fact that Graham Hildebrand won two games in Melfort way into this equation at all? I guess we'll see.
X-Factor:
My x-factor is unchanged from yesterday. Special teams cost the Star's in Game Three. If the Stars can bounce back and find a way to win the Special Team's battle tonight, it will be a 2-2 series heading back to North Battleford.
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It's easy to look at a situation like this and think negatively about where the Stars stand after three games. But I urge all of you to 'stay the course.' No team has ever won a championship without facing some tremendous adversity. A victory from the Stars in tonight's game and they've regained home ice advantage with the series now becoming a best-of-three.
Ken Pearson put it best last night: "If we play desperate, we'll win."
Here's hoping for a desperate effort from the Stars tonight.
The broadcast starts at 7:15 tonight with the Sask-Tel Pregame Show, and the puck drops at 7:30. Bill Burfoot and I will once again have the call for you on CJNB/CJNS and www.cjnb.com
3 comments:
I would think they would stick to the rotation of "play til you lose" and start Hildy tonight. But I don't think the key for tonight though is who is in net, I think the guys have to get on the pp and bury their chances. We can make all the saves in the world but can't win if we don't put the puck in the net.
The stars have to come into the game tonight with an "appetite" The stars have to be hungry and crash and bang, block shots, do anything to get a victory. If the stars can come back to NB tied 2-2 it will then be a best of 3 with 2 of the 3 games at home. If the stars come home down 3-1 they have to be ready to go. Biggest game of the year to date. Start Hildy and see if he can steal one on the road like he did in the Melfort series. Desperate hockey teams can be a scary thing... Good luck tonight boys, GO STARS GO....
It doesnt matter who is in net if they dont play good defensively it doesnt matter. Play hungry and take it to them
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