Stars’ forward, Logan Spence sets up shop in front of the Nipawin crease area. The Stars have made it a point of emphasis to get pucks and traffic on goal through the early part of the series, averaging 40 shots per contest through the opening three games. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

One win away

North Stars look to bring killer instinct with chance to close out Hawks in Game 4

Mar 11, 2020 | 2:07 PM

Just one more win.

That is all that sits between the Battlefords North Stars and a date with round two, as the team has a chance to close out their first round best-of-seven series with the Nipawin Hawks tonight at the Centennial Arena in Nipawin.

The Stars lead the series 3-0 after following up back-to-back 3-0 and 6-2 victories Friday and Saturday at home, with a 4-2 win Tuesday night in Nipawin. The team’s jump out of the gate has awarded them the opportunity to close things out in enemy territory with a win in Game 4 Wednesday.

Heading into the series, the North Stars’ offensive attack appeared to be the biggest tipping point in their favour.

While both the Stars and Hawks finished amongst the league’s elite on the defensive side of the puck, finishing first (BAT) and third (NIP) in goals-against this season, the North Stars’ also concluded the regular season second in goals scored, while the Hawks placed seventh.

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The Stars have outscored the Nipawin by a combined 13-4 margin over the three games, with 10 different players chipping in with at least a single tally for the team.

The Battlefords will need that depth of scoring to continue to shine, as the team will be without offensive standout, Jaxon Steele.

Steele was given a five-minute major and game misconduct for a hit late in the first period of Game 3, meaning the Stars will be without the point per game forward for Wednesday night’s contest as he will serve his first of a two-game suspension.

While Steele’s absence will be felt, Stars’ rookie Steven Kesslering saw time on the right wing with Ben Hiltz and Matthias Urbanski Tuesday night, scoring a goal to make the most of his opportunity in an increased role.

On the other side, facing elimination the Hawks will need a breakout performance from their go-to weapons offensively to keep their season alive.

The Hawks’ top five scorers from the regular season, Dawson McKenzie (49 points), Jake Tremblay (44), Michael Makarenko (42), Carson Erhardt (40) and Jordan Simoneau (36) have combined for just two points total through the opening three games.

Hawks’ goaltender, Ross Hawryluk may need to steal the show Wednesday night if his team is to extend their series with the Stars and force a Game 5. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

In addition to key offensive contributions, the Hawks will also likely need another game-breaking performance from their netminder, Ross Hawryluk to keep the Stars at bay.

The North Stars have fired 40 shots a night at the Nipawin goal through the opening three games, with Hawryluk posting a 3.73 goals-against average and .906 save percentage while being under duress early and often.

The Stars’ Kristian Lyon enters play 3-0, serving as a key ingredient to his team’s success, posting a shimmering 1.33 goals-against average and .956 save percentage to this point in the series.

Wednesday’s game will be broadcast on NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey on 1050 CJNB and CJNB.ca. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin at 7 p.m., with puck drop to follow at 7:30 p.m.

North Stars playoff schedule, Round 1 vs. Nipawin Hawks:

Game #1: Stars win 3-0; lead series 1-0

Game #2: Stars win 6-2; lead series 2-0

Game #3: Stars win 4-2; lead series 3-0

Game #4 Wednesday, March 11 @ Nipawin’s Centennial Arena

*Game #5 Friday, March 13 @ North Battleford Civic Centre

*Game #6 Sunday, March 15 @ Nipawin’s Centennial Arena

*Game #7 Tuesday, March 17 @ North Battleford Civic Centre

*indicates if needed.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1