By Kris Smith
The Stars come into tonight’s home game with bitter taste of defeat still in their mouths after dropping two points in Belfast last night, as they were beaten 4-1 by the Giants and have now fallen down to sixth place in the Elite League table.
However, their opponents tonight have their own bad memories upon returning the the DIA as on their last visit, they were shutout and lost 3-0 to Dundee.
Last night’s lone scorer in Belfast, Sebastian Bengtsson also opened the scoring against Coventry back in January before an Alexandre Ranger brace fired the Stars well ahead.
However, after a 5-1 thrashing from Danny Stewart’s men in their first encounter, this will be a tight battle as both teams are eager to secure vital points to improve their odds of making the postseason.
Coventry did not play last night but lost twice to Manchester Storm during the week and that has extended the West Midlands club’s losing run to four games, with their last win coming two weeks ago as they hammered Glasgow Clan 8-1.
As things stand, both clubs have played 41 games each – the lowest of any team in the league – and Dundee are head by just one-point in the standings.
There was also one other positive for the Stars last night, as Philippe Sanche and Timi Lahtinen made their return to action after picking up injuries last weekend against Glasgow, but Adam Morrison and Drydn Dow still remain out.
Speaking about tonight’s game before the weekend, Stars Head Coach and GM, Omar Pacha said: “Last time we played them, Mo (Adam Morrison) had a great night and we got the shutout.
“I did not think we had a great first period but we eased ourselves into the game and got the job done.
“They have a very balanced line-up as well, very strong defensemen, great goaltending and some good offence.
“So for us, it is about coming back from Belfast and using the last few home games to our advantage, we have won our last three at home now and we have to build on that for the last five home games to protect our home ice down the stretch.
“That is the most important thing down this final stretch, our home ice is so valuable and we have to make sure we use that to our advantage.”
Face-off for tonight’s home game is at 5pm.
