The Central Plains Capitals are in Morden tonight for game 1 of their semi final playoff series against Pembina Valley in the Manitoba Female Midget Hockey League.

The Caps swept Eastman 3-0 in the opening round of the playoffs, and now play Pembina Valley in a best-of-5 series. The Caps and Hawks split the season series with both teams winning 2 games each. Caps' head coach Ferdi Nelissen comments on Pembina Valley.

"They're a very solid defensive team and they're good in net. We think their strength is their defense core and we've been successful when we get our forecheck going and take them out of the game, but we have to be able to execute that. A lot of their defense are going into their 3rd and final year and they're a solid group of young players."

Nelissen explains how the Capitals will be successful in the series.

"It starts right from the net out. We think our success has come from the fact that when we're on the ice we're working as a 5 player unit, and it's a 200 foot game and we've got to be as good in our own end as we are in their end and things will take care of themselves."

The Caps haven't played in over a week when they beat Eastman on February 21st, but Nelissen doesn't think the time-off will be an issue.

"It didn't hurt us to have a little bit of time off to mend a few bumps and bruises. I don't think it's going to be a big factor...we've been practicing hard , preparing well and if we come ready to play we'll be fine."

Tonight's game is in Morden at 7:30.