The Yarmouth Mariners can take a commanding lead in their first round playoff series tonight.

They take on the Pictou County Crushers in Game 3 at Mariners Centre, looking for a 3-0 series lead.

Head Coach and GM Laurie Barron says the Crushers will be playing desperate hockey.

“It’s been a tight series. They’re a good hockey club, and very physical and well coached. We love being up 2-0 but we’re not taking anything for granted. We’ll see their best game tonight,” said Barron.

Yarmouth opened the series last Friday with a 6-1 win on home ice.

Barron says his team looked a bit nervous in the first period, but played a great final 40 minutes.

“I’m confident we’ll put three real good periods together tonight, and we’ll let the chips fall where they may.”

The Mariners followed it up with a 5-3 win in Game 2 on Sunday.

Game 4 goes in New Glasgow on Thursday night.

The team also announced that co-captain Ben Roode has committed to Ontario Tech University for next season.