The top-seeded Sioux Falls Stampede are gearing up for their Western Conference semifinal clash against the fifth-seeded Lincoln Stars, but don't let the standings fool you. This team is carrying a classic underdog chip on its shoulder straight into the playoffs.

"Our DNA as a team is we all feel like we’re underdogs," said head coach Ryan Cruthers, highlighting a roster and staff built on resilience. "We’ve all either been cut or worked in lower leagues... so we’re taking an underdog mentality into a first-place seed. We’re excited to prove people wrong."

That mentality fuels one of the most explosive offenses in the USHL, featuring a league-high eight skaters with over 40 points this season. Speed is their trademark, a weapon they plan to unleash. "We call the neutral zone our speed zone," explained captain Logan Renkowski. "Honing in on those little details... is going to be a big piece of this series."

Anchoring their championship aspirations is goaltender Linards Feldbergs. The Latvian netminder, who led the league with 35 wins, provides a massive confidence boost. "I like to read the game," Feldbergs said of his style. Coach Cruthers added, "When you have the best goalie in the USHL back there... his strength has given our guys confidence to play their game."

As they prepare for the high-stakes series, the Stampede are focused on maintaining the swagger that earned them a first-round bye. Forward Thomas Zocco offered the perfect playoff mindset: "During playoffs, if something doesn’t go your way, just be like a goldfish and let it go."

The battle begins at the PREMIER Center with puck drop at 7:05 PM on Friday and continues at 4:05 PM on Sunday.