It's do-or-die for the Battlefords North Stars tonight in Flin Flon. After falling behind 2-1 in the best-of-five series, they can no longer afford to lose. The Flin Flon Bombers are coming off a 7-2 victory, and seemingly hold the momentum heading into Game Four. But the clinching victory is always the toughest, and I'm expecting the best effort yet from squads heading into tonight.
FLIN FLON BOMBERS
Overview:
Mike Reagan's team is clicking on all cylinders right now. Not only are they getting steady production from their top-three forwards. But depth-wise their team has been rock-solid, and have been getting contributions from all four lines. The Bombers will also have the home-ice luxery heading into Game Four.
Who's Up Front:
Corey Tyrell notched the game-winning goal in Game Three off a sensational one-timer from the right point. Tyrell has also provided Mike Reagan with steady minutes up front, and he has done the little things right too. He's winning faceoffs, finishing his checks, and he's passing the puck very well. Tyrell has two goals, and three points so far in the series.
Who's on D:
17-year-old Tanner Clark has had a strong series. The former Humboldt Broncos has done a fine job on the back-end not only battling for pucks defensively, but he has done a great job offensively as well moving the puck on the power-play. The Flin Flon power-play is 4-13 in the past two games, and Clark has a lot to do with that success.
Who's in Goal:
P.J. Musico made big saves when it mattered most on Monday, and is now one win away from advancing to the next round. Musico's save percentage is .927 and has a goals against average of 2.75 so far in the series.
X-Factor:
In an elimination game, the big-three of Flin Flon may need to bring their best effort yet. Andrew Johnston, Deven Stillar and Ryan Fox will need to out perform Blake Tatchell, Colin Phaneuf and Cole Gibson if the Bombers want to win Game Four.
BATTLEFORDS NORTH STARS
Overview:
A win tonight for the North Stars and they head home for Game Five on Thursday night. In order to do so the Stars need to rediscover their hunger for the net. If the Stars aren't willing to sacrifice themselves in front of Flin Flon's goal, it could be a long night.
Who's Up Front:
It was great to see Kyle Hall and Braedon Johnson get going offensively in Game Three. Tonight it'll be important for those two to help supply Blake Tatchell, Colin Phaneuf and Cole Gibson with similar secondary scoring. The Stars cannot have any passengers up front, especially from the top-six. If the top-six can regain their offensive touch, the series will go back to North Battleford.
Who's on D:
Woody Klassen and Cody Folstad were money in Game Three. Both were blocking shots with reckless abandon, and Woody Klassen had several great chances to score and contribute offensively. These two will need to play a similar game tonight if the Stars want to play back home on Thursday.
Who's in Goal:
Tough call for Ken Pearson to make here. Yes Kyle Birch surrendered seven goals, but keep in mind that P.J. Musico allowed six in Game One. Maybe Ken Pearson plays a hunch and goes with Graham Hildebrand tonight. Either way, whoever gets the call will need to be at their best and keep the Flin Flon Bombers at bay offensively.
X-Factor:
For Cody Folstad, Cris Neurauter, Kyle Birch, Colin Phaneuf, Tony Oak, Mitch Galbraith, Cole Gibson and Keith Grondin (if healthy) it could be their last game as a Junior Hockey Player. If these players can rise up, and bring their best, I'd expect a Game Five in the Battlefords. I don't think that any of those men want their last game in Junior Hockey to be tonight, in early March.
I said it last night, and I'll say it again. Mark my words: Win-or-Lose, you're going to see one hell of an effort from the Battlefords North Stars tonight in Game Four.
This team deserves your support, and tonight they fight to keep their season alive at 7:30 P.M. from the Whitney Forum in Flin Flon.
You can catch the live call on CJNB/CJNS starting at 7:15.
Time to sound off. Let's keep it positive, and get excited for what should be a great game tonight.
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6 comments:
I was hoping to see Bernard suspended after his antics last night. I have a bad feeling about this game if he is playing. Will the goon be able to control himself or will he finally do something so bad that it gets him kicked out of the SJHL. Stay safe out there boys. Play smart. Go Stars Go - all the way.
Welcome to a short season!!!!
Very proud of the boys. Best wishes to the 20-year-olds.
lets analyse this season!good managers do their work before the employees get there.this year was poorly managed.alot of the 20 yearolds were nobody wants and they played like it.once again a year where best players were under 20.you dont win junior a hockey
without strong 20 yearold presence.letting go big 19 year old d man because you dont like him and getting nothing in return is bad management.goaltending was irratic all year.basically the g m can put this season in his hip pocket and say 'man i was less than adequate this year'.
And the worst of it is the golf course is not even open.
To the last poster?? What are you talking about???? Phaneuf was 20 top 10 in league scoring.... Grondin was 20, 35 goals.... Gibsson was 20, 25 goals, Folstad and Neurater were both 20 and they were great Defenceman.... Ken is the best GM in the league.... Perrault is slow and is a pilon, we got nothing in return?? Zimbalauk is a great youn defenceman... We got nothing in return for Lemay as well eh?? Only a defenceman that made the top 40 in all of Canada... All teams go through it.... We move on...
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