Storm come back from three down to take win

Photo: Derek Black

Manchester Storm battled back from three goals down to take a crucial shootout win in Dundee as the Stars celebrated the return of bigger crowds.

The opening period was a story of penalties as the hosts came out with a two-goal lead after 20 minutes. Kyle Haas and Linden Springer had an early scuffle with inside four minutes, before the Storm ran into penalty trouble. With Frankie Melton in the box for hooking, Spencer Dorowicz deflected home Charlie Combs cross-crease shot to make it 1-0 with 9:25 played.

Six seconds later Melton was back in the box, this time for slashing, and though Storm killed that penalty they took two in quick succession with Jaren Vanvormer and Scott Simmonds heading off. Dorowicz pounced on a loose puck after Sebastian Bengtsson's shot to double the Stars' lead at 13:31 on the 5-on-3.

Philippe Sanche made it three 96 seconds into period three off a Combs drop pass, but at 29:13 the Storm got themselves back in things - Tyson Fawcett firing from the blueline and seeing his shot go all the way through.

Jared Vanwormer's powerplay goal brought the visitors back to within one with 11:42 to play, and after some good pressure in front of Adam Morrison Frankie Melton beat the Stars' netminder in front to tie things with 2:59 left in regulation.

The Stars had the edge in chances in overtime but neither side could find the golden goal. In the shootout, Adam Brady and Tyson Fawcett both scored, with Sanche the lone Stars scorer, giving Storm the bonus point.

The win ended Storm's seven-game losing run.