“It was a huge win for us, just like we talked about how we want to play,” said JD Dudek, who capped the win with the final goal of the shootout. “It was good to see everyone on the team checking in, playing the way we wanted and everyone doing their job.”
The Stars, after 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 got in front before the breakthrough on a power play of their own 1:17 through Joe Nardi.
Dudek put the hosts ahead 12:50 into the second period as Storm scored more than once at home for the first time since November 29.
“I think it was the buy-in effect,” Dudek continued. “Everyone pulled in the same direction and adhered to the systems Coach Critchlow teaches. Everyone wanted everyone else to do well, and that kind of effort is contagious.”
However, with just over 11 minutes to play, the game was tied when a giveaway in the Storm zone allowed Otto Nieminen to poke the puck past DeRidder.
Both sides earned a point as the match entered extra time, which was hectic and produced chances at both ends, including Storm hitting the post inside the final 30 seconds.
The match 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 victory for the hosts.
“I love that one!” Dudek added during the shootout. “I feel very comfortable going into the mentality of scoring. It’s surreal to get that and celebrate these two points.”
Photo: Mark Ferris
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