By Kris Smith

The Kitmart Dundee Stars are aiming to return to winning ways and collect a second win of the weekend against Coventry Blaze.

Their three in three weekend is rounded off with a trip to Coventry as they face the Blaze for the second time this month. Both sides have won a tie each this season and both wins came at home for each team.

Dundee lost the first match 5-2 in Coventry before coming back from 2-1 down to win 4-2 at the DIA. François Bouchard and Matt Marquardt netted the two goals in Coventry last time out while Bouchard, a Mike Sullivan brace and Charles Corcoran helped Stars to their 4-2 win.

Stars have been at full strength all weekend but there have been a few changes in Coventry since the teams last met. Goaltender, Miika Wiikman was released by the club and Danny Stewart brought back Miroslav Kopriva after he was released by Coventry back in November.

They also lost two skaters, Tray Lewis retired and Kelin Ainsworth left to join Danish club, Aalborg Pirates. Blaze countered the departures with the signings of Thom Flodqvist and Ivan Puzic.

Last night seen the Stars shutout by bottom of the league, Milton Keynes Lightning as their point-streak came to an end at 15 points from eight games. Dundee had defeated Nottingham Panthers 4-3 in overtime on Friday night. Meanwhile the Blaze travelled to Sheffield and shutout the Steelers in a 2-0 win. Goals from Chris Joyaux and a debut goal for Flodqvist.

Dundee defender, Drydn Dow is pleased with the teams turnaround in recent weeks.

He said: “I would say the D as a group are very happy with the recent games.

“We have a very solid group of defenceman this year and as long as we continue to keep it simple and move the puck quick to the forwards we will have continued success.”

Discussing the difficulties of a three in three and how challenging the league is this year, the Canadian added: “A three in three is always tough, but that’s when it’s really important to play smart and focus on doing the right things and by doing that it makes the game easier even if there is a bit of fatigue.

“Every game in this league presents a challenge as every team has a lot of skill up front, but if we continue to play the way we have over the last couple weeks it will lead to continued success.

“We just need to keep doing what we been doing for the past three weeks and continue to play within our structure.”

Dow has also praised netminder, Pontus Sjögren for being a key player in every match, he said: “Pontus is definitely the backbone of our team and it gives our whole team confidence knowing he is back their doing his thing.”

Face-off for tonight’s game at the Skydome Arena is 5:15pm.

 

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Trade-Mart Dundee Stars Team
49 Games
19 Wins
23 Losses
7 OT Losses
45 Points