Dundee Stars defenceman targets fourth straight win over Fife

Dundee Stars defenceman Reilly O’connor has high expectations in this week’s two crucial fixtures – and is up for the challenge.

The Stars cross the River Tay for the last time in the regular season tomorrow as they visit Fife Flyers, with the goal of winning a fourth straight game at the Fife Ice Arena.

Then, 24 hours later, Omar Pacha’s side welcome back Guildford Flames to Tayside and Paul Dixon’s men are looking to prevent the Stars making it three games unbeaten against his side.

O’connor said: “It is definitely a big weekend. The last couple of weeks have had a play-off atmosphere going into them and we are treating every game like that.

“At this point in the year, every point is critical and there are no small weekends left, so we have to keep playing well on the road and trying to get points in other rinks.

“I think if we do well at home and can continue to improve our road game then it will really help with our play-off push.”

Dundee must win two tough matches if they want to be inside that top eight by Monday morning – and the rookie defender believes consistency is key to getting the right results.

O’connor added: “We just have to keep doing what we have been doing recently and that will give us success against Fife.

“Guildford are a good team but we are fully focused on Saturday’s game first, although it is really important to win our remaining home games so we have to take advantage of home ice and our supportive crowd.”

If the team can find a way to win in Kirkcaldy, then it will be the first time in the EIHL era that the Stars haven’t lost to Fife in their own rink during the Challenge Cup and regular season.

Pacha, who will welcome back Kris Inglis to the Stars’ line-up after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, said: “We have had a lot of success in Kirkcaldy this season.

“Every time we have played there this year we have had a really good start, which is key.

“I think it’s important to quieten their fans and get ours going early in the game but also to make sure we push right until the very end.

“It’s a massive game. Obviously it’s huge for Fife – but for us also because Manchester and Glasgow are playing each other so someone will pick up points. We want to keep close to both of them.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s game against Guildford, Pacha said: “The Flames are still in the hunt for the title, no matter what people say and think about the standings right now.

“If they win their five games in hand, they will only be four points behind Sheffield.

“They are obviously a very competitive team and we have to make sure we play the same way we did last time against them. Our home form has been really good. We have four wins from the last five games, so that is a good record and something we have to keep building on.”

Tomorrow’s match in Fife faces off at 7.15pm and Sunday’s home game against Guildford will start at 5pm.

Reilly O’connor is targeting two victories.