Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Stars win tonight will bring play-offs closer
KITMART Dundee Stars can move into the eighth and final play-off place if they can beat Coventry Blaze at home tonight.
Stars have won three out of the five meetings between the two this season and Blaze haven’t won in any of their two previous games in Tayside this year.
Omar Pacha’s men go into the clash in good form after three solid displays on the road.
Dundee claimed four points out of a possible six and for tonight’s game they are minus only Francois Bouchard.
Blaze also played three games last weekend. After losing twice in Belfast to Giants, they won 4-1 against Fife Flyers.
Dundee defenceman Kris Inglis is confident the good work from the weekend can carry over into the pivotal match of the season.
He said: “Last weekend was huge for our play-off push.
“Three road games in three days is never easy, especially when every team we played are in their own battles for league placement.
“Four points out of six was massive for us and it’s given us all a great push for tonight.
“The game against Coventry has potential to be a four-point game for both teams.
“Tonight will be a battle and the boys are excited at the challenge.
“Confidence is high as we are playing good hockey and we are refreshed with the momentum off the back of a great weekend.
“It doesn’t take much to get you pumped up for games like these, it’s why we play the game.
“Coventry are a good offensive team but I’m confident that, if our defensive game stays solid, it’ll be a good night for us.”
Costly penalties have punished Stars but Inglis believes that good discipline is just one of the things Stars will need to win.
Inglis added: “It’s important we are disciplined and continue to stick to our systems.
“We have to dictate the game early and play our style of game.
“The team’s morale is high so, if we play strong defence, I am confident the chances will come and we will take them.”