This week the MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs will embark upon their first road trip of 2016, when they travel across the country to take on the Perth Thunder. The AIHL has reverted to the traditional back-to-back format as opposed to last year, when the Mustangs travelled to Perth and Adelaide in a single weekend. The extra recovery time should enable the Mustangs to finish the second game as strongly as they did last weekend.
After a frustrating start to the season, the Mustangs offence finally began to click in the third period of their last game. Trailing 1-0 to the CBR Brave midway through the second period, they scored seven unanswered goals on the way to their first win of the season, including a Jamie Bourke hat trick and two power play goals to Vadim Virjassov. This provided the squad with renewed confidence and momentum to take on the road.
The Mustangs will be looking to build on a great record in Perth where they have won six of eight games, including the last four played at the Perth Ice Arena. Their last trip to Perth featured multi-point contributions from Bourke and Virjassov, and combined with a flawless game in net from Fraser Carson, resulted in a 5-0 victory for the Mustangs. They will need these experienced players again to lead the way if they are to be triumphant this weekend.
The Thunder come into the Mustangs clash fresh off a bye. Their only two games of 2016 were first round losses to the Newcastle North Stars. The Thunder were competitive on home ice against the reigning AIHL champions, pushing them to a shootout in the opening game, but were unable to find the net often enough to get the win.
The Thunder are continuing their history of strong import goaltenders, recruiting former AHL backup Thomas Heemskerk, who recorded 66 saves across both games. The Mustangs will have a tough time trying to get past him and will need their own goalie tandem of Carson and Chris Slauenwhite to be just as reliable in net.
While pleased with the effort the Mustangs have put in thus far, head coach Michael Flaherty admitted that, going forward, there is “always something to work on”. He is confident that the systems and structures put in place will bring success as long as the team continues working on them. So, as long as the Mustangs can maintain good puck control and high shot counts, they will give themselves a great chance of returning home with maximum points.
RHINOS
LIGHTNING
NORTHSTARS
ICE
THUNDER
ADRENALINE
MUSTANGS
BRAVE
