By Kris Smith
The Stars and Storm clashed just two weeks ago where Dundee let a 3-1 lead slip and went on to lose into overtime in Altrincham.
Despite, Jake Elmer putting the Tayside team ahead in the second period, Tyler Hinam’s shorthanded goal cancelled out their lead but late in the middle session, Spencer Naas restored the Stars advantage.
Brent Beaudoin’s powerplay goal then made it 3-1 with 10 minutes left to play but the home team would hit back with two goals instantly as Johnny Corniel and Mitchell Martan brought Manchester level.
Then, inside the final minute of overtime, Cameron Critchlow turned home the winner past Lucas Brine to win the extra point for Matt Ginn’s men.
That result took the season total to two wins apiece for Dundee and Manchester with both teams remaining unbeaten at home against each other.
On Wednesday night, the Stars lost 6-2 to Belfast Giants in Northern Ireland as they fell 2-0 behind in the first period, before Spencer Naas got them off the mark.
In the second session, the Giants moved 4-1 in front but Dundee defender, Chris McKay made it a two-goal with half an hour left to play, however Belfast added two more goals in the third period to claim the victory.
Speaking before tonight’s game in Manchester, Stars Head Coach, Marc LeFebvre said: “It is a massive playoff game and that is all we are focused on.
“This is the biggest game of our season and if we are not ready for this then I do not know when we will be ready because this is what we play for, we are tied on points and we need this win more than anything.
“We can only control what we can control, so it will be another tough game in that building but we have had a good series with Manchester all season and I am sure tonight will be no different.
“We have to have to be ready and have a championship mentality right from the get go.”
He continued: “That rink is all about momentum and you cannot turn down any shooting opportunities in there because it is a small rink.
“When you get those chances, you need to take advantage as pucks are always flying around everywhere and you get all sorts of different bounces.
“We have prepared for that and will try to shut them down as much as possible to make our lives a bit easier, but we have to have that championship mentality if we want to win.”
Face-off for tonight’s road game in Manchester is at 7:30pm.
All images: Storm Images.
