PHN’s Best Shots of the Game: Ice, Thunder split pair to end season

MELBOURNE, Australia – A season-ending double-header between the Melbourne Ice and the Perth Thunder was featured this past weekend in Melbourne.

Each team was looking at the brace of games as an opportunity to take one final measure of each other ahead of the AIHL playoffs.

The two teams are one-two in the AIHL ladder with the Ice taking the top spot this season.

In Saturday’s contest, the Perth Thunder broke open a tight game with three third period goals to take a 4-2 win over the Ice.  Benjamin Breault scored twice in the final frame to give the Thunder confidence heading into the post season.

Jason Baclig scored both Ice goals.

The Ice were stung by the loss and took some solace in their 5-2 win on Sunday.

The Ice potted two goals in the first period and had a 3-2 lead after two periods of play.

Lasse Lassen scored two goals for the Ice as they put the game away midway through the third period with a power play goal from Baclig.

The Ice took advantage of the Thunder’s lack of discipline in the game with three power play goals in four attempts.

Perth was unable to convert either of the two chances they had with the extra skater.

With the end of the regular season, the Ice finished with 57 points in second place ahead of the Newcastle North Stars in third and the Canberra Brave in fourth.