By Kris Smith
The Stars face the Blaze for the third time in as many weeks and suffered two defeats in the previous meetings as they went down 7-2 on their first visit to the SkyDome Arena, before losing 5-1 at home.
Coventry currently sit in third place in the Elite League standings, while Dundee occupy eighth but despite the large score lines, both games between them have been competitive throughout.
Craig Garrigan, Ben Sokay and Philippe Sanche were the scorers of the three Dundee goals and Sokay netted again last weekend, as the Tayside team beat Cardiff Devils 5-3 to halt their winless run.
Sokay had opened the scoring but Cardiff drew level just before the end of the first and Carter Folk would restore the lead, only for the Devils to equalise again.
Then Elijiah Barriga would net his first goal of the night before the Welsh club found a third equaliser, but Barriga would complete his hat-trick to seal the two points for Dundee.
Now with confidence re-instilled, the Stars are hungry for revenge and feel they have a point to prove against the Blaze but will also do it with potentially a full squad available, after being five players short in the last match.
Latest signing, Chris Lijdsman could make his debut with the Canadian defender awaiting international clearance.
Discussing how his side must approach tonight’s match, Stars Head Coach, Jeff Mason said: “It is important for us to go into that building and start well, because they area team who come out fast and hard at home.
“Obviously we did not weather the storm very well the last time we were there, so there is a bog focus on coming out and playing a good and solid first period, and building off what we have done well lately.
“We certainly played well last time out against Cardiff and I thought we did a lot of good things during our last road game in Guildford.
“So, off the back of two pretty solid performances we just need to carry the momentum and the confidence forward in Coventry tonight and make sure we get off to a good start.”
He continued: “After watching back the game here against them, there were a number of things we did quite well but by then the game was out of reach
“So, I think we need to focus on playing from the front and getting a lead, which we have not had against them yet and if we can do that it will be a much different game.”
Every game is important, all-season long but the Canadian always places extra importance and a lot of excitement on the derbies with Fife and Sanche continued: “It was a massive result at the weekend and we will take the confidence with us to get ready for Thursday night.
“But then we know we always have to play a good game against Fife regardless, those are the most fun game for us as players and I am sure the boys will be ready for both games.”
Face-off is at 7:30pm and will be shown live on Viaplay Sports.
All images: Scott Wiggins.
