The North Stars lineup will receive a shot in the arm Monday, with the return of Jackson Allan from injury, which caused him to miss the opening two games of the series. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

On Home Ice

North Stars determined heading into Game 3, as series shifts to Battlefords

Apr 8, 2024 | 1:50 PM

The Battlefords North Stars return to action Monday night, for Game 3 of their semi-final playoff series with the rival Flin Flon Bombers, as the scene shifts locations to North Battleford’s Access Communications Centre.

Returning home down 2-0 in the best-of-seven, the third game of the series will prove pivotal, as the Stars look to avoid a 3-0 hole and make it a 2-1 series, to change its complexion completely.

North Stars head coach, Brayden Klimosko said heading into Game 3, the key will be digging deep to keep the energy high and continue to push the pace.

“I thought overall, [the first two games] were close and could have probably gone either way, but I think if we just bring a little bit more I like our chances,” Klimosko said. “Hopefully we just bring a little more energy and enthusiasm and bring it on home ice here.”

Logan Cunningham has been a brick wall for the North Stars, having made 96 saves through the first two games against Flin Flon. Cunningham enters play Monday with a 2.82 goals against average and .924 save percentage this post-season. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

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Through the first two games of the series, the big names have taken centre stage for both sides.

The North Stars’ dynamic duo of Kian Bell and Ben Portner are each coming off a one-goal, one-assist performance in Game 2, and sit first and second in team scoring with 13 (Bell) and nine (Portner) points through six playoff games.

Bombers’ captain Justin Lies is tied with Portner for a series-high three goals, entering play with a team-leading 10 points. Lies’ right-winger, Anthony Piccininno is also coming off a multi-point game, with a goal and two assists to bring his total to six points (one goal, five assists) in six games.

The difference through the early part of the series – particularly in Game 2 – was the depth of scoring in the Bombers’ favour, with six different goal scorers in their 6-2 win. By contrast, the North Stars have seen just three players score through the first two games (Portner with three goals, and each of Bell and Hunter Burgeson with one each).

Klimosko said heading into Game 3, the team needs to get back to what’s made them successful all season, when they averaged a league-high 4.5 goals per game.

“I think we’ve just got to get to the dirty areas, get some more pucks to the net, and create some chances that way,” Klimosko said. “That’s huge, getting more rubber on Laser (Flin Flon goalie, Harmon Laser-Hume) to give us a chance to win that way.”

Also helping to boost the North Stars’ offense will be the return of second-year vet, and do-it-all centerman, Jackson Allan. Making his series debut after missing the first two games with a lower-body injury, Allan’s return can not be overstated, as an integral piece to the team’s power play, penalty kill, speed game, and faceoff prowess.

Game 3 from the ACC will be available on 1050 CJNB, with the Ultra Print Pregame Show at 7 p.m. and puck drop at 7:30 p.m.

Full North Stars vs. Bombers series schedule:

Game 1: 4-3 Bombers (FF 1-0 series lead)

Game 2: 6-2 Bombers (FF 2-0 series lead)

Game 3: Monday, April 8 @ Access Communications Centre, BAT (7:30 p.m.)

Game 4: Tues, April 9 @ Access Communications Centre, BAT (7:30 p.m.)

*Game 5: Friday, April 12 @ Whitney Forum, FF (6:30 p.m.)

*Game 6: Sunday, April 14 @ Access Communications Centre, BAT (7:30 p.m.)

*Game 7: Tuesday, April 16 @ Whitney Forum, FF (6:30 p.m.)

*If needed.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1