Milano's win2day Ice Hockey League journey begins with a 3-1 victory: at the end of a hard-fought, gritty match, coach Shedden's boys snatch the 3 points from Innsbruck. An excellent performance from Jake Smith between the pipes.
Milano sports its new white away jersey: Valentine wears the captain's "C" on his chest, with McKegg and Grant as alternates for away games. In a roster still missing Allison, coach Shedden confirms the lines seen in the last preseason outings. Smith starts in net and starts very well: his saves give confidence to a Milano side that contains the "Sharks'" surges well in a scoreless first period. The best chance of the opening twenty minutes actually falls to Milano through Hannoun, just out of the penalty box: his shot rings off the post.
The Blue-and-Reds start the middle frame in the best possible way: the McLaughlin-Caamano-Hannoun line, the most cohesive so far this season, finds the net in the third minute. Great work from Caamano, assisting McLaughlin who picks out the far corner through traffic. Down 0-1, the home side rally and raise the tempo, camping in the attacking zone for long stretches. Some scrambles result, which Milano's defense manages to contain. Smith shines again. Danger averted, the Blue-and-Reds finish the second period strong and in the lead.
In the third period, Innsbruck ties it on the power play through Benker: good puck movement and a slapshot that leaves Smith no chance. Milano retakes the lead just seconds later thanks to a deflection in the slot by Dal Colle. The lead holds despite the ferocity of the Austrian attacks. Diego Cuglietta seals Milano's first league win with an empty-net goal. A final celebration in the section packed with 100 fans who traveled from Milan. The road trip continues on Sunday: Milano heads to Linz to face the home team Black Wings. Live and free on DAZN starting at 4:00 PM.
