If you missed the game on the weekend, catch up with the recap here.
The Adelaide Adrenaline make the long trip up to Queensland this weekend for a double-header against the Brisbane Lightning. An intra-conference matchup, the Lightning currently sit on top while the Adrenaline have just moved into third. If they can win both games, Adelaide have a chance of leaving the weekend with as first in the Rurak Conference. As an expansion team, Brisbane is currently establishing their identity, however, these are not unfamiliar faces coming to the face-off. Former Adrenaline goaltender Glen Forbes-White is listed as part of the lineup, but is yet to see the ice. Another is two-season Adelaide player Harley Anderson, who is currently leading the league in points after a 38-0 goal differential over 3 games against the Central Coast Rhinos.
Adelaide will be looking to carry some momentum from their first AIHL wins since 2018, after a clean sweep of the Rhinos on the weekend. Both teams are still working to see where they stand against more competitive teams in the league, having only won games against the Rhinos. This weekend will be a good indicator of where each stack up.
Adrenaline notes: - They have put up over 40 shots in 3/4 games played this season
- Andrew Hamilton currently sits at a 4 games goal streak with 5 total
- Nathaniel Benson and Joey MacDougall combined for 10 points on the weekend, with only one player on the team not recording a point
- Import Darcy Walsh is out with a concussion after receiving an illegal check to the head, it led to a suspension for the Rhinos player, he is expected to miss at least 3 weeks
Lightning notes: - Special teams were their downfall against Perth, going 1/9 on the power play and 3/7 on the penalty-kill, they lost by 3 goals
- Harley Anderson and import Jordan McTaggart currently combine for 37 points
- McTaggart was also the only scorer against Perth, scoring 2 goals, similar to Andrew Hamilton
- Only 5 players from the PHL have made the jump back to the AIHL
Adrenaline keys to victory: - Shut down the imports: In particular, Jordan McTaggart. He is truly deadly if given the opportunity, however, the Adrenaline need to have confidence in simple and solid defensive play that can keep him out.
- Match the physicality: The Queenslanders are known for playing a tough form of hockey with veterans like Anthony Barnes. Adelaide will need to match up quickly if they don't want to be ground-down.
- Trust the conditioning: The Adrenaline need to be able to out skate Brisbane for a full 60 minute game, trusting their youth and professional conditioning, these games could go down to the wire.
- Dominate the defensive zone: To shut down skilled players like McTaggart, Adelaide will need to control the front of their own net, and prevent Brisbane from walking into the middle of the zone. Another weekend on Olympic-sized ice means more space to play with, don't let them use it.
- Stay out of the box: There's not much to say about this one, It's important every week. The AIHL tends to be a high penalty league. Don't become a league leader.
Players to watch: - Andrew Hamilton: Expect to see his name on here for the foreseeable future. 5 goals in 4 games and an imposing physical presence makes him a key point in the Adrenaline squad. He will have to make the front of Brisbane's net his property this weekend to make their lives as difficult as possible.
- Tyler Leeming: Strong on the puck, Leeming will be an important piece in maintaining possession against a physical team. He does his best work driving the net, expect to see him do just that.
- Noah Maley: The dog himself. A strong two-way forward with huge upside on the penalty kill. Expect to see him dominating the boards and corners. More board space on a larger rink means he will need to utilise his speed to his advantage to win puck races and battles.
- Joey MacDougall: The Adrenaline captain led by example on the weekend with 3 goals and 2 assists. His consistency is a standout trait, you always know what you're going to get, don't change it now.
Game 1: Saturday 4:00pm ACST on AIHL.tv
Game 2: Sunday 4:00pm ACST on AIHL.tv
Tickets for the next Adrenaline home game are now on sale, grab them here.
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