Game Recaps
Game Recap: Rampage fall to Avalanche in another tight game
Adelaide Avalanche took the second game in another close contest between the two teams.
Nick Novysedlak was outstanding for Brisbane in net. He stopped 43 pucks in a tremendous effort and allowed Brisbane to hang around despite Adelaide dominating many aspects of the game.
Things got dicey when Anthony Barnes scored midway through the final period to erase a 2-0 deficit and tie the game late.
But the Avalanche, who have struggled to close out games, turned up the temperature and found a way to get it done. Daniel Chen scored the winning goal with 7:40 to go off a 2-on-1 with Joey MacDougall.
Jordan Freeman and Tom Sak had the other two goals for Adelaide while Harley Anderson scored for Brisbane.
Adelaide outshot Brisbane 19-2 in the first period and carried the play completely. If it weren’t for a massive effort from Brisbane goalie Nick Novysedlak it could have been more lopsided score.
The dominant play continued in the second period but Novysedlak stole the show. The Brisbane goalie made saves in tight, off 2-on-1s, on rebounds and through traffic.
If he could see it, he could stop it. If couldn’t see it, he could still stop it. In total he stopped 33 of the 35 pucks he saw in the first two periods.
Novysedlak’s play allowed Brisbane to get close.
Brisbane, who only had five shots in the second period – and 7 through the first 40 – scored on one of them. A point shot from Owen Sobchak on the power play was tipped by Harley Anderson to keep Brisbane within going into the final break.
Friederich was solid in net for Adelaide. He wasn’t busy but when he was tested they were high grade chances. His biggest save came on a two-on-one to start the second where he neatly flashed the leather.
In the third period, Adelaide opened up with some high quality chances, but Brisbane scored first. Harley Anderson created an odd man rush, fired a shot on goal and Anthony Barnes drilled home the rebound to even the score.
But the very next shift, the line of Julian Friederich, Noah Maley and Ben Handberg created some opportunities and re-established momentum.
That allowed Joey MacDougall and Daniel Chen to break out on a 2-on-1. MacDougall fed Chen to the left of the Brisbane goal. Chen had a shot, jammed away a second chance, and gave Adelaide the lead.
Late in the period Jake Riley had an empty netter to seal it for Adelaide.
The loss for Brisbane still keeps it tight at the top of the PHL standings.
The Ducks – with a game in hand – lead it with 21 points. Brisbane have 19, Adelaide 14 and the Coast have four.
Brisbane will have a shot at the top this week at home vs The Coast. Get your tickets now: https://www.brisbanerampage.com.au/tickets