Gameday Preview: Texas Stars at Ontario Reign, Game 3

Texas Stars 38-24-8-6, 90 pts, 0.592 #2 Pacific Division

at

Ontario Reign 36-25-4-3, 79 pts, 0.581 #3 Pacific Division

April 22nd at 5:00 PM

Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario, CA

Series tied 1-1

After Friday's 5-1 loss, Curtis McKenzie best summed up Texas's desired attitude for tonight's game: "That’s the beauty of playoffs. When you leave the rink, it’s a new day. Obviously a little pissed off tonight but it’s off to the next game."

(Credit: Andy Nietupski/Texas Stars)

Cal Petersen may have frustrated Texas with some highlight reel saves, but the Stars didn't do themselves may favors either. The power play got a late goal but didn't cash in when the tally could have turned the tide in the second period. There was a lack of finish throughout the game. Texas was getting its chances but had timings just a bit off, whether it was a missed pass reception, a pass to no one in general or a whiffed one-timer with an empty net.

If the Stars come back strong today with a speed game that pushes the Ontario Reign back on their heels, it makes their lives that much easier. The Stars were in a deeper hole that they may have appeared to be after the Reign scored first on Friday. At 27-3-1-2, the Reign held the regular season's best record when scoring first. Scoring the first goal may be all Texas needs to dictate the terms of the game. Ontario was 9-22-3-1 when giving up the first goal.

Texas may be without the services of Jason Dickinson, who got checked hard into the boards at the Texas bench and came off the ice holding his lower back. "Dickie’s got a lower body injury," said Laxdal. "He’s probably day-to-day. Hopefully we’ll see him on Sunday."

Stars injury/call up report:
Dickinson, Fyten (questionable)

Website: ontarioreign.com
Twitter: @ontarioreign
Coverage: Reign coverage via Jewels from the Crown