Andersson stops 41 as Adrenaline stun Mustangs

ANDERSSON STOPS 41 AS ADRENALINE STUN MUSTANGS

Andersson was the Swedish Sensation he was billed to be stopping 41 shots in the win. Photo: Phil Taylor

The Adelaide Adrenaline used a hard-nosed, gritty effort to stun the Melbourne Mustangs on the road on Sunday afternoon. 

The visitors are singing in a winning tune in a 3-1 victory that had contributions from every single player that suited up. Goaltender Sebastian Andersson made 41 saves, including 26 in the third period, to highlight a list of notable performances.

Ales Kratoska (x2) and Steve Best scored the Mortgage Choice Malvern Goals for the Adrenaline. 

It was a big statement after the Adrenaline struggled in the season opener vs. the Melbourne Ice. Here's how it unfolded.

Things did not start off well for the Adrenaline. Sharp shooter Jamie Bourke finished off a beautiful passing sequence to put the Kodiak Mustangs up 1-0 within forty seconds of puck drop and on the first shot of the game.

But Andersson, sponsored by Blind Dimensions, all 41 of the next shots he faced. 

Andersson's play helped stabilise Adelaide who grinded out the rest of the period, generated a couple of chances, and went to the rooms down only 1-0. It was something to feel good about.

The real chances finally started to come in the second. In fact Adelaide outshot the Mustangs 9-6 in the middle period.

The game was tied when import Ales Kratoska streaked in alone midway through the period. The Mortgage Choice Malvern goal was assisted by youngsters Nathaniel Benson and Harley Anderson who earned their first AIHL points on the play.

Adelaide went to the final break with the game tied and an opportunity to win the game.

Newly named Alternate Captain Steve Best wasted no time putting the road team up 2-1 to start the third. He finished off a play set up by Kratoska and Zach Boyle.

While he didn't show up on the scoresheet, import defenseman Caleb Apperson was immense for the Adrenaline. He was strong on the puck and constantly dangled around the opposition to set up scoring opportunities. 

With the Adrenaline up 2-1 the Mustangs started to come after them in a massive way.

The Mustangs were given four power play opportunities in the final ten minutes, including a 5-on-3 advantage, that the Adrenaline killed off. 

Andersson starred in net. He fended off shot after shot after shot while the Adrenaline took care of any rebounds that popped out. He made 26 saves in the final period alone to snatch a win. 

It was a brave effort with players blocking shots and clearing the puck in desparation. 

The pinnacle moment, and peak stress level for Adelaide fans, came with five minutes to go. Both Corey Stringer and Caleb Apperson took interference penalties leaving the Adrenaline down two men for over a minute. 

A hallmark glove save from Andersson and a key blocked shot from Remy McGuiness pushed Adelaide through a pivotal stretch. 

Adelaide survived another barrage of shots with the goalie pulled. 

Finally, with an empty net and just 45 seconds to go, Kratoska stole the puck and raced in all alone and popped it in the open cage. Game. Set. Match.

It was a fanastic effort and should leave fans excited about the future. The team returns to Adelaide to prepare for their April 28 and 29 home games vs. the Sydney Ice Dogs. Get your tickets online before it is too late.

Above: Ales Kratoska had three points in an impressive win. Photo: Phil Taylor.

SCORING SUMMARY

Period 1

Melbourne Mustangs 14:19 - Jamie Bourke (1)

Period 2

Adelaide Adrenaline 7:09 - Ales Kratoska (1) from Nathaniel Benson and Harley Anderson

Period 3

Adelaide Adrenaline 19:13 - Steve Best (1) from Ales Kratoska and Zach Boyle

Adelaide Adrenaline 0:31 - Ales Kratoska (2)

Goalies 

Adelaide: Sebastian Andersson - 41 saves off 42 shots
Melbourne: Petri Pitkanen - 19 saves off 21 shots

SPECIAL TEAMS

Adelaide Power Play: 1/3
Adelaide Penalty Kill: 6/6 

GAME NOTES

- Andrew Stapleton missed the game after getting cut in Saturday's loss vs. the Ice. He required stitches and is hopeful to return to the line up next weekend.

- Adelaide defenseman Corey Stringer played well in his first game vs. his former team and brother on the Melbourne Mustagns

- Defenseman Adam Piett left the game with an injury after being cross checked in the face late in the first period

- This was the first time in four seasons Adelaide killed off 100% of their penalties when giving up four or more power plays to the opposition

- This is head coach Jim Fuyarchuk's first win in the Australian Ice Hockey League as a head coach

- Adelaide were helped a lot on the medical side of things. Big shout out to Keira Dunwoody from the Mustangs and Matt Wragg of Melbourne for helping us stitch up the boys and repair any wounds as required.