The weekend just gone saw the Phoenix play
in Altrincham on a rare saturday night fixture before travelling down to
Shropshire to take on the Tigers sunday. A big crowd descended on the Ice
Dome with hopes of a Phoenix victory, going into the game the Phoenix were
without Tony Hand who was at the helm of Team GB in Japan.
First Period: The game opened up with
the, Tony Handless Phoenix, taking the bull by the horns and exploding
out the traps. Within the first 30seconds the Phoenix were on the board
and ahead in the game. Flaten with the first score after just 27 seconds.
Sometimes early goals are good, sometimes they are not. The early goal
settled the Phoenix as they set about the Phantoms. This Phantoms team
work hard and in Lauko, much like his time in Bisonland, they have a player
who seems to score regularly against the Phoenix. Lauko pulled the Phantoms
level after 14min 05sec. No further score and the teams headed into the
intermission level at 1-1.
Second Period: The Phoenix began to
take control in the second period. The next goal of the game came for the
Phoenix at 21min 04sec when Robert Schnabel took a bullet of a shot from
the blue line to give the Phoenix the lead, the big Czech D man was at
it again when he got his second at 23min 12sec.. With 5 minutes to go in
the period the Phoenix extended their lead through the in form Andy McKinnie
when he got the Phoenix 3rd goal at 35min 46sec. End of the period scores
on the doors were 4-1 Phoenix.
Third Period: Things went a bit mental
in the third period, the Phoenix began to loose focus and the Phantoms
slowly fought their way back into the game. McKinnie got his second of
the game about two minutes into the period to make it 5-1 Phoenix and here
began the Phantoms fight back. While on the powerplay Ferrara scored at
44min 57sec. The most frustrating thing about the goal was, the Phoenix
had failed so far on their PP and, as soon as Peterborough got a PP opportunity,
they scored. The Phoenix got one to add to their tally from Long at 48min
57sec to make it 6-2, but this sparked the Phantoms into life. 3 un-answered
goals brought the Phantoms within one goal of the Phoenix. Glowa got the
Phantoms 3rd at 45min 33sec then Carlon reduced the deficit to two at 50min
36sec. Then, with less than 5 minutes to go the Phantoms ensured some 'squeaky
bum time' when they grabbed number 5 at 55min 14sec when Glowa got another.
This goal incensed the crowd and Schnabel. Prior to the goal Ciaran Long
laid a lovely hip check on a Phantoms player but, was called for clipping.
Schanbel had words and then, when the Phantoms scored, lost it and got
himself ejected on an abuse of official call. With the clock ticking down
the Phantoms pressed for the equaliser but, the Phoenix would grab the
last goal of the game. James Archer getting a just reward at 59min 18sec.
Verdict: Not the best of games for the
Phoenix, at times they were brilliant, at times they were stupid. Schanbel,
as the most experienced guy on the ice for the Phoenix let himself down
during the last 5 minutes which could have hurt us badly. The Phantoms
are a tricky opponent and the Phoenix coped well but, did look to miss
Tony's calming influence at times. It's quite noticeable how much focus
he brings to the dressing room.
Attendance: Very good crowd for a saturday
night game, i'll guess at around 1,200 in.
Phoenix 7 Peterborough 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 7 Peterborough 5 - Phantoms Article
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