Sahvan Khaira seems to thrive when the heat is really on.

The Swift Current Broncos defenceman made his name during last season's playoffs as he was incredibly difficult to play against in their battles with Moose Jaw and Regina.

"For most teams out there the post-season is more intense," Khaira said before the first round got started. "Everyone has the attitude where you're laying thei rbodies on the line. It's kind of a do-or-die situation spread out and they're doing everything they can to help their team win."

Khaira had scouts buzzing in the playoffs last season and has already brought that hard-nosed style of game to the playoffs in a split against Regina in the first two games of this season's first round series.

"I think that type of play is my type of play," Khaira said. "It was easy to get in that frame of mind. I expect to bring much of that to this series as well."

Both teams have made physical play a priority in the early going. That's something Khaira predicted before the series and something he believes they can do to slow down Regina's skilled players.

"In a series that could go for a long amount of games the biggest thing is laying the body," he noted. "It's wear and tear on their bodies. Teams do it to us so it's one of the things we can do to them."

The teams have also combined for 24 minor penalties through the first two games. That's not something either coach will want to repeat as they both know they have to walk the line between physical play and taking damaging penalties.

"It's just playing smart," Khaira said. "You don't want to take yourself out of the play, you don't want to run around taking stupid penalties especially when games are this big and every penalty could mean a game and the series. It's just playing smart and when you have the opportunity taking it."

Khaira is a defenceman who isn't afraid to skate with the puck or make timely pinches when the opportunity is there offensively. He might be a little more cautious of that in close playoff games.

"Simplicity is key for big games," Khaira said. "If the opportunity is there you take it. It's not something you're looking for but something you see."

Swift Current and Regina enter tonight's Game 3 at the Brandt Centre tied at a win each. There have only been six combined goals through two games in what has been a very tight battle so far.

Listen to tonight's game live on The Eagle 94.1 FM with Robertson Family Group Broncos Hockey at 6:30pm. You can also watch on WHL Live with access to our broadcast using the visiting team feed.