Bartus stonewalls Mustangs

The Sydney Ice Dogs defeated the Melbourne Mustangs 4-3 in a shootout on Saturday night at the Melbourne Icehouse. Goalie Garrett Bartus stole the show for the visitors, making 42 saves and stopping three of five shots in the shootout.

It was a historic night for the Ice Dogs, who played in their first ever three-on-three overtime (OT) period. The 3v3 OT period was introduced by the AIHL in 2019 and the new format has been a hit with fans and teams.

Bartus made his best save with 90 seconds remaining in the OT period, kicking out his left pad to deny Mustangs defenceman Michael McMahon the game-winning-goal and sending the game to a shootout.

In a nail-biting five-round shootout, Bartus held his nerve to turn away Mustangs forward Vadim Virjassov in the fifth round. Forward Tim Crowder sealed the win for the Ice Dogs with his third successful shoot out attempt of the night.

Crowder froze Mustangs goalie Jaden Pine-Murphy, faking a backhand shot before pulling the puck onto his forehand and sliding the puck past the Melbourne keeper.

Crowder was the best skater on the night for the Ice Dogs, scoring a goal and picking up two assist in regulation. Captain Tomas Manco and defenseman Dylan Quaile also scored for the Ice Dogs.

The shootout win means the Ice Dogs pick up two competition points, keeping the team in the top 4 on the AIHL Ladder. 

The Sydney Ice Dogs are back on the road this weekend, travelling to Canberra to take on the CBR Brave at the Phillip Ice Rink. The Ice Dogs will be back at home on 25th May when they host the CBR Brave.