Effort not enough to get Adrenaline over the line

The Melboune Ice has further confirmed their credentials as Goodall Cup favourites, withstanding a determined and proud Adrenaline outfit to record a gutsy 3-2 victory on Sunday at the Ice ArenA.

Coming off the back of a lacklustre 9-1 loss on Saturday, the Adrenaline were seeking retribution against the league-leaders and matched the Ice blow for blow right throughout.

However, as has been the case for much of the season, a lack of discipline cost the home side who were made to pay for a late penalty to the Adelaide Adrenaline that handed the Ice victory.

In a passionate post-game interview, Adrenaline defenceman Sean Greer praised his side’s ability to dig deep but expressed disappointment at “selfish” penalties.

“The boys really, really pushed this game and we took it to them. That’s the top placed team, they beat us 9-1 last night and tonight, we emptied our tanks essentially,” Greer said.

“Ultimately it comes down to selfish penalties. The whole team was firing. The whole team was behind each other. The crowd was great, but it’s hard to overcome those penalties.”

It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Adrenaline, who despite giving everything on the ice were unable to overcome a Melbourne outfit that displayed extreme professionalism and outstanding hockey ability.

Sunday’s game started much the same as Saturday, with the Ice controlling the puck early and hemming the Adrenaline in the zone.

The time of possession paid off early for the Ice, with first period goals to Chris Yule and Cassian Delsar affording the visitors a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

Unlike Saturday, the Adrenaline did not roll over but instead fought back hard with Wehebe Darge finally managing to solve Ice goalie, Troy Davenport in the final minute of the second period to make it 2-1 heading into the third.

The final period belonged to the home side in large, with the Adrenaline applying constant offensive pressure and managing to tie the game with just over eight minutes to play in the final period.

However, the collective hearts of Adrenaline players and fans were broken when Todd Graham netted the winner on the power-play with under three minutes to play.

Melbourne coach, Brent Laver said his side expected such a strong pushback from the visitors but praised his side’s ability to once again find a way to get the job done.

“South Australian hockey is proud, has proud tradition and last night would have really stung. The  thing that I noticed yesterday - even in the loss - was that there a real feeling amongst their boys and I thought they’re going to come hard tomorrow,” Laver said.

“They’re a proud club, they’re a proud group of guys.”

Unfortunately, pride wasn’t enough for the Adrenaline who once again are licking their wounds and searching for answers after another winless weekend.

The Adrenaline still sit in seventh place in the league and the finals equation becomes tougher with each loss.

Adelaide are in Sydney next weekend to face the Bears and the Ice Dogs before returning home on July 16^th to face the Newcastle North Stars.