The Portage Islanders host Carman in Game 3 of their South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League Semi Final tonight.

Portage holds a 2-0 best-of-7 series lead, stealing games 1 and 2 in Carman. Islanders' GM Jeremy Brooks says their defensive game has been a key to their success this series.

"We've really started to click, like our chemistry between our lines has gotten really good. We've had good success at shutting down their top guys. They've got a few guys that were up there in the scoring, so we've really been able to control them and it's been a big factor for our success."

The series is now back in Portage for Games 3 and 4, and Brooks says the crowd can really play a big factor.

"As our games have gone on, we've noticed that there's been more people out there and it makes it a little more exciting to play. It's definitely a factor that many other teams in the league hate to play against. So it's definitely something we could use."

Puck drop is set for 8:45 p.m. at Portage Mutual.