A pulsating encounter saw the Storm complete successive perfect weekends by roaring back from a three-goal deficit to defeat the Dundee Stars 4–3 in overtime.

A wonderful double save by Wenninger in the ninth minute prevented the Stars from capitalising on their early pressure. The continued attacking opportunities created by the visiting side would eventually pay dividends, as Schoonbaert made use of a big kick off the end boards to register the game’s first goal in the 12th minute. The Stars’ goalscorer would then turn provider as he teed up Moore for a well-placed one-timer from the right wing, which whistled into the roof of the net to double Dundee’s advantage.

The 25th minute of action was perhaps the most manic of the campaign to date, as three gilt-edged chances were created by both sides. Firstly, Olsson skated deep into the Storm zone and forced Wenninger into a highlight-reel, coast-to-coast stop. Immediately afterwards, a golden opportunity on the breakaway was spurned by Gilmour as he failed to convert the one-on-one with Fiske. The puck then whisked around the boards for Dundee to make it 3–0 through an opportunistic Berry, as none of the Storm defence could locate the loose puck quickly enough. However, a change in forechecking tempo from Manchester began to generate some net-front pressure, and by the end of the period, things looked rather different. The in-form Haden smartly tucked home a five-hole finish after a heads-up play from Johnson at the midway point. A costly delay-of-game penalty assessed against Bean propelled the Storm further back into the match. The combination of Cutler and Ulett set up the gleeful Nardi, who put Manchester back within a single goal with just 52 seconds remaining in the period.

The momentum had clearly shifted by this point, as the home side thought they had drawn level through Locke in the 42nd minute. Yet, upon further inspection by the on-ice officials, the puck had struck the crossbar and stayed out. This would not deter a now-desperate Storm outfit, however, as from the ensuing face-off, Cutler rifled home to square proceedings. The remainder of the final twenty minutes were played out in relatively cautious fashion, in stark contrast to what had preceded them, as both sides looked content to secure at least a point.

A dramatic start to the overtime period saw Cutler face down Fiske on a penalty shot, with the netminder outlasting the Storm forward to continue their vastly entertaining duel. An effort from the blue line by Bean then rang off the post, as shots rained in on both netminders with the added open ice. A fortunate bounce of the puck landed on the blade of Caines, and his wrist shot flashed into the Stars’ goal to ensure Manchester’s unbeaten run extended to four matches — rounding off an excellent advert for the game.

Words by: Callum Schora