The race to qualify for the 2017 AIHL Finals reaches a critical point over the next two games, as The James Melbourne Mustangs face the remaining threats to their playoff position, the Sydney Ice Dogs and the Newcastle Northstars. The Mustangs have the advantage over both opponents, being four points clear with fewer games played, and will be looking to extend their lead and almost assure their place in the finals when they travel to New South Wales this weekend.

With every trip they make, the Mustangs road record becomes even more impressive. Two weeks ago in Perth, they extended their point streak in road games to seven, with a shootout loss followed by a big 4-1 win. Against the usually consistent Perth Thunder, this performance proved that the Mustangs are a force in this competition and can put up a strong challenge for the Goodall Cup, but first they have to cement their place in the top four. To do this they must take full advantage of both upcoming games, as three points earned is also three points denied to the chasing teams.

After a week off the Mustangs should be ready to get their roadshow rolling again. They will need to pick up where they left off in Perth, against an Ice Dogs team desperate to keep their finals hopes alive. A win over the CBR Brave in Canberra last Saturday enabled the Ice Dogs to stay in touch with the top four, but their lack of consistent scoring is still cause for concern. They are relying heavily on their top line of Grant Toulmin, Stephen Johnston and Todd Stephenson, and when the Ice Dogs defeated the Mustangs in Melbourne this year, both Toulmin and Johnston scored twice, so shutting them down is vital to the Mustangs chances of victory.

On Sunday they will be off to the only building the 2017 Mustangs are yet to record a win in, the Hunter Ice Rink, to face the equally desperate Northstars. This game is virtually do-or-die for the reigning champions, because if they drop this one, they will need to win all remaining games and hope the Mustangs lose all of theirs. Newcastle return home from a disappointing trip to Melbourne, in which they were unable to bridge the gap between the teams in the top four and those outside, going down in consecutive games against the Melbourne Ice.

The key for the Mustangs in securing a win here, is to find a way past goaltender Charlie Smart. In his two games against the Mustangs, Smart has been exceptional, leading his team to victory on both occasions, with 38 saves from 41 shots in one game, and 31 from 32 in the other. In defence they will need to be wary of Joseph Harcharik, who scored all four goals in the Northstars win over the Mustangs in Melbourne.

These two games could define the Mustangs season. Both Ice Dogs and Northstars have been victorious over the Mustangs in Melbourne, but surprisingly, the Mustangs have been more consistent when playing on the road. If they can continue their strong performances away from home, they will be in a great position to start looking towards to the finals. If not, they will be looking over their shoulders for their last few games, until a finals berth can be secured.