Gameday Preview: Stars at Milwaukee Admirals

Texas Stars 28-13-3-4, 63 pts #2 Western Conf.

at

Milwaukee Admirals 27-17-1-5, 60 pts #5 Western Conf.

February 2nd at 7:00 PM

Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI

The Stars and Admirals face off again tonight for the second time in a week. This is the fifth of eight total meetings between the two teams, fighting it out for first place in the West Division. The Stars currently hold a 3 point lead over the Admirals in the standings and have a 3-1-0-0 record against them this season. Their lone loss came at home the day after Thanksgiving.

Since the Stars and Admirals met last week, they have gone in opposite directions. The Stars have gone 3-0 with 2 home wins and a gritty road win at Peoria. The Admirals returned to the friendly confines of the Bradley Center and went 1-2. They lost two to Hamilton, the #1 team in the conference, and won against the Houston Aeros.

Given that we saw this team last week, there is a lot that is still the same. The Admirals are still great on the power play. They went 1/3 against a usually stout Texas PK last week. The Stars power play has really been the story of the past few games. They didn't score a power play goal for the first time in 8 games against Peoria on Sunday. If they can get the power play churning again as they did last week, then this could be another drubbing. The Admirals only take 13.62 PIMs per game, third only to Texas and Norfolk (also the Admirals).

The Stars should watch out for rookie center Colin Wilson (#33), recently named AHL Rookie of the Month for January. Of course, then again, the Admirals should look out for Stars rookie center Travis Morin, who has been on a tear recently gaining 13 points in 12 games played in January. And if it seems like that Santorelli kid is out there all the time, it's because he is, sort of. There are two M. Santorelli's on the Admirals, Mark #11 and Mike #19.

Given how we've seen the goalies played over the past week, I think Climie gets the start. I'm not saying it's the right decision; I just think it's the decision that will be made. Ford started in net last week against Milwaukee, stopping 23 of 25 and ending his shutout streak at 158:34.

Stars injury/call up report:
Wilson (stomach strain), Krahn (lower body)
Peters (call up)

Admirals Website: milwaukeeadmirals.com
Admirals Blog (Official): In The Crease
Admirals Twitter: @mkeadmirals