Manchester Storm came out on top in the final game before Christmas, edging past Dundee Stars in a shootout after the teams split four goals in 65 minutes.
“It was a huge win for us, exactly how we’ve been talking about how we want to play,” said JD Dudek, who wrapped up the win with the final goal of the shootout. “It was good to see every guy on the team buying in, playing the way we wanted and everyone was doing a job.”
The Stars, on a four-game losing streak, opened the scoring 6:46 into the game when Drydn Dow’s point shot went through traffic and past Drew DeRidder. Storm levelled on a powerplay of their own 1:17 before the break through Joe Nardi in front.
Dudek put the hosts ahead 12:50 into the second period as Storm scored more than once at home for the first time since 29 November.
“I think it was the buy-in effect,” continued Dudek. “Everyone was pulling in the same direction and sticking to the systems Coach Critchlow is teaching us. Everyone wanted everyone else to do well, and that type of effort is contagious.”
However, the game was tied with just over 11 minutes to play when a giveaway in Storm’s zone allowed Otto Nieminen to poke the puck past DeRidder.
Both sides deserved a point as the game headed into overtime, which was frantic and produced chances at both ends, including Storm hitting the post inside the final 30 seconds.
The game was decided in the shootout. Dante Hannoun scored for Storm, while DeRidder stopped all four attempts he faced. Dudek finished it in the fifth round to secure the win for the hosts.
“I love those!” added Dudek on the shootout. “I’m very comfortable going down with the mindset of scoring. It’s unreal to get it and to celebrate these two points.”
Photo: Mark Ferris
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