FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA – After two spectacular games involving over population of the ‘sin bins’, a high scoring affair, and two Fargo wins; Saturday had to promise something more spectacular. With Lincoln facing elimination and a sweep, the Stars would have to play disciplined defensive hockey worthy of a top-seeded playoff team. Lincoln would play a cleaner game, drawing a total of four penalties for eight minutes. Despite their past record during the playoffs; solid special teams play would ensure the Stars that no damage would be done on the scoreboard. In a game that would barely leave much ink on the score sheet, Fargo did exactly what they needed to do. There was no interest in sending a warning to an East Division future opponent or a desire to impale Lincoln in the process. Fargo simply needed to win Game 3 to move on. Chris Franks would begin the evening late in the first period with his first point of the playoffs, a goal at 15:02 in the first period. Franks lone goal was the only goal scored in the opening period to gave Fargo a 1-0 lead at intermission. For Josh Birkholz, the end of the second round also meant the end of the Lincoln Stars for the season. In two playoff games, Birkholz had a total of four points against the Stars, the first three came in Game 2; the last would be the back breaker for the Stars season when Birkholz scored at 9:03 of the second period to put the Force up 2-0. The Lincoln Stars knew that the third period would need to involve fireworks if they were to see a fourth game and extension to their season. However, the Force had other ideas. Fargo had played by-the-book all night, taking two infractions for four minutes and not allowing Lincoln the opportunity to score as Mike Lee stopped 32 shots from the visiting Stars. The Fargo win marked the second straight sweep for a franchise in its inaugural season. With the win in Game 3, the Force captured the West Division title and will now face Green Bay in the Clark Cup Finals. The Gamblers defeated the Indiana Ice in four games to win the East Division crown. The best-of-five series will begin in Indiana for Games 1 and 2, and go to Fargo for Games 3 and 4. If the series goes the full five games, it will end in Indiana. Friday, May 1 FARGO 7:05 pm Saturday, May 2 FARGO 7:05 pm Game 3 at Fargo TBA Game 4 * at Fargo TBA Game 5 * FARGO TBA Contact the author at John.Strathman@prohockeynews.com
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