Who's Up Front:
The last time these two teams met in La Ronge(Jan 23 and 24), Liam Brennan was the best forward for the Ice Wolves. Brennan brings size, skill and strong skating into the equation and can also win faceoffs. He's been quiet offensively so far through two games and could be poised to breakout tonight.
Who's on D:
Given the uncertainty surrounding the health of Kirk Moore, the Wolves will need to work by committee to take advantage of those extra minutes. Dustin Stevenson and Dayton Fossum (in my opinion) have been the two best Ice Wolves d-men in the series thus far and will need to continue that type of play in order to win Game Three.
Who's in Goal:
This all depends. If Bob Beatty pulled Bartko out of frustration, then maybe we see Joel Danyluk. But if Beatty simply wanted to give Adam a rest in Game Two, then I'd say that it'll be Batko's turn again.
X-Factor:
After a strong outing in Game One, the pairing of Doug Lindensmith and Ben Findlay were silenced in Game Two. If they can return to form tonight, the Stars will definitely been in tough.
Who's Up Front:
Brett Miller has goals in three consecutive games and is has had a knack for scoring Game Winners. The Wolves are going to have to find a way to keep him off the score sheet tonight because more often than not, when Miller scores,the Stars win games.
Who's on D:
The Stars may very well use seven defenceman again tonight. Ken Pearson sat Ward Szucki in favor of Dominic Perrault in Game Two and it may have been the best overall defensive effort I've seen from the Stars since November.. It is going to take another collective defensive effort to win Game Three.
Who's in Goal:
Not known for certain, but after a 32 save shutout, my money is on Kyle Birch.
X-Factors:
Special teams. If the Stars can get one or two on the man-advantage and keep the Wolves playinf five-on-five for a majority of the game - They'll be just fine.
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Many fans I've spoken too are hoping for a split this week. A split would be 'okay' but don't kid yourself - These men have the goal of winning two in La Ronge. We'll soon see what this team is made of. La Ronge isn't always a friendly place, but we'll find out at 7:30 tonight whether the Stars are up to the challenge.
3 comments:
Give them hell boys, when they play the way they can LA has no chance to keep up with them. Hope they go with 7 defenseman the last game was the best effort by our D for the year. No matter who is in tonight Kyle or Hildy the D will stand tall tonight. Wish i was there. Cheer loud Stars fans, I wish it was on the internet toight.
Go STARS GO... Give it all you've got. Will Muench be playing tonight??
I like the idea of the 7 defense too. Our biggest thing is we need to get the powerplay going and/or make sure those close calls go in!! I don't believe Muench made the trip; but I could be wrong.
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