Stars’ sights firmly set on overhauling Clan

Dundee Stars have declared themselves ready to take on Braehead Clan in the biggest weekend of the Elite League season so far, despite a dip in performance last weekend, writes Kris Smith.

Forward Brian Hart and netminder Travis Fullerton believe that the team is up for the challenge of beating Braehead once more.

Dundee have won two out of three meetings with the Clan on home ice this year as their impressive home form continues but first they must try and claim their first win in Glasgow this season.

A double-header with John Tripp’s men this weekend has given Stars a chance to raise their performance back to the level they have been playing at for most of 2018.

A 3-0 defeat in Nottingham and a tough 5-4 comeback win over Edinburgh was outlined by both players as not the best performances.

Hart has been a key part of Stars’ offensive output since the new year and he has put up nine points in 10 games.

He said: “Points are huge all season but this is pretty much crunch time playing against Braehead who we are chasing in the play-offs. This is pretty much play-off hockey for us now.

“Looking at the Edinburgh game, you always have to win those points at home, especially against the team below you. I don’t think it was our best weekend but there are some positives from it.

“It would be tough to take a loss at this point in the year but going up into a play-off spot would be great. I am really optimistic about the next month-and-ahalf.

“This is definitely our biggest weekend this far in the season and I know the guys are looking forward to it.”

Fullerton has been praised after every game for his efforts in backstopping the Stars as he pulls off highlight reel saves night after night.

The Canadian goalie said: “We are back in the thick of things, but it just gets harder from here and we have a lot of important games coming up.

“We knew we needed to put a run together back in January and it came at the perfect time. We had a lot of conference games and we took care of those.

“We are right back in it now and we just have to move on and keep playing well.

“Last weekend, I don’t think we played the way we are capable of playing and we found a way to win against Edinburgh, but we made some crucial mistakes against Nottingham.

“We just have to move on and focus on this weekend.

“It is probably the biggest weekend of the year so far – they are the team that we are chasing and we are one point back, so every game is crucial.

“This is a fun time to play hockey, when your right in the mix and chasing for a play-off spot.

“These are fun games to play and it should be good crowds at both arenas and we are looking forward to it.”

Picture: Derek Black. Brian Hart in action against Edinburgh Capitals.