Last night Sting and Heat met for the second time this season, and the game was equally dramatic as their first encounter; however the final score was once again in favour the Sting, who took the win 7-4.
The Heat were severely depleted, on account of it being a long weekend, and only had 3 reserve players on the bench. This did not seem to perturb the eight Heat skaters in any way, and their determination to be competitive was demonstrated when Henrik Ahlin scored just 19 seconds into the first shift of the first period. The goal stunned the Sting momentarily, but they quickly regained their composure and continued with the game. Things were not easy for the team in yellow; the Heat continued to press hard on the fore-check, creating turn-overs and scoring chances. However, Sting’s luck took a turn when they would go on their first Power Play of the night half way through the period, and after some quality puck possession and zone time, Jaroslav Murgas scored to tie the game at 1-1. But soon after this, it would be Heat’s turn with a player advantage and they also capitalised on the opportunity through Warren Jayawardene who score unassisted, just as the penalty expired.
In an almost direct repeat of the start of the game, Henrik Ahlin once again scored on the first shift, just 58 seconds into the second period. And again, half way through the period, Murgas would score his second goal, also on a Power Play... very strange... With the Heat leading the game 3-2, both teams would head to their rooms to prepare for the third period; however the break would not prove beneficial for the Heat - Despite having control of the game, a 15 minute rest is not what the Heat needed, because to restart that momentum again would eventually prove very difficult. Meanwhile, the Sting were making changes to their lines in an attempt to be more energetic on the fore-check and maintain a high tempo to wear down the Heat. With the Heat being so short staffed, not surprisingly, this was easy to achieve. Starting at the 14 minute mark of the third period, Sting would score to level the score line at 3-3 through an excellent finish by Lucien Hackett. At intervals of approximately 3 minutes folling this, Sting would add an additional three tallies, courtesy of Lukas Manco, and two in a row by Scott Connelly. With less than 2 minutes remaining, Murgas would be called up for a slashing minor, and Ahlin would use the PP to complete his hat-trick. Seemingly, to make up for his indiscretion, Murgas would also complete his hat-trick with just 8 seconds remaining in the game.
The Heat should be very proud of their efforts under the circumstances; however it is clear that the commitment of some of their players requires reassessment - something which their coaching staff is no doubt working on. Woz’s Worker’s Hat was awarded to Jaroslav Murgas, in respect of his hat-trick and his resilience under immense pressure from the Heat, who were clearly targeting him with their defensive efforts.
Sting will play the Heat again next weekend, which will be a great opportunity for Heat to regain some of the impressive momentum they have displayed over the last 4 weeks. It is also expected that they will be at least close to full strength, making them a formidable opponent, once more. The game is on Sunday 15th June at 7pm, at the Sydney Ice Arena in Baulkham Hills.
