Bombers - Stars Preview (Game Three).

Tonight the Battlefords North Stars become road-warriors as they get set for a game-three matchup with the Flin Flon Bombers at the Whitney Forum. Flin Flon are coming off a 3-0 win over the Stars on Saturday, and now hold home-ice advantage for the remainder of this series. It's simple, the Stars must win once over the next two nights or their season is over.

FLIN FLON BOMBERS

Overview:

The Flin Flon Bombers brought a strong physical effort to the Civic Center Saturday, and got off to a great start. Mike Reagan's team got the split that they so desperately wanted, and now it's up to them to get the job done on home ice.

Who's Up Front:

So far no one particular forward has established himself as 'the guy' for Flin Flon, but that's not exactly a problem. The Bombers have been getting balanced scoring, and are showing that they're depth is an area to be reckoned with. Deven Stillar, Andrew Johnston and Ryan Fox all found the score-sheet Saturday, while the likes of Brett Penner, Jesse Mychan and Corey Tyrell all showed strong consistency as well.

Who's on D:

Defensively the Flin Flon Bombers were solid in Game Two. They let P.J. Musico see most shots, and they were definitely the more physical bunch. David Roper, Tyler Mah and James McNulty all played really strong games, and those three in particular will need to stay strong tonight.

Who's in Goal:

P.J. Musico has had a solid start to the post-season, and after a 'decent' game one - He was LIGHTS OUT in Game Two. Musico has no doubt found some confidence after Game Two, which could be a dangerous thing for the Stars.

X-Factor:

I have really liked the play of Brett Penner so far in this series. So far Penner has supplied a spark with offense, speed and grit. Heading into this series, there was was some doubt as to who would step up offensively for Flin Flon after the top three. So far Penner has answered the call and has been been a solid weapon for Mike Reagan's team.


BATTLEFORDS NORTH STARS

Overview:

No panic from Ken Pearson's team. They come to Flin Flon having won their last meeting with the Bombers at the Whitney Forum, and by now they surely know what to expect from an atmopshere prespective.

Who's Up Front:

After scoring six times in Game One, the Battlefords North Stars came up empty offensively in Game Two. Tonight the big three of Blake Tatchell, Colin Phaneuf and Cole Gibson will need to re-discover their finish, and supply the Stars with some solid minutes. Depth-wise, the Stars are going to need more help as well. Kyle Hall, Braedon Johnson, Tanner Schwab, Tim Rollins and Mitch Galbraith are all kids that need to find another gear on he road.

Who's on D:

Defensively the Stars need to be a little tougher. It was clear from the get-go of Game Two that the Bombers were trying to intimidate the Stars physically, and given the end-result it seemed to have worked. Defensively the likes of Cris Neurauter, Cody Folstad, Woody Klassen and Travis Sparrow in particular need to elevate their aggressiveness just a little bit. If each defenceman can bring just a 'little more fire' I think they'll be set.

Who's in Goal:

No word yet on who goes in goal. I know that Ken Pearson had his 'win and you stay in' mentality in the regular season, but can you really fault Kyle Birch for surrendering four goals in two games? My money is on Kyle getting another crack at the Bombers tonight.

X-Factor:

Collectively the North Stars need to get dirty. It starts with from the top down. All Star's forwards need to be willing to pay the physical price in front of P.J. Musico. Flin Flon's defence is tough, mean, but have also shown spurts of bad discipline. The Stars need to get back to their Game One approach of making life tougher on P.J. Musico.

Tonight's games goes at 7:30 from the Whitney Forum in Flin Flon. You can hear the live broadcast on CJNB/CJNS starting at 7:15. Enjoy.