We can’t wait for big derby games, says Stars’ Andersson

ICE HOCKEY: Team is better than its position, says hitman as Fife Flyers look to arrest their own slump in form

You may think Johan Andersson and his Dundee Stars team-mates would be dreading facing high-flying Fife Flyers in a key double-header this weekend – but not a bit of it.

In fact, he is relishing the chance even though there is a 16-point gap and eight places between the teams in the Elite League table.

The Swedish hit man believes bottom club Stars are showing signs of improvement and the Tayside team would love to snap their five-game losing streak against their near neighbours and arch rivals.

The 31-year-old from Nynshamn is in his second season at Dundee and says Stars will be pumped for the doubleheader.

Dundee host Fife tomorrow at 7pm, with the return on Sunday at the Fife Ice Arena (6.30pm).

And he urged Stars’ fans to turn up in numbers at Dundee and Fife.

The Swede underlined that the squad is unhappy about its league position.

“We practice hard and practice good every day and we can turn this (form slump) around,” he said.

“Last week it was a lot better and it was a step forward and I am sure the turning point will come.”

He added: “Playing Fife is always special and there will be lots of people and it means a lot to our fans.

“They (Fife) are a really good team and they are high up in the standings, but it is a great opportunity for us.”

Coach Omar Pacha has urged fans to turn out and Andersson said Stars feed off their fervour.

He said: “We always have our fans behind us but, when we have extra, that gives us a lot of energy.”

Fife’s coaching staff will look to carry their late rally at Cardiff Devils into the weekend.

Charles Linglet opened the scoring after 12 minutes and 47 seconds and Devils doubled their lead just over three minutes later when Matt Pope tucked the puck past netminder Shane Owen.

Linglet extended the lead to 3-0 in the 46th minute but Flyers opened their account after 52 minutes with a powerplay strike from Mike Cazzola to make it 3-1.

Devils looked as if they were going to coast to the final whistle, especially when they were awarded a powerplay with just over two minutes left but Joe Basaraba, however, netted shorthanded on 58 minutes to make it a tight finish.

Owen was pulled for an extra attacker, but the Devils held on to take revenge on Fife for their home defeat a fortnight ago.

It was Flyers’ third straight reverse and they have slipped to third position in the 11-strong table behind Devils.

In fact, Fife’s last win was on Saturday, November 10, a 3-2 success at Kirkcaldy over Manchester Storm.

Last Saturday’s 6-2 home defeat to Sheffield Steelers still hurts and the 3-2 shoot-out defeat at Nottingham Panthers means the Flyers have only taken one point from a possible six.

That is not the form required to stay in contention at the top of the pile and head coach Todd Dutiaume and his assistant Jeff Hutchins have their work cut out to lift their squad ahead of the Dundee double.

Playing Fife is always special and there will be lots of people and it means a lot to our fans. JOHAN ANDERSSON

Picture: Derek Black. Dundee Stars’ Johan Andersson says the squad is far better than its league position would suggest.