Phoenix v Peterborough Phantoms 9th March Game Review

The Phantoms game saw another sell-out crowd at the Ice Dome, this was the last game valid for the Groupon offer that had been so successful for the club. After the superb win against the Bison the previous weekend the Phoenix had another chance to produce a performance to hook the newbies in the crowd. The Phantoms can prove to be tricky opponents, Phoenix have often struggled down in Peterborough but enjoyed more comfortable games back in Altrincham. Hopefully this would be another good game for the home fans.

First Period: The game got underway with a cracking atmosphere in the Ice Dome, Phoenix went on the offensive right from the off with some good early chances on the Phantoms net. The home fans did not have to wait long, the first goal of the game came from James Archer at 4min exactly. Phoenix had the goal and needed to build, the Phantoms however, are a difficult tricky team to play and got themselves on the board soon after. Lauko continuing his impressive scoring form against the Phoenix by scoring at 9min 02sec. Phoenix hit right back when the top line clicked and the super sniper Psurny added to his goal tally, scoring at 11min 54sec. The period had seen goals so far, the crowd were happy, but the Phantoms just wouldnt go away. Lauko scoring yet again at 14min 38sec on the powerplay to make it 2-2. That's how the period ended, quite an entertaining opener to be fair!

Second Period: Phoenix had to tighten up and help Jazzy out to win this game, and that's exactly what they did. They kept up the pressure but really controlled the area in front of the Phoenix net. Not really allowing the Phantoms much joy in and around the slot. Jazzy was performing very well in goal to deal with any shots that did come through and the mucky stuff around the crease. Phoenix took the lead once again when Pozivil scored a beauty of a goal at 25min 54sec one he really savoured. 10 minuted later Barri McKenzie continued his recent rich vein of scoring when he put the Phoenix two goals clear at 35min 31sec. The final 5 minutes passed with no further goals and, at the second break, the Phoenix led 4-2.

Third Period: Phoenix looked to push on and closeout the game in the final session and they had the game all but won in the first 5 minutes. With the Phoenix on the powerplay McKenzie got another goal at 41min 31sec. Then, less than 3 minutes later Psurny notched another at 44min exactly. The games was done, Phantoms demoralised, when Phoenix bagged number 7 at 44min 52sec when James Archer scored again. The Phantoms called a timeout and Phoenix swapped El-Hage for Jazzy in goal. The final 15 minutes of the game passed with no further goals and little attacking effort from the Phantoms. The Phoenix content to wind down the clock and secure a fine win.

Verdict: Another big crowd, another great performance. While the game wouldn't win any awards for stellar play. The newbies in the crowd will remember the win and seeing lots of goals. Mission accomplished for the Phoenix!

Attendance: As with the Bison, a 2,200 sellout.

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