Gameday Preview: Stars v. Milwaukee, Game 4

Texas Stars 43-22-5-6, 97 pts #1 Western Conference

v.

Milwaukee Admirals 41-28-4-3, 89 pts #8 Western Conference

Stars lead 2-1

May 3rd at 7:30 PM

Cedar Park Center, Cedar Park, TX

After a thrilling Game 3, Texas looks to close out the best of five series with a Game 4 win tonight in Cedar Park. If the series were to end tonight, it would be the first time Texas has finished a series on home ice.

True to form, the Stars played 47 minutes of scoreless hockey on Wednesday and the first goal ended up being the game winner. Colton Sceviour said in the pre-playoff media day that Texas had to be prepared for those sorts of games and the last two have been no disappointment in that regard.

The Stars did well to keep an even keel and play whistle to whistle on the Ads on Wednesday. It worked to their advantage as Henderson took a late penalty after checking Kevin Connauton after the whistle. That power play led to the insurance goal and sealed the night up with a bow.

Milwaukee has its back to the wall with tonight's game and things could get physical. Even Magnus Hellberg was in on the action in a limited way in Game 3, having a perpetual need to have contact with any Texas skater that drove by his crease.

Texas needs to stay out of the box to be successful. Couldn't hurt to goad Milwaukee into some trips to the sin bin as well. (Credit: Josh Rasmussen/Texas Stars)

I wouldn't expect lines to change. The play from all four lines was outstanding in the last game. Texas should feel confident with that as rolling four lines all game was a key strength of theirs through the season. It helped to grind down opponents in low scoring games, which is exactly what is needed here.

The fourth line was very good with Wathier showing 2010 form with his energy and a near shorthanded goal (visions of Neuvirth). Gazdic added energy to the lineup and even had a few solid shots on net. The fans certainly approved, as they rained 'Luuuuke' calls down upon him from his first shift.

Speaking of the fans, the atmosphere in the CPC did not sound like only 4600+ after Chiasson's goal in the third. The extremely loud crowd should only get larger with the Friday night game. Texas hopes to give them something to cheer for and a handshake line to watch tonight.

Stars injury/call up report:
Nemeth (injury)

Admirals Web Resources:
Website: milwaukeeadmirals.com
Blog (Official): In The Crease
Blog (Unofficial): Admirals Roundtable (@adsroundtable)
Twitter: @mkeadmirals