Mustangs NSW Road Trip Preview

Time is about to expire on the MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs 2016 season. Plagued by inconsistency, the Mustangs have fallen short of their goal to finish in the top four and qualify for the finals. However, they will be keen to end a disappointing season on a high note this weekend, when they head off on their final road trip with games against the Sydney Bears and Newcastle North Stars.

The Mustangs farewelled their home fans with a surprisingly high scoring display that showed plenty of promise for next season and beyond. A couple of the younger players got their first start of the year against the Sydney Ice Dogs, and more ice time was given to players who are often overlooked throughout the season. The result, a 10-7 victory for the Mustangs, featured nine different goal scorers and 16 players posting points in a complete team effort, but there is considerable room for improvement defensively, as they had a 9-3 lead early in the third period.

The Mustangs burst of offence inspires confidence, but they will need to solidify their defence before their next game, as the Bears will not be as easily scored upon. They will be returning from a road trip to Perth where the outstanding goaltending of Anthony Kimlin gave the Bears a chance of stealing points. While they were unable to come up with the goals they needed, Kimlin was made to face twice as many shots and denied the Thunder 78 times over the course of two games. He was almost perfect in the last game where he faced the Mustangs, only letting in a single goal in the final 12 seconds.

On home ice the Bears will be looking to give their fans something to cheer about as they too have had an inconsistent season. They have not won a game since they last played the Mustangs over a month ago, but like the Mustangs, the Bears will be looking for a finale that provides hope for next season.

Following what is sure to be a tough encounter with the Bears, the Mustangs will then travel to Newcastle to conclude their 2016 season with a game against the finals-bound North Stars. The dominant force of last year has declined somewhat, but as reigning champions, the North Stars will want to head into the 2016 AIHL finals full of confidence on the back of a good performance. It will be quite a challenge if the Mustangs continue to promote their young players, however it will be beneficial to the team in the long term to give them these opportunities.

The Mustangs put in one of the best performances of the season when they last played at the Hunter Ice Skating rink where, in a see-sawing battle, they snatched victory with a Sean Jones goal inside the final minute. With the number one goal scorer in the AIHL in Connor McLaughlin and leading local goalie Dayne Davis, the North Stars have game winners all across the ice and it will take another full 50 minute effort to defeat them.

Despite finishing a week earlier than hoped, the Mustangs 2016 season has not been without highlights. Among their 12 wins, there were some exceptional games including upset victories over the North Stars, Perth Thunder and CBR Brave. Players have continued to improve and the support from fans has been phenomenal. Hopefully there will be a couple more highlights before the final siren goes.