Home ice advantage has been a major player in this series and, unfortunately, game five is in Grand Rapids.
The Marlies are going to need solid goaltending – something they haven’t really received so far in the playoffs. Outside of game two, the Marlies have allowed at least 4 goals per game. That’s a tough position to put your offense in.
Christpher Gibson has to be better. The Marlies scored the first goal in each of the two losses but couldn’t maintain the leads.
William Nylander also needs to step up – although that’s a lot of pressure to put on a young player.