Stars forward, Ethan Scriven provides a mix of skill and grit to a North Stars lineup looking to bring both elements to the forefront against the league-leading Bruins. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Hockey Night

North Stars kick off southern swing in Estevan Tuesday

Feb 15, 2022 | 3:47 PM

Coming off a spirited weekend series with the Bombers in Flin Flon, the Battlefords North Stars will make a quick return to the road Tuesday, as the team sets out on their three-games in three nights road swing through southern Saskatchewan.

Making their first stop in Estevan Tuesday night against the first-place Estevan Bruins, the Stars will then play Weyburn Wednesday and Notre Dame Thursday, to cap the mid-week trip.

Team outlook

The Bruins (36-8-4), sit stop the league standings with 76 points this year. Playing some of their best hockey of late, the team will be looking for their third straight win, and 14^th over their last 17 games (13-1-2 over their last 16 heading in).

The North Stars (25-13-6) are fifth overall, and will be looking to snap a four-game slide (0-3-1) against a Bruins team they’ve beaten twice through the first three games of the season series. With 56 points, the Stars sit just two back of Melfort for fourth overall, while still holding four games in-hand.

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Goaltending

Stars goaltender, Michael Harroch will get the start for the Battlefords, with Estevan’s Boston Bilous likely to get the call at the opposite end. Two of the elite at their position in the league this season, the night’s action could come down to a goaltender’s dual.

Harroch is 12-4-4 with the Stars this season, and has been a workhorse for the team since being acquired a month into the season, posting a 2.95 goals-against average and .921 save percentage. Bilous has also made the most of a heavy workload, and is 22-7-3, with a 2.17 goals against and .922 save percentage.

Players to watch

With goals sure to be at a premium, perhaps it’s only fitting the night’s contest will also feature five of the league’s top 15 goal scorers.

Estevan’s Mark Rumsey leads all players with 35 goals through 48 games, including three in his last two games. Caelan Fitzpatrick, who has 25 goals, (and four in his last four, helped by a hat trick against Notre Dame), and Olivier Pouliot who has 20 goals (with four in his last three) have also been especially hot for the Bruins scoring of late.

North Stars Jake Southgate and Steven Kesslering are tied atop the Battlefords in goals, with 19 apiece. Kesslering has two in his last three, while Southgate has been likely the team’s most consistent producer throughout the year, when it comes to filling the net.

Special teams

Featuring two of the league’s top three power plays, the special teams’ battle will also be one to watch throughout the night’s contest. The Stars 23 per cent success rate is just ahead of the Bruins’ 22.7 for second overall (to Flin Flon).

On the penalty kill, the Bruin’s 91 per cent effectiveness is tops overall, while the Stars 77.6 per cent sits 10^th overall, though the Battlefords have been dangerous all year when they’re down a man, with six shorthanded goals this season (fourth most in the league).

The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast will be available on 1050 CJNB. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin at 6:30 p.m., with puck drop at 7 p.m.

North Stars lineup

Forwards:

J. Southgate, H. Doell, C. Bear

K. Klein, D. Esau, S. Kesslering

Z. Florence, R. McNnich, E. Waldie

M. Henry, D. Prymak, E. Scriven

Defencemen:

W. Steele, R. Little

S. Witt, T. Gold

T. Ewart, J. Grill

Goaltenders:

M. Harroch

A. Schwab

—

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1