The weekends games saw the Phoenix travel down to Basingstoke to take on the Bison before returning to the Dome to play Slough. After the Phoenix much improved performance over Peterborough last sunday in the bank, saturday's game was a chance to carry on the revival, however, full concentration would be needed as the Bison are no easy team to play, especially in their own barn. In the end the Phoenix beat my own expectations, despite going down to the Bison the Phoenix scored 5 un-answered to come back to Altrincham with a 5-1 victory and both points on offer. Setting things up nicely and the Phoenix first shot at a 4 point weekend in a while!
First Period: Games against Slough have always been tough, ever since joining the EPL the Jets have had a good record against the Phoenix. In the Greener brothers they have some of the leagues best agitators, in Dan Davies they have one of the best Brits and in Calder and Pliskauskas they have two of the EPL's best forwards. The first period was entertaining, fast and relatively even but with Slough creating most of the clear cut chances. Only one goal came of the period, and came for Slough. Showing just how tight the margins are in this league, Calder was left alone on the hashmarks for one second and unleashed a laser of a wrist shot into the Phoenix net. 1-0 Slough and probably a fair return for their efforts, the goal coming at 7min 59sec.
Second Period: What followed, quite simply, was the worst period of hockey from the Phoenix I have seen yet! Slough utterly dominated the Phoenix and the Phoenix looked absolutely lost. Slough's onslaught began less than two minutes into the period when Calder got his second of the game at 21min 51sec. Their third and fourth goals came within two minutes of each other, with J Greener scoring on the powerplay at 27min 57sec and Dough Sheppard scoring a short handed goal at 29min 51sec. In fact that passage of play summed the Phoenix up this period. The Phoenix had, up to this point, had a couple of PP opportunities and struggled, again, to get set up in the opposition zone. Slough get a PP and score within 3 seconds! Then, as they are killing a penalty score a short handed goal. Then when Dan Davies got their 5th at 35min 21sec the Phoenix looked dead and buried. Im not sure if anyone did leave at that point but, I would have forgiven them for doing so!
Third Period: If the second period was the worst i'd ever seen at the Dome, the third showed the Phoenix grew a pair and started to fight and claw their way back into the game. After bemoaning the PP earlier above, it would be the Phoenix PP that would haul them back into the game. Tom Duggan scored first, getting another goal and deservedly so for his recent performances. His goal came at 44min 37sec, less than a minute and a half later Jaroslav Spelda capped his comeback game with a goal at 45min 54sec. Phoenix tails were up, the Phoenix faithful were right back in the game and the pressure continued. Slava (Dave) Koulikov score the Phoenix third goal at 49min 00sec to bring the Phoenix within two. But, despite pulling Fone for the extra attacker no further goals were scored and Slough headed back south with a 5-3 victory.
Verdict: A real chance missed for a four point weekend, one of the worst 20mins of play by a Phoenix team, and for over 40mins of the game absolutely nothing to tempt the hundreds of newbies in the Ice Dome. I am delighted the Phoenix showed some fight and got back into the game, certainly made the scoreboard more respectable, but that cant paper over the fact that for the most part, this was a step back for the Phoenix. Ok, a few lucky bounces in that third period comeback, especially for Koulikov and the Phoenix could have tied the game. The most worrying thing for me now, seems to be the trend where the Phoenix will pull off a great road win, only to scupper that by turning in a lackluster performance at home. I would absolutely trade road wins for home wins! That being said, the Phoenix are slowly returning to health, Tony Hand has had a few games now to see how the team plays, and hopefully to make improvements in game plan and tactics and once again, the Phoenix have a mixed weekend and yet, are still in touching distance of the top. I am thankful that this seasons EPL is so close and tough to call!
Attendance: Boosted by quite a few newbies I would guess around the 1,000 mark again!
Phoenix 3 Slough 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 3 Slough 5 - Sough Article
Phoenix 3 Slough 5 - CB Sport
Showing posts with label Adam Calder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adam Calder. Show all posts
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Phoenix v Slough Jets 17th March Game Review
Thursday night saw the Phoenix take on the Slough Jets at the Altrincham Ice Dome, this would be a very tough game, but the rewards would be great. A win, and just one point is needed to lift the EPL title, a loss would be disappointing but things would still be in the Phoenix hands! So off we all went to Altrincham to watch the penultimate home league game of the season!
First Period: Not sure if the situation was getting the better of the Phoenix in the first period, but we looked nervous, passes were not going to stick's and we just could not clear our own zone. Pasha guilty of sending two clearances up centre ice, one of which lead to a Slough goal. Thankfully the Jets hadn't hit top gear and didn't take full advantage of the Phoenix errors! Having said all that it was the Phoenix who scored first! Go figure! After 5min 05sec on the powerplay Marcus and Curtis combined with quick passing to cross the puck to the far post for a rushing Ben Morgan to bury the puck home! In a theme of the period it took the Jets less than a minute to equalize. Scoring at 6min 04sec through Pliskauskas. After a passage of play which saw the Phoenix struggle Tony Hand took the puck and put Rockman on his bum to re-take the lead, at 17min 42sec. Again, less than a minute later the Jets equalized through Ryan Watt at 17min 04sec.
Second Period: The Phoenix came out and looked a more settled outfit in the middle session! 5 minutes into the period Ben Morgan stepped up and shot through Rockman's legs from the blue line, a wonderful goal, timed 25min 46sec. The Phoenix continued to dominate the play in the second period, but Slough had their chances, even hitting the post on one occasion. The Jets would tie the game again at 37min 08sec when Thompson scored a short handed goal. These really annoy me, you should not concede shorthanded goals. It really was a collection of errors, from loosing possesion to a bad timed line change which left Slough up the ice 2 on 1. After the goal the Phoenix moved the puck into the offensive zone and began to work the powerplay, and just as Slough went back to full strength Curtis Huppe picked up his own rebound to score. Making it 4-3 at 38min 17sec.
Third Period: At 4-3 the Phoenix looked on course to take two points, however I have no idea what happened! The Phoenix seemed to sit back content to sit on the lead. Which is never a good thing, and something the Phoenix have never been able to do! At 48min 40sec the Jets started their comeback and tied the game though Adam Calder, perhaps Fone should have done better with that as the puck just went through him! The Jets then took the lead through Pliskauskas at 53min 48sec and the Phoenix began to panic. After having the moment in the second, then switching off in the third they couldnt get going, so it was no surprise that in the last 1min 30sec they pulled Fone for another attacker only to concede an empty net goal to Connelly at 59min 57sec. Final score 6-4 Jets.
Verdict: In truth, a poor overall game from the Phoenix! You cannot compete for 20 of the 60mins and expect to get anything! Especially against the Jets with the offensive talent they have in Calder and Pliskauskas! I think the main thing that worried me, was the nervousness we showed, was it the Phoenix chocking being so close? I don't know! I just hope the loss will remind the guys, a win is not guaranteed, and something they need to work hard for! Still, everything is still in the Phoenix hands, 3 points from 4 games. With the final weekend being against the Wildcats and Phantoms. Next up for the Phoenix is MK, that will be tough! I would be happy with a point from that one!
Attendance: A smaller crowd than usual, but mid-week faceoff's never generate big crowds! I would guess around 700 in the Ice Dome last night!
Phoenix 4 Slough 6 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 Slough 6 - CB Sport Article
First Period: Not sure if the situation was getting the better of the Phoenix in the first period, but we looked nervous, passes were not going to stick's and we just could not clear our own zone. Pasha guilty of sending two clearances up centre ice, one of which lead to a Slough goal. Thankfully the Jets hadn't hit top gear and didn't take full advantage of the Phoenix errors! Having said all that it was the Phoenix who scored first! Go figure! After 5min 05sec on the powerplay Marcus and Curtis combined with quick passing to cross the puck to the far post for a rushing Ben Morgan to bury the puck home! In a theme of the period it took the Jets less than a minute to equalize. Scoring at 6min 04sec through Pliskauskas. After a passage of play which saw the Phoenix struggle Tony Hand took the puck and put Rockman on his bum to re-take the lead, at 17min 42sec. Again, less than a minute later the Jets equalized through Ryan Watt at 17min 04sec.
Second Period: The Phoenix came out and looked a more settled outfit in the middle session! 5 minutes into the period Ben Morgan stepped up and shot through Rockman's legs from the blue line, a wonderful goal, timed 25min 46sec. The Phoenix continued to dominate the play in the second period, but Slough had their chances, even hitting the post on one occasion. The Jets would tie the game again at 37min 08sec when Thompson scored a short handed goal. These really annoy me, you should not concede shorthanded goals. It really was a collection of errors, from loosing possesion to a bad timed line change which left Slough up the ice 2 on 1. After the goal the Phoenix moved the puck into the offensive zone and began to work the powerplay, and just as Slough went back to full strength Curtis Huppe picked up his own rebound to score. Making it 4-3 at 38min 17sec.
Third Period: At 4-3 the Phoenix looked on course to take two points, however I have no idea what happened! The Phoenix seemed to sit back content to sit on the lead. Which is never a good thing, and something the Phoenix have never been able to do! At 48min 40sec the Jets started their comeback and tied the game though Adam Calder, perhaps Fone should have done better with that as the puck just went through him! The Jets then took the lead through Pliskauskas at 53min 48sec and the Phoenix began to panic. After having the moment in the second, then switching off in the third they couldnt get going, so it was no surprise that in the last 1min 30sec they pulled Fone for another attacker only to concede an empty net goal to Connelly at 59min 57sec. Final score 6-4 Jets.
Verdict: In truth, a poor overall game from the Phoenix! You cannot compete for 20 of the 60mins and expect to get anything! Especially against the Jets with the offensive talent they have in Calder and Pliskauskas! I think the main thing that worried me, was the nervousness we showed, was it the Phoenix chocking being so close? I don't know! I just hope the loss will remind the guys, a win is not guaranteed, and something they need to work hard for! Still, everything is still in the Phoenix hands, 3 points from 4 games. With the final weekend being against the Wildcats and Phantoms. Next up for the Phoenix is MK, that will be tough! I would be happy with a point from that one!
Attendance: A smaller crowd than usual, but mid-week faceoff's never generate big crowds! I would guess around 700 in the Ice Dome last night!
Phoenix 4 Slough 6 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 Slough 6 - CB Sport Article
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Phoenix v Slough Jets 30th January Game Review
Last weekend was a toughie for the Phoenix, saturday night saw a trip down to play the Bison, who have been in some good form of recent. Then a home game against the Slough Jets, bonafide title chasing teams. Going into the weekend I would have been happy with 3 points, an OT loss in Basingstoke and a home win against the Jets.
Saturday night's game also saw the debut of Joe Miller in a Phoenix shirt, and it sounds like he had the desired effect. Scoring our first goal and helping the boys to a 5-4 overtime win. A great result in a tough place to play! What sounded even better was the performance and determination to come from behind on 4 occasions. Pleased to see Tom Duggan also drop the gloves, squaring up against ex Phoenix player Carl Graham. Highlights can be seen on the Basingstoke Bison website.
Sunday saw the Jets head north including new signing Adam Calder, of ex Coventry Blaze fame. After what could have been a devastating loss of Blaz Emersic to the MK Lighntning, Calder has come in and filled that gap. In fact in his first five games, I think Calder is on something like 5 goals and 5 assists. An impressive return for one of the best players to ever play in the EPL! Anyway the Jets got off to the best possible start scoring after 30 seconds. Thankfully for the other 59min 30sec of the game the Phoenix dominated. I have always thought if you can shut Slough's top line down you shut Slough down. The Phoenix managed to do so very well and neutralised the threat of Calder for the whole game. On the Phoenix side, Kristoffersson had another blinder, scoring goals with ferocious force! Joe Miller bagged another goal with a superb drive through centre ice straight at Greg Rockman.
The Phoenix skated to a deserved 5-1 victory capping an excellent 4 point weekend. Importantly two wins against fellow title chasing teams. As I mentioned on the Phoenix forum, the biggest plus for me, was the performance. This was a return to the Phoenix best, and I really think the introduction of Joe Miller helped boost the team. Hopefully Sharp will return soon to add the extra toughness he brings.
So a fantastic weekend for the Phoenix and some form they must continue. Next up for the Phoenix is a home game against the Bracknell Bees, just the one game next weekend.
Saturday night's game also saw the debut of Joe Miller in a Phoenix shirt, and it sounds like he had the desired effect. Scoring our first goal and helping the boys to a 5-4 overtime win. A great result in a tough place to play! What sounded even better was the performance and determination to come from behind on 4 occasions. Pleased to see Tom Duggan also drop the gloves, squaring up against ex Phoenix player Carl Graham. Highlights can be seen on the Basingstoke Bison website.
Sunday saw the Jets head north including new signing Adam Calder, of ex Coventry Blaze fame. After what could have been a devastating loss of Blaz Emersic to the MK Lighntning, Calder has come in and filled that gap. In fact in his first five games, I think Calder is on something like 5 goals and 5 assists. An impressive return for one of the best players to ever play in the EPL! Anyway the Jets got off to the best possible start scoring after 30 seconds. Thankfully for the other 59min 30sec of the game the Phoenix dominated. I have always thought if you can shut Slough's top line down you shut Slough down. The Phoenix managed to do so very well and neutralised the threat of Calder for the whole game. On the Phoenix side, Kristoffersson had another blinder, scoring goals with ferocious force! Joe Miller bagged another goal with a superb drive through centre ice straight at Greg Rockman.
The Phoenix skated to a deserved 5-1 victory capping an excellent 4 point weekend. Importantly two wins against fellow title chasing teams. As I mentioned on the Phoenix forum, the biggest plus for me, was the performance. This was a return to the Phoenix best, and I really think the introduction of Joe Miller helped boost the team. Hopefully Sharp will return soon to add the extra toughness he brings.
So a fantastic weekend for the Phoenix and some form they must continue. Next up for the Phoenix is a home game against the Bracknell Bees, just the one game next weekend.
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