Stars - Bombers Preview.

For a third time in five nights, the Battlefords North Stars and Flin Flon Bombers square off. This time the Battlefords North Stars have home-ice on their side. These teams recently split a weekend series up North in Flin Flon, and I think it's safe to say that we have only scratched the surface of this great rivalry.

FLIN FLON BOMBERS:

Record: 25-29-2-0

Overview:

Mike Reagan's team is currently ranked fourth in the Bauer Conference. They are 5-5 in their last 10 games and are coming off a 4-3 win in Nipawin Monday night.

Who's Up Front:

This should come as no surprise, but 19-year-old Bomber's forward Andrew Johnston was named the SJHL Player of the Week after recording eight points in three games. Seven of those points came against the North Stars in the span of two games. Johnston had three goals in a losing cause Saturday against the Stars and will be back in the lineup tonight after a one-game suspension for goaltender interference.

Who's on D:

17-year-old defenceman Tanner Clark looks like he's fitting in very nicely in Flin Flon. Clark saw lots of power-play time this past weekend, and has quietly put together an impressive 16 point season for Mike Reagan's club.

Who's in Goal:

P.J. Musico is the likely candidate for another start against the Battlefords North Stars tonight. Musico did play last night in Nipawin and earned the 4-3 win, but he is the undisputed number one goalie in Flin Flon, and certainly played well in the two games against the Battlefords over the course of the weekend. He heads into tonight with a 23-23 record. His backup is Randy Graham.

X-Factor:

Deven Stillar continues to get better. Not only has he established himself as one of the league's top offensive players, but Stillar has also become a thorn in the side of the Battlefords North Stars. Stillar always seems to bring his best offensive efforts against the Stars, and when he's not scoring, he's usually a great cause of frustration on the Star's bench. Deven Stillar is one of those players that you hate to play against, but you love to have on your own team.

BATTLEFORDS NORTH STARS

Record: 24-27-2-1

Overview:

Ken Pearson's Battlefords North Stars are 4-5-1-0 in their last 10. They are coming off a 5-4 road victory against the Flin Flon Bombers. A win for the Stars tonight and they would regain fourth spot in the Bauer Conference while still holding onto two games in hand.

Who's Up Front:

With two goals Saturday in Flin Flon, Cole Gibson joined the 20-goal club on the Battlefords North Stars. Gibson looked right at home with Blake Tatchell and Colin Phaneuf, and it looked like those three had turned a corner during Saturday's game. All three will need to be at their best tonight going up against Flin Flon's top trio of Andrew Johnston, Ryan Fox and Deven Stillar.

Who's on D:

Woody Klassen is coming off one of his best games in recent memory. Klassen threw three or four notable body-checks, and moved the puck extremely well. When Woody Klassen is on his game, there are few (if any) that are better in the SJHL.

Who's in Goal:

Kyle Birch heads into tonight as the starting goalie for the Battlefords North Stars. Birch led the Stars to victory Saturday, and did so making several highlight real saves, including a breakaway stop on Brett Penner in the final minute. Stars fans will no doubt be hoping for a similar effort this time around.

X-Factor:

Tonight I look to the trio of Kyle Hall, Keith Grondin and Braedon Johnson to make a statement. They got involved in the offense on Saturday, and played a strong game at both ends of the ice. If they can play with a similar intensity and passion, the Stars could be a fourth-place team when all is said and done tonight.

Puck drops at 7:30 from the North Battleford Civic Center. You can hear tonight's game live on CJNB/CJNS starting at 7:15.