Shootout heartbreak has left the Adelaide Adrenaline with a point from their weekend after losing 4-3 to the Melbourne Ice at the Ice Arena on Sunday.

Three quickfire goals in the second period saw Adelaide leading 2-1 before the Ice pushed ahead in the third and a last-gasp goal from Steve Best forced a shootout.

“Pretty much if I got the puck I was going to throw it on net and hope for the best,” Best said.

“I was going to skate in for the rebound too but it got through players and went in somehow.”

Adelaide’s early intentions were clear with the Adrenaline bursting out of the blocks with a dominant start. While the first period saw both sides lay off eight shots, Adelaide controlled much of the tempo.

Nate Fleming had one of the best chances for Melbourne but his shot bounced off the goalpost into safety.

Fancy footwork from Ales Kratoska was no match for Michael James, meanwhile, with Melbourne’s goalie not falling for his tricks.

Defence was crucial in the final few minutes when it became a two-man advantage for Melbourne and Adelaide’s ability to kill off the penalty was some of their best work all season.

The second period goal scoring spree started with a rocket to Alex Adams at 10.58, with the Canadian providing the follow through after a forecheck by Remy McGuiness and some build up play from Joey Rezek.

Rezek’s own shot was deflected with Adams snatching the puck as a loose man hanging behind the action, before rattling in the goal off the post.

The lead only last 55 seconds, however, with the Ice scoring into an open net as Andersson scrambled to stop one shot on a hot Ice import line breakaway.

If 55 seconds was a quick response, 32 seconds was like the Flash on ice, when Rezek did his best to be the fastest man alive with a dashing breakaway into open space. While he had support he didn’t need it, beating James with a slapshot goal.

A Kratoska sandwich saw him crushed in a 1-on-2 surge and while he was brought down in front of goal he still looked to score despite taking a cushy seat on some cool ice.

At 15.44 the Ice lifted themselves back into the game with a scrappy goal that saw Andersson left fending off attacker from all angles. Nate Fleming finished with the goal scoring honours after the puck bobbled and bounced around, without anyone truly taking clean possession.

The goal tipped the momentum to Melbourne’s favour, leaving Adelaide defending deep and the likes of Zach Boyle and Adams put in some long shifts to really work their opposition hard, killing off what could’ve been a costly penalty at 10.47.

At the other end, Caleb Apperson and Dylan Pope put the pressure on James, with the iron saving him on potential game winner from Apperson.

Hearts looked to be broken at 3.10 when Dillon Lawrence broke the deadlock. Melbourne’s high press meant Lawrence could’ve gone for a one-timer but he waited, picked his spot, and buried the puck for a 3-2 lead.

As the clocked ticked down and Melbourne looked safe, Steve Best burnt a hole in the net with a goal that saw just 23 seconds on the clock. It was a surprise twist for the Ice who were caught sleeping after Adams and Rezek split their lines.

Following some lean scoring seasons, 2018 has been a welcomed boost for Best who has six points already. His best was six points from 18 games in 2015.

“I feel like I’m doing a lot better than previous seasons,” he said.

“Personally I’m pretty happy but still have a long way to go. I’ve cost a few goals and missed a few chances so I want to improve on that by the end of the season.”

Neither side could provide anymore late drama and shootout action saw Rezek score first, with a low shot under the legs of James.

Both goalies blocked their next shots before Lawrence beat Andersson to make it a 1-1 after two attempts each.

After giving up the first goal, James was a brick wall against Kratoska and Adelaide had to settle with a well-earned point when Matt Armstrong scored the winner.

“The opening game where we lost by eight goals, we were shattered,” Best said.

“But to keep them to one-to-two goals this weekend, the team was pretty happy with that. We got a lot to work on but have to take this weekend as a positive.”

Adelaide, with seven points from six games, has the bye next weekend before hosting the Newcastle Northstars on may 19 and 20. Newcastle has three points from four games.

SCORING SUMMARY