Dundee Stars headed to Braehead Arena on Saturday for a crucial late-season clash against Glasgow Clan. Stars arrived knowing victory was essential to keep playoff hopes alive, coming off the back of a Friday night win over Coventry. However, a dominant opening period saw Clan run out comfortable winners.
Clan made a blistering start as Brady Risk opened the scoring early. Otto Nieminen responded shortly after to level for Stars, but Robert Lachowicz quickly restored the lead for Clan.
A tripping penalty against Jonathan McBean allowed Mick Messner to strike on the powerplay, and Brett Neumann added another late in the period as Clan carried a 4-1 advantage into the first intermission.
“It was a good game for us,” said Clan forward Brett Neumann, who scored twice. “Good to get those two points, but it was an important win as we need to start stringing something together here. The guys are feeling pretty good after a game like that.”
Stars turned to Jarrett Fiske in goal at the start of the second period, but Clan extended their lead when a hooking penalty on Matthew Boudens resulted in a powerplay goal from Neumann.
Hugo Roy added another soon after, and although Keanu Yamamoto pulled one back unassisted for Stars, Clan remained firmly in control at 6-2 heading into the third period.
“I wouldn’t say that scoreline was expected, but we come into every game focused on doing the right things to win,” added Neumann. “Overall, we did a lot of good things tonight.”
Risk scored the only goal of the final frame, finishing off an excellent pass from Cade Neilson to complete the scoring.
“We have important games coming up,” Neumann concluded. “We’re trying to overtake a lot of the teams around us, and they’re games we need to win.”
Photo: Ryan Fleming