Gameday Preview: Stars at Oklahoma City Barons

Texas Stars 40-24-4-6, 90 pts #3 West Division

at

Oklahoma City Barons 37-28-2-9, 85 pts #6 West Division

April 2nd at 7:05 PM

Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OK

Texas ventures out on the road to visit the Barons at the Cox Convention Center for the last time on the season. The Barons will visit Cedar Park for the last regular season game for the Stars next Saturday. Texas has owned the season series so far, collecting 13 of a possible 16 points from Oklahoma City.

The Barons are a team fighting for their playoff lives. Their "tragic number" sits at 9 as they are in a dead heat with San Antonio at a projected 89 points. At this point, it seems more likely that Peoria and Chicago are the last two in, and Oklahoma City and San Antonio miss the playoffs entirely. It is quite a fall from grace for the Barons, who were near the top of the West Division for much of the season. A dropoff in play combined with callups of important pieces like Hartikainen, Vandevelde, Belle, Petry, Omark and Reddox. Even Alexandre Giroux got a cup of coffee with the Oilers this season.

OKC crushed the IceHogs last night 7-0 at home. They only have 6 games left to make a difference on their playoff chances. They are 3-3-0-4 in their last ten and are certainly starting to get desperate. Added Colton Sceviour: "Every team from here out is going to work as hard as they can and give us their best effort."

Texas will look to continue their season-long five game winning streak and take another two points off their magic number. If Texas can win out the weekend, they will have a playoff spot locked up.

Stars injury/call up report:
Ludwig (upper body)
Vincour, Segal, Lukowich (callup)

Website: okcbarons.com
Blog (unofficial): NewsOK's Barons Hockey
Blog (unofficial): Oil Field Hockey
Twitter: @OKCBaronsHockey