The Queenstown team clinched game one, of a possible three, 5-3 away against the Admirals last Saturday.
With the home advantage, coach Adam Blanchette thinks the champion can retain the Birgel Cup after game two - if the players keep level heads.
''There is no other option but a win. If we have that mentality of a must-win game it will be all right.
'You have to give them [Admirals] credit.
''They have a very good team over there, and I'm not downplaying
their ability, but you have to find weaknesses.''
Stampede's home performance has been impressive.
It has not lost a game at Queenstown Ice Arena this season.
Blanchette puts it down to playing ''simple, hard hockey''.
He was happy with its weekend performance and says it stuck to defence as well as ''taking opportunities''.
''Experience of the boys prevailed; we all kept our heads and kept our cool.
''Matt [Schneider] took the team on his shoulders and got the first goal for us. We kept momentum with two quick goals and the ice started to tilt at that point for us.
''We put the foot down and found a way to win. It was a great effort.''
However, if the Admirals top the scoreboard tonight, captain Schneider admits the tables could turn.
It would put the opponent in the driving seat, he said.
It is the second year Schneider will lead Stampede on to the ice as captain.
He understands pressures facing the team but is confident in the ability of players.
''They are a team with a lot of skill and they can hurt us on the power play.
''But we have experience on our side and we will take opportunities when we can.''
Schneider believes a rowdy home crowd will bolster the players.
If West Auckland Admirals win tonight's game, a third and final game will be played tomorrow, Queenstown Ice Arena.
