Fast start wins it for Flames

Photo: Derek Black

Guildford Flames scored three goals in the opening period in Dundee, enough to beat the Starts by 3-1 on Saturday night and condemn the hosts to a zero-point weekend.

"We came up here to get two points, we played with five defensemen so we knew we needed to keep it simple. I thought all three periods we kept it simple, kept shots to the outside, executed in the O-zone and played a really good road game," said Flames goalie Jake Kupsky, who was denied a shutout inside the final minute.

An early power play opportunity for the visitors allowed Guildford to open the scoring at 06:15. Quick passing by the Flames opened space on the left wing for Daniel Tedesco, who sent a wrist shot past Jarrett Fiske and make it 1-0.

Dundee looked to generate some much-needed offense in the Flames’ zone, however a takeaway on the blue line by Joshua Waller resulted in a three-on-one opportunity for Guildford. Ethan Strang received the pass, and quickly doubled the lead at 07:41 with a shot that beat the Stars’ netminder.

Matt Alvaro added to the visitors lead at 17:41, tipping a shot from the point by Mike Crocock past Fiske and sending Guildford into the first intermission with a 3-0 lead.

A scoreless second period saw the visitors maintain control throughout, forcing Jarrett Fiske to make some key saves to keep Dundee in the game.

The short-benched Stars team battled hard to get on the scoresheet, however the Flames used their speed to negate any high danger chances getting to Jake Kupsky’s net. The American netminder provided solid goaltending when required, sending Guildford into the second intermission up 3-0 after a period that took just 28 minutes to complete.

Jonathan McBean beating Jake Kupsky to break his shutout with 59 seconds to play was a brief moment of joy for the 1,777-strong home crowd, but the damage had been done the first and the Flames held on for the win.

"I think we're just buying in a little bit more, we're willing to play just that bit harder and that much smarter for the next guy on the bench. We're tightening this up, and we've just got to keep it going," continued Kupsky. "I thought I played alright. The guys made it pretty simple for me in front, getting good blocks, making sure they get a good box out so I can see pucks. Anytime you get two points you're pretty excited about it, so it was good."