Dec 10 Game Preview: Xtreme vs Brewers

There are only two weeks left before a Christmas-period hiatus and already the NHSL has given us some classic moments.

The teams are starting to make their way against each other for the second time. What adjustments do teams make now that they’ve seen each other? Will we see a clear front runner? All these questions are about to be asked.

This week the undefeated Adelaide Xtreme (2-0) “host” the Port Adelaide Brewers (1-2) who have lost back-to-back games.

Before we jump into the preview let’s remind people that the Xtreme are hosting a Toy Drive at the game on Friday. The Xtreme are asking fans of all teams to bring in an unwrapped toy or gift card as part of the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Members of the Xtreme will be on hand to accept gifts at the game.

You can read more about the drive here.

Let’s jump into the game…

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

The Xtreme busted on to the NHSL scene with a 5-3 win over the Brewers on November 19 in a game that was not quite as close as the scoreline suggested.

The Xtreme had two first period goals from Nathaniel Benson and Olli Martin before a truly dominating second period. They controlled tempo and scoring opportunities en route to outshooting the Brewers 19-5 in the middle frame.

They had a 3-0 lead after two periods and didn’t look back.

Noah Maley had two goals in an impressive game for the Xtreme.

You can watch all the highlights here. 

THE SEASON SO FAR

Round 1 – Brewers 4 def Stars 3 (OT)

Round 2 – Xtreme 5 def Brewers 3

Round 3 – Xtreme 6 def Stars 4

Round 4 – Stars 4 def Brewers 3

Standings
1. Xtreme – 4 points
2. Stars – 3 points
3. Brewers – 2 points

STAT LEADERS - Click here. 

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS GAME

High intensity. The Xtreme can clinch first place at the mid-way point with a win over the Brewers. However, if the Brewers lose it will be three in a row, bottom of the ladder at the break and a big hole to climb out of.

We saw the Stars win while in desperation mode last week and we expect the Brewers to come out scrapping from puck drop. The Xtreme will have to match the intensity.

THINGS WE WE’RE WATCHING

1. Puck Possession: It’s a lot easier to create scoring opportunities when you have the puck and that happens right from the face-off. The Xtreme have dominated the face-off circle by winning 72% of the draws early in the season. The Brewers, meanwhile, are at the bottom of the competition winning just 37% of draws.
    
2. Interstate Additions:  One of the most fun things about the NHSL has been watching new players play with each other from all across the country. The Brewers had Western Australian Tomek Sak from the beginning of the season and he’s been very impactful. Last week they added Jayden Ryan (Newcastle) who had two assists on debut. This week they add Queenslander Harley Anderson, who played two years with the Adelaide Adrenaline. Perhaps the addition of the centreman can help them in the face-off circle.
   
   The Xtreme have brought in 287-game AIHL veteran Adrian Esposito (Sydney) for the next two games. He can play pretty much anywhere and brings a lot of experience to the fold.
   
   You can read about the recruits here.
    
3. How they start: The Xtreme have yet to trail in any of their games so far. In fact, they have led by at least three goals after 40-minutes in both their games. How will they play if they are in a close one late? Meanwhile, the only time the Brewers have led is when Ben Handberg scored an OT winner in Game #1. The Brewers need to do a better job of starting on time.
    
4. Depth, depth, depth: Each team should be able to roll four lines on Friday. That doesn’t happen often in Australian Ice Hockey. That makes things fun in terms of line matching, potential combinations and maintaining a high-level of play throughout the night. It should be fun.

GOALTENDER MATCH UPS

Xtreme: Jeremy Friederich – What’s been understated in the Xtreme’s two victories is the performance of Jeremy Friederich. In their 6-4 win over the Stars two weeks ago, Friederich had a huge second period. While trying to hold onto the lead, Jeremy kept everything out of the way and never really let the Stars get back into it. It’s been over two years since he’s played on a team that has lost when scoring the first goal – that right there shows how good he is with a lead.   

Brewers: Matus Trnka – The 17-year-old goalie has faced over 40 shots both games and kept his team in it. He’s quick, he’s acrobatic, he’s fun to watch. He didn’t start last game so we’re sure he’ll be motivated on Friday.   

POTENTIAL LINE COMBINATIONS 
 
Xtreme

O. Martin – N. Benson – X. Wardlaw 
A. Esposito – J. MacDougall – N. Maley
J. Siemens – D. Peterson – B. Taylor
A. Stapleton – J. Holland

D. Huxley – J. Geyer
A. Chen – G. Charbonneau
A. Widger – T. Tait
J. Sarcich

J. Friederich
C. Peacock

Brewers

T. Sak - S. Best - B. Handberg
N. Pau – J. Ryan - T. Leeming
T. Boyle – H. Anderson -  J. Klein
J. Pellerin - R. Matchoss - R. Boundy
C. Cook - D. Pope

Z. Boyle - J. O'Brien
C. Pope - A. Wise
T. Reese - D. Strawbridge 

M. Trnka
A. Glass