Gameday Preview: Stars at Milwaukee Admirals

Texas Stars 33-21-13-1, 80 pts #6 Western Conference

at

Milwaukee Admirals 33-25-7-5, 78 pts #8 Western Conference

April 3rd at 7:00 PM

BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI

Almost as quickly as it started, the season series with Milwaukee is over. A short four-game set against the Ads was packed into a month's time for the Stars. They'll make their final visit to Wisconsin this regular season tonight.

Since these teams last played, Texas has gotten a lineup boost in the form of Brett Ritchie and Curtis McKenzie. Coach Laxdal said he liked their games on Wednesday. Ritchie had a goal, and McKenzie was hitting anything that moved. Texas will be without Valeri Nichushkin, who is done with his conditioning stint and could play for Dallas tonight. The big Russian's departure opens up a spot on the top line, where Derek Hulak or Greg Rallo are likely to slot in. It would seem likely Branden Troock will re-enter the lineup to make it to 12 forwards for the Stars.

Thanks to all the games being played this weekend, the Stars have an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot by the end of the road trip. Texas' magic number is down to 11. If they can claim all six points on their own and there are several key losses by other squads, the Stars are in. More than likely though, Texas will have to wait for the final clinch until next weekend against Hamilton.

Stars injury/call up report:
Meech, Faksa, Rynnas (injury)

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