Record: 17-14-2-0
Overview:
Mike Regan's team is 6-3-1-0 in their last 10 games. The Bombers have a great mix of size, skill and goaltending.
Who's Up Front:
After a slow(ish) start to the season, Deven Stillar is really starting to come on for Flin Flon. The 20-year-old leads his team in scoring with 38 points in 28 games and has been one of the most consistent performers for Mike Regan from November onwards. Stillar had a natural hat-trick against the Stars earlier this year, and played well in against the Stars on November 29th, though statistically it wasn't his best outing. Keeping Stillar silenced will be mission number one for the Stars defensively.
Who's on D:
One Flin Flon defenceman that will no doubt be getting a ton of NCAA consideration is Tanner Korchinski. Korchinski is defensively responsible while still maintaining a solid, offensive upside. He has 18 points, and leads his team in defensive scoring. The Stars can't afford to give Korchinski too much open ice, because he has speed to burn.
Who's in Goal:
PJ Musico gives Flin Flon a chance to win every night. He's 15-11 with a save percentage of .919 and a GAA of 2.95. He is 2-0 this season against the Stars. Randy Graham is Musico's back-up. He's 2-5 with a save percentage of .890.
X-Factor:
The last time these teams met, the Stars did a much better job at shutting down the top Flin Flon scorers. The problem was though, they had no answer for the grit-factor brought forth by Doug McLeod and Jay Young. Young scored twice and had an assist on Nov. 29th, and is having a really strong second-season for Flin Flon. It is crucial that the Stars match Flin Flon's physical game tonight. If not, they'll have a tough time winning.
Record: 15-20-1-1
Overview:
The Battlefords North Stars continue to tread water in the Bauer Conference. They are 3-7 in their last 10 games and remain in the fifth spot in the Bauer Conference. The Stars have played more games this season than any other team in the SJHL, which makes things all the more interesting from a standings stand-point. Heading into tonight the Nipawin Hawks trail the Stars by six points, but by the end of the night, the Stars will have played seven more games than Nipawin this year. The only thing the Stars can really do to help their cause is to win their next two games, and put some added pressure on Nipawin.
Who's Up Front:
Rookie forward Kyle Hall continues to impress. He had two goals Tuesday againts Kindersley, and now has 14 on the year. Hall has centered Colin Phaneuf and Keith Grondin in each of the past two games which should only further help him statistically. More importantly it helps spread out the Star's attack.
Who's on D:
Tonight any thoughts of individual success need to be tossed. Defensively the Stars will have to be at their best against Flin Flon. They'll need to make good passes, play physical, and protect the front of their net. Any passengers on the back-end tonight will be exploited.
Who's in Goal:
Graham Hildebrand played Tuesday in the 5-4 loss, meaning it's likely Kyle Birch's turn to try his hand. Both Hildebrand and Birch are 0-1 against Flin Flon this year.
X-Factor:
Whether it be Kyle Birch or Graham Hildebrand, the goaltender will need to steal one tonight for the Stars. PJ Musico has established himself as an elite goaltender on the otherside, and tonight it's up to Birch/Hildebrand to show that they belong in the same breath as some of the top goalies. Heading into the 2010-2011 season, the Stars goaltending was the least of anyone's concern. So far neither goaltender has been able to establish any type of consistency. If the Stars want to climb out of fifth, one of these goalies is going to have to put a streak of wins together. Does it start tonight?
You can catch tonight's game live on CJNB/CJNS starting at 7:15 PM.
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