As the PIHL playoffs approach, the Baldwin ice hockey team needs two wins to qualify for a playoff spot. The team seeks the first of those wins tonight against Mars.

The Highlanders currently stand at 8-8-1 in overall standings and are looking to finish strong in the final stretch of the season.

“We’ve been playing better as of late,” senior captain Nick Antonio said. “We played Penn-Trafford on their senior night and it was pretty ugly. We’re looking to improve off that one,” Antonio said.

“Our main goal for tonight is to put in a few early goals on their starter and try to get him pulled since the backup hasn’t played a game,” Antonio said.

Junior goaltender Cole Shannon is back for the Highlanders from a concussion that kept him out of last week’s tilt. But sophomore forward Vinny Episcopo is ruled out with concussion until further notice.

Antonio believes Shannon’s return will help the team make the final push into the playoffs.