Weekend Preview - Sydney Bears

It is said that the definition of insanity is to repeat the same thing and expect a different result, therefore The James Melbourne Mustangs will need to shake things up after a couple of substandard performances last weekend. The magnitude of the defeats by the Melbourne Ice and Adelaide Adrenaline went beyond disappointing for a team that usually refuses to go down without a fight. With another two games at the O’Brien Group Arena this weekend, making it all eight to start the season, the Mustangs need to do whatever it takes to turn their form around quickly.

A complete breakdown in defensive structure had the Ice scoring with ease last weekend, and a lack of cohesion when in possession of the puck resulted in the Mustangs getting annihilated in a nine goal shutout. If that wasn’t enough to set alarm bells ringing the following day certainly was. In a complete reversal of the game between the two sides a week earlier, the Adrenaline were the dominant side. They were the ones capitalising on Mustangs errors, and scoring short-handed, on their way to a four goal victory.

In a team environment everyone needs to be held accountable to fix the problems that caused the poor results. If this happens hopefully we will see a much improved Mustangs performance when the Sydney Bears travel to Melbourne this weekend.

The Bears will be full of confidence coming off a big 8-4 win at home against the Perth Thunder. After giving up two goals, 36 seconds apart in the fourth minute of the game, the Bears fought back to take the lead in the final minute of the second period. Only one goal separated the teams early in the third period, but the Bears scored three times in under a minute to take the game and lift themselves into the AIHL top four.

The Bears have been outshooting their opponents most games, so Nic Novysedlak can once again expect to see a lot of action around his net. The more support he can get from those around him blocking shots, the better chance the Mustangs will have. Tomas Landa is again leading the way for the Bears in goals scored, and coming off a three point game against the Thunder, he will certainly be a player the Mustangs will need to contain if they are to be successful.

With only one win from their first six games, the Mustangs cannot afford another weekend like the previous one. Fortunately there is still a lot of hockey to be played in this AIHL season, but without some adjustment in team structure and attitude the end will come a lot sooner.

Melbourne Mustangs v Sydney Bears, Saturday 5pm, O'Brien Group Arena. Get Your Tickets
Melbourne Mustangs v Sydney Bears, Sunday 4pm, O'Brien Group Arena. Get Your Tickets