Gameday Preview: Stars at Peoria Rivermen

Texas Stars 30-37-2-2, 64 pts #15 Western Conference

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Peoria Rivermen 37-30-2-2, 78 pts #8 Western Conference

April 5th at 7:00 PM

Carver Arena, Peoria, IL

If it feels like a while since Texas played Peoria, that's only because it has. These two teams last played on January 20th in Cedar Park and before that twice in October.

Peoria is right on the cusp of getting into the playoffs. They find themselves in eighth place this morning, but with Milwaukee, currently in the 11th spot, beating them in points pace. The Admirals have two games in hand on the Rivermen and the two do not play each other for the rest of the season. It is safe to say that Peoria is very hungry for these two points.

The Rivs have been riding Jake Allen hard since the departure of Ben Bishop. Allen has started 14 of the last 16 games for Peoria. Overall he has a 2.89 GAA and .916 SV% with an 11-18-2 record. Ben Bishop, however, was 24-14-0. This team is hoping to skate by on that departed effort, as they have lost five of their last six.

As usual, TJ Hensick is on the watchlist for Texas as are Jonathan Cheechoo and Derek Nesbitt. Rookie defenseman Cade Fairchild was just named to the AHL's All-Rookie team for his 7-25-32 effort this season.

Given the two days' rest prior to yesterday's game and the four days rest after today's game, I think Jack Campbell will go again tonight for Texas. Max Fortunus and Brad Lukowich should be stepping back into the lineup, which could mean Hubert Labrie slides down to Idaho to help the Steelheads in their playoff race.

Stars injury/call up report:
Schultz, Tousignant, Vause (injury)
Vincour (callup)

Website: rivermen.net
Blog (beat writer): Cleve's World
Blog (unofficial): The Peoria Rivermen Blog
Twitter: @peoria_rivermen
Twitter (beat writer): @icetimecleve
Twitter (blog writer): @LetsGoRivs