LEWISTON – The last time Halifax came to town, the Lewiston Maineiacs looked like the decided favorite.

Instead of escaping the game with two points, though, the Maineiacs squandered the opportunity and lost 4-2.

That was only two weeks ago, although to players and fans, the team’s recent resurrection and solid play may make it seem a more distant memory.

Lewiston hosts Halifax at 4 p.m. today at Central Maine Civic Center.

“We have played well for the last two or three weeks,” said Maineiacs coach Mario Durocher. “We need two points against Halifax, and I told the players the same thing I told them after the first period on Friday, that we have to keep playing hard and playing our game.”

Halifax was able to penetrate deep into the Lewiston zone on several occasions in the Oct. 24 meeting, and the Mooseheads’ offense took over.

“We have to be aware of their forwards, although they have a couple of guys hurt,” said Durocher. “We have to have that defensive metality. On our team, we have maybe four or five guys that think of defense first, so it is important to emphasize playing defense.”

As for Lewiston’s sudden resurgence on the offensive side of things, Durocher offered some perspective.

“We can’t be thinking about scoring six (to) 10 goals against everyone,” said Durocher. “Halifax will probably play back a bit and use some trap against us, and we have to be ready for that. On our part, we have to try and use our speed to draw some hooking and tripping penalties. The faster we skate and the harder we work, the more penalties we will draw. Of course, we have to stay disciplined, as well.”

Today’s game holds twofold importance for the Maineiacs. A win would give them a modest two-game winning streak and a 3-1 record in their last four games, but it would also greatly benefit the team’s hopes of a playoff spot down the road.

“I know it’s still very early,” said Durocher. “But I would rather be comfortable in a good spot to make the playoffs than having to fight to make it in at the end of the season. Where we are right now, we are still fighting with teams like Halifax, so these two points are very important.”

Another element in the game is George Davis, the reputed tough guy in the Mooseheads’ lineup. Davis took 13 minutes in penalties the last time Halifax and Lewiston hooked up.

[email protected]