The Portage Islanders and Carman Beavers play game three of their best-of-seven South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League semifinal tonight in Portage. The Beavers lead the series 2-0 after winning 5-1 Saturday night in Carman.

"Pucks just really weren't going our way in that one," says Islander Jeremy Brooks. "We competed really hard but we just couldn't seem to get anything by Steve Christie."

"We just have to find our game tonight and worry about how we're playing when we're out on the ice," says Brooks. "We need to make sure we're ready when we get to the rink, put lots of pucks on Christie, and don't let their top guys control the game."

The Islanders were eliminated by Carman in six games last season. Brooks is expecting a tighter game tonight in Portage and says you can see the rivalry is strong.

"It's fun out there because both teams compete hard. They're exciting games to be a part of, and we always look forward to getting to the rink to face them. They're an offensive team so anytime they enter the zone they're pretty good. We need to tighten up defensively, not making too many mistakes, and be offensive as well."

The puck drops at 8:30 tonight at Stride Place.