So I wanted to give my thoughts on each teams 0809 season and give my verdict on how they did. I wont be giving massive in-depth reviews just a few thoughts on each team. Ive decided to go through each team in league order however Ill do my review of the Phoenix last.
Sheffield Steelers
If any team summed up the phrase ‘Offence wins games, defence wins championships’ it’s the Sheffield Steelers. As you can see from the league table of the 13 games the Steelers lost all season over half were lost in OT. That’s an extra 7 points the Steelers were able to grind out over the season. When you look at the rest of the league most teams were lucky to pick up a loss in OT, most were lost in regulation. The Cardiff Devils were the only team to match the Steelers OT loss numbers.
The Steelers were also a team who did not have to rely on one or two stand out point’s scorers. With the point scoring spread pretty evenly across the team, coupled with one of the meanest defences in the league its not hard to see why they romped to the title. Plus with the wall that was Jody ‘Is a girls name’ Lehman in net it was near as damn it impossible for opposing teams to score!
So despite the fact I dislike the Steelers immensely and think that Dave Simms is a right royal tit, I can acknowledge they deserved the league title. They also deserved the playoff win too, the Panthers looked good in their semi-final but the Steelers made them look ordinary. It really was a case of inevitability when the Steelers scored!
So the house of tin will expect more of the same in 0910! For the rest of us the arrogant fans in the stand will never let us forget last season!
Coventry Blaze
Paul over at the Breakaway Hockey blog has commented many times about the Blaze season being a bit hit or miss. I can only echo those comments, a team in much flux after the loss of many star players last summer. The Blaze rebuilt around JF Perras in net, I had always thought Perras was a great net minder up in Scotland, so when he moved to the Blaze I thought they had a good un! But Perras could only mirror the Blaze up and down season. Moments of shear class mixed in with some pretty inept performances. Its no wonder the Blaze faithful never really took to him.
Its been an uneasy season for Coventry, years of the success have conditioned the Sky Dome faithful to certain levels of success. So to finish a season with nothing and a pretty poor finals performance will go down as a bad season for the Blaze, despite their second place.
Coventry always put on a good performance at the Ice Dome and you could easily see their class. In that case why is it so hard for the Blaze to repeat that performance come finals weekend? In their game versus the Panthers they looked disinterested and flat, and im sure that’s not the first time ive thought that about the Blaze at finals weekend!
Success will be demanded next season, so it will be an interesting off season for those in Coventry!
Nottingham Panthers
So the biggest team in the league, the biggest wage bill in the league the ‘best’ arena in the league won absolutely diddly squat, again, this past season. A team which consistently brakes the wage cap proves once again money cant instantly buy you a cup! Putting all that aside the Panthers could play some sublime hockey, and thoroughly deserved their place in the playoff final. Such a pity they came up against the Steeler machine!
Nottingham were probably the team the Phoenix had most success against, of those in the ‘big four’. For the most part the Phoenix were able to cope well with the Panthers, especially on our home ice. But the Panthers did play some exciting hockey and were a joy to watch. With Johnny Molin a permanent highlight whenever his ‘Gay Boots’ (*thanks Choir boys!) were on the ice!
I don’t ever really remember the Panthers having much of a defence though! The Panthers had obviously decided on the ‘well score more than the opposition’ line of thinking. Michelle Robinson did well in the Panthers net, but im sure he will want the first Steeler goal in the playoff finals back! Just seemed to go right through him!
So the Panthers faithful will expect trophies for 0910, but unless a change in ethos I fear Nottingham will, once again, finish up trophy less.
Belfast Giants
The Giants were very similar to the Panthers, loaded with offensive talent but not much at the back. With Stevie Lyle in net you were never sure what performance you were going to get from him. A great GB net minder, but one prone to prolonged periods of wobbliness!
As a Phoenix fan I have become very well acquainted with the Giants over the course of the season. They play fantastic attacking hockey, but more and more with an underlying dirty/chipyness, which I hate with a passion! They always seemed willing to play dirty to get a win. The Giants season never really got going and they seemed unable to put a sustained run together to bother those at the top.
The Giants faithful will be satisfied with two trophies, won against a tired Phoenix side playing a million games in one month. I do wonder if the result would have been different had it not been for our fixture pileup!
So for next season the Giants will need to retain the offensive talent they had for 0809, including, possibly the only player to really bother DAB, Paul Deniset! But they will also need to add some defensive metal to the roster. Weather they can to stay under the wage cap is another thing though!
Cardiff Devils
The Devils are the team I like to peg the Phoenix to, to measure our development and success in the league. Despite their league placing I really don’t think the Devils are hugely better than the Phoenix. Had it not been for the Phoenix’ march madness I think we could have taken 5th place. Bu they the table shows what happened and the Devils did play some good hockey over the season.
Led by Mr Cardiff Devils Brad Voth the Devils had a fair few star players, but as normal they all got injured! Must be something in the water! As with previous season the Devils would surprise everyone with a good run only for it to fizzle out and come to nothing.
So the Devils finished the season with nothing, and made their now regular appearance at the finals weekend, sadly with their now regular loss in the semi’s. The time is coming for the Devils, I think 0910 could reward the Devils with a trophy, if they stay healthy!
The Devils are pretty much where I want the Phoenix, good crowds consistent appearances in Nottingham and finally some stability. For 0910? Trophies should come!
Showing posts with label Belfast Giants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Belfast Giants. Show all posts
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Friday, 27 March 2009
Knockout Cup Final
Belfast Giants (7) 4 - 2 (5) Manchester Phoenix
Well that says it all really, the Phoenix second shot at some silverware ended the way the first did! This time we did score first and looked to be doing ok, but an early Giants goal in the third, about 40 odd seconds in, took the wind out of the Phoenix sails and the Giants never looked back!
Im still gutted, our little team has come so close to two cups and yet fallen at the last hurdle. I just hope the Phoenix can come back and knock over the Panthers, we deserve something for our season!
I cannot fault the guys effort, by all accounts they kept fighting to the end. Im just gutted they have nothing to show for it! We could blame the ref but that would not solve anything, the Phoenix have just suffered from our March madness. Too many fixtures in one month have just meant our third period is usually run on fumes! For this reason I worry about our playoff chances against the Panthers. I think for the 1st and 2nd periods of both games we will compete with them, but I do worry about our legs in the third!
If the hockey gods can smile on us at least once this season, please let it be now!
Anyway to all you out there in readerland, have a great weekend, enjoy the hockey and ill see you in Nottingham!
The Boys done us proud.
Well that says it all really, the Phoenix second shot at some silverware ended the way the first did! This time we did score first and looked to be doing ok, but an early Giants goal in the third, about 40 odd seconds in, took the wind out of the Phoenix sails and the Giants never looked back!
Im still gutted, our little team has come so close to two cups and yet fallen at the last hurdle. I just hope the Phoenix can come back and knock over the Panthers, we deserve something for our season!
I cannot fault the guys effort, by all accounts they kept fighting to the end. Im just gutted they have nothing to show for it! We could blame the ref but that would not solve anything, the Phoenix have just suffered from our March madness. Too many fixtures in one month have just meant our third period is usually run on fumes! For this reason I worry about our playoff chances against the Panthers. I think for the 1st and 2nd periods of both games we will compete with them, but I do worry about our legs in the third!
If the hockey gods can smile on us at least once this season, please let it be now!
Anyway to all you out there in readerland, have a great weekend, enjoy the hockey and ill see you in Nottingham!
The Boys done us proud.
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
2009 Elite Leage Playoff Quarter Final Preview
Well that’s it for another year, the regular season has finished and we have only two weeks of hockey left! Then we will have to put up with football for another couple of months before the countdown to 09/10 begins! Anyway for today’s post I wanted to preview the finals match ups and offer my own thoughts on what may happen, what I want to happen and a quick summary of who will be key for each team. This years match ups genuinely offer a few surprises and potential slip ups. I can honestly see a situation where none of the top 4 make it. It wont happen but there could be a few surprise packages in Nottingham on the 4th April!
Anyway onto the quarter final games:
Sheffield Steelers vs Edinburgh Capitals
Well this is an interesting tie, and one which may not be as clear cut as you may think. The big thing about playoff hockey is that any game is for the taking, league placings count for nothing come finals hockey. Added to this the Steelers have really been coasting coming into the playoffs and the Caps have hit a great run of form to take them clear of Hull in 8th. Another thing in the Caps favour is having the first leg in Sheffield, and Ice Sheffield for that matter. A rink that, even Steeler fans themselves, admit has not been the happiest hunting ground for the Steel machine. So if the Caps can keep it close or tied down in Sheffield they must fancy their chances back on home ice!
Steelers player to watch: Well you cant look past Jody Lehman really! This man has been in scintillating form all season backstopping a team to only 6 regulation losses all season. This man is the main reason behind the Steelers success this season!
Capitals player to watch: Has to be Mark Hurtubise, this man has simply been awesome for the Capitlals. A man who has stuck with them all season and fell just two points shy of the magical 100 point barrier. If he hits top form against the Steelers he could send the Capitals to Nottingham.
Who will win: In my heart of hearts I want the Caps to win, just upset the cart and provide some intrest in Nottingham. I recon there will be 8 sets of supporters behind the Caps in this one! However if I listen to my head I can see the Steelers winning this, they have been a ruthless machine for most of the season and can wipe the floor with anyone on their day. Ill go for a tight Steelers win, but will hope for different!
Coventry Blaze vs Newcastle Vipers
This is another playoff pairing which could well throw up a surprise. Coventry are not the dominating force they used to be, and in Perras they have a good nettie but not one in top form like Lehman. Newcastle on the other hand have a fast team, but one suffering from injuries. The other thing that may hinder them is their tendency to spend most of the game in the penalty box, and with the Blaze having players such as Calder and Deschatelets that could be terminal!
Blaze player to watch: Difficult to pick on guy out when the Blaze have 4 players with 70+ points for the season. But im going for Adam Calder, a second stonking year and only piped to the scoring post by David Alexandre Beauregard. Still a class player!
Vipers player to watch: Not sure who to go for on the Vipers roster, so ill pick David Longstaff, the only reason being his annoying habit of being able to rack up points against the Phoenix! Despite how old and silly he looks he is still a vital cog in the Viper machine!
Who will win: I think this one is fairly simple to predict, while it is playoff hockey and anyone can win. I think recent injuries will hurt Newcaslte and ultimately Coventry should have the strength in dept to see them to Nottingham.
Nottingham Panthers vs Manchester Phoenix
Well this is the tie everyone on either side seemed to want, and for the same reasons too! Both sets of fans believe they can beat each other! Plus you could argue the Knockout Cup on Thursday could be ideal preparation for the Panthers. This will be a great tie and, putting aside my Phoenix tinted specs, I think this is the ite of the finals weekend! If they want to both teams can get the puck and play fast flowing hockey with scant regard to defence! They key for Nottingham is to get a good lead from the first leg in the NIC, the key for the Phoenix is to keep it close and look forward to the home leg in Alty. This second leg is already shaping up to be another ‘game of the season’ with ticket sales going very well we could have our second sell out, and anyone who has seen the Ice Dome full and in full flow will agree it’s a sight and sound to behold! In that atmosphere I fancy a Phoenix victory.
Panthers player to watch: Seeing as though Dan Tessier is injured I have to go for Brendan Cook. Leading the Panthers in scoring he could lead them to the finals.
Phoenix player to watch: I desperately don’t want to pick the obvious, but I cant! The key man will be David Alexandre Beauregard. The man is simply an awesome player and deserves his position at the top of the Elite League pile. If Nottingham don’t shut down our first line we could well see the Phoenix in Nottingham and not the hosts.
Who will win: It depends on the first leg for me, if we keep it close I really fancy the Phoenix to win. Even my head thinks we can do it, we have always had close games with the Panthers and either team has beaten each other on their home ice! So ill stick my head out and go for a Phoenix victory.
(Come on you cant be surprised! A Phoenix blog predicting a Phoenix victory?)
Belfast Giants vs Cardiff Devils
Probably the third tie where a top 4 team could be surprised! While the Giants recent form has not been great they also have the distraction of the Knockout Cup final on Thursday. While this may well have no effect on the Giants it will still be a hard fought tie. The Giants/Devils have worked up quite a rivalry this season and things could get sticky! Two evenly matched teams will face off in the O for the first leg, then its all back to the big blue tent for the second leg! Much like the Phoenix, if the Devils keep it close in the O I fancy them to take it on home ice!
Giants player to watch: Has to be Paul Deniset, with something like 3 hatricks in 3 different games in Altrincham id love to see this guy pull on a Phoenix jersey!
Devils player to watch: Im not going for the obvious top scorers on the Devils roster, no, im going for possibly the most hated player on Elite Ice. Step forward Mr Brad Voth, this man is simply Mr Cardiff Devils. While he is not the flashiest of players, on every Devils visit to Altrincham he manages to stir things up and get a few points on the board!
Who will win: This will be the tightest tie of the quarter finals and one which will be keenly fought. Even though the Giants have two cups in the bag already I do fancy the Devils to win this. They have hit form at just the right time, and always have a nack of reaching the finals weekend!
So there we have it, my predictions for finals weekend! Im really looking forward to the 4/5th April even if the Phoenix don’t make it! I really fancy this year as the year for a surprise and if my predictions come through it could be a weekend that shakes the established order in the Elite League.
So have fun this weekend everyone! In the next day or two ill post a quick few thoughts on Thursdays Knockout Cup second leg. A cup, which many fans, from so-called ‘larger’ clubs seem now to dismiss! Im sorry but it’s a piece of silverware isn’t it! Hopefully this blog will also have some information on the extensive fan coverage of finals weekend!
So keep your eyes and ears peeled this could be a cracking end to the season!
Anyway onto the quarter final games:
Sheffield Steelers vs Edinburgh Capitals
Well this is an interesting tie, and one which may not be as clear cut as you may think. The big thing about playoff hockey is that any game is for the taking, league placings count for nothing come finals hockey. Added to this the Steelers have really been coasting coming into the playoffs and the Caps have hit a great run of form to take them clear of Hull in 8th. Another thing in the Caps favour is having the first leg in Sheffield, and Ice Sheffield for that matter. A rink that, even Steeler fans themselves, admit has not been the happiest hunting ground for the Steel machine. So if the Caps can keep it close or tied down in Sheffield they must fancy their chances back on home ice!
Steelers player to watch: Well you cant look past Jody Lehman really! This man has been in scintillating form all season backstopping a team to only 6 regulation losses all season. This man is the main reason behind the Steelers success this season!
Capitals player to watch: Has to be Mark Hurtubise, this man has simply been awesome for the Capitlals. A man who has stuck with them all season and fell just two points shy of the magical 100 point barrier. If he hits top form against the Steelers he could send the Capitals to Nottingham.
Who will win: In my heart of hearts I want the Caps to win, just upset the cart and provide some intrest in Nottingham. I recon there will be 8 sets of supporters behind the Caps in this one! However if I listen to my head I can see the Steelers winning this, they have been a ruthless machine for most of the season and can wipe the floor with anyone on their day. Ill go for a tight Steelers win, but will hope for different!
Coventry Blaze vs Newcastle Vipers
This is another playoff pairing which could well throw up a surprise. Coventry are not the dominating force they used to be, and in Perras they have a good nettie but not one in top form like Lehman. Newcastle on the other hand have a fast team, but one suffering from injuries. The other thing that may hinder them is their tendency to spend most of the game in the penalty box, and with the Blaze having players such as Calder and Deschatelets that could be terminal!
Blaze player to watch: Difficult to pick on guy out when the Blaze have 4 players with 70+ points for the season. But im going for Adam Calder, a second stonking year and only piped to the scoring post by David Alexandre Beauregard. Still a class player!
Vipers player to watch: Not sure who to go for on the Vipers roster, so ill pick David Longstaff, the only reason being his annoying habit of being able to rack up points against the Phoenix! Despite how old and silly he looks he is still a vital cog in the Viper machine!
Who will win: I think this one is fairly simple to predict, while it is playoff hockey and anyone can win. I think recent injuries will hurt Newcaslte and ultimately Coventry should have the strength in dept to see them to Nottingham.
Nottingham Panthers vs Manchester Phoenix
Well this is the tie everyone on either side seemed to want, and for the same reasons too! Both sets of fans believe they can beat each other! Plus you could argue the Knockout Cup on Thursday could be ideal preparation for the Panthers. This will be a great tie and, putting aside my Phoenix tinted specs, I think this is the ite of the finals weekend! If they want to both teams can get the puck and play fast flowing hockey with scant regard to defence! They key for Nottingham is to get a good lead from the first leg in the NIC, the key for the Phoenix is to keep it close and look forward to the home leg in Alty. This second leg is already shaping up to be another ‘game of the season’ with ticket sales going very well we could have our second sell out, and anyone who has seen the Ice Dome full and in full flow will agree it’s a sight and sound to behold! In that atmosphere I fancy a Phoenix victory.
Panthers player to watch: Seeing as though Dan Tessier is injured I have to go for Brendan Cook. Leading the Panthers in scoring he could lead them to the finals.
Phoenix player to watch: I desperately don’t want to pick the obvious, but I cant! The key man will be David Alexandre Beauregard. The man is simply an awesome player and deserves his position at the top of the Elite League pile. If Nottingham don’t shut down our first line we could well see the Phoenix in Nottingham and not the hosts.
Who will win: It depends on the first leg for me, if we keep it close I really fancy the Phoenix to win. Even my head thinks we can do it, we have always had close games with the Panthers and either team has beaten each other on their home ice! So ill stick my head out and go for a Phoenix victory.
(Come on you cant be surprised! A Phoenix blog predicting a Phoenix victory?)
Belfast Giants vs Cardiff Devils
Probably the third tie where a top 4 team could be surprised! While the Giants recent form has not been great they also have the distraction of the Knockout Cup final on Thursday. While this may well have no effect on the Giants it will still be a hard fought tie. The Giants/Devils have worked up quite a rivalry this season and things could get sticky! Two evenly matched teams will face off in the O for the first leg, then its all back to the big blue tent for the second leg! Much like the Phoenix, if the Devils keep it close in the O I fancy them to take it on home ice!
Giants player to watch: Has to be Paul Deniset, with something like 3 hatricks in 3 different games in Altrincham id love to see this guy pull on a Phoenix jersey!
Devils player to watch: Im not going for the obvious top scorers on the Devils roster, no, im going for possibly the most hated player on Elite Ice. Step forward Mr Brad Voth, this man is simply Mr Cardiff Devils. While he is not the flashiest of players, on every Devils visit to Altrincham he manages to stir things up and get a few points on the board!
Who will win: This will be the tightest tie of the quarter finals and one which will be keenly fought. Even though the Giants have two cups in the bag already I do fancy the Devils to win this. They have hit form at just the right time, and always have a nack of reaching the finals weekend!
So there we have it, my predictions for finals weekend! Im really looking forward to the 4/5th April even if the Phoenix don’t make it! I really fancy this year as the year for a surprise and if my predictions come through it could be a weekend that shakes the established order in the Elite League.
So have fun this weekend everyone! In the next day or two ill post a quick few thoughts on Thursdays Knockout Cup second leg. A cup, which many fans, from so-called ‘larger’ clubs seem now to dismiss! Im sorry but it’s a piece of silverware isn’t it! Hopefully this blog will also have some information on the extensive fan coverage of finals weekend!
So keep your eyes and ears peeled this could be a cracking end to the season!
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Knocout Cup Final 2nd Leg Preview
This Thursday see’s the Belfast Giants take on the Manchester Phoenix in Belfast for the right to lift the Knockout Cup. This tie is in the balance after a pretty darn good game at the Ice Dome, which left the scores at 3-3. Now you may well have been in a cave and not heard the unrest caused by the organisation of this final. If you’re a regular reader of this blog you will know my feelings on this already. Im not going to bang on about it so that will be my last comment on it.
As for the game at the O, it really is either teams to win! Personally I don’t think the Phoenix are at a disadvantage due to the scores being tied 3 a piece. As we know from the CC final the 4-3 lead did us no favours so a 3-3 game means ‘game on!’
I think this reason will bring the best out of the Phoenix, what better motivation for the team than a final at the winner takes all stage!
So I will make a quick comment on each teams performance and give my own prediction over who will win.
The Giants: You would think from the off the Giants have the best chance, 3-3 and the second leg in their own barn. They will need to get Paul Deniset and George Awada into the game early. I dislike the ex Manchester man quite a bit now for the way he plays. But he is so important to how the Giants function. In every game I have seen the Giants play in Altrincham he has been at the middle of everything prowling the ice. Always willing to mix things up, but also willing to play dirty! The destiny of the cup will also be decided by what mood Stevie Lyle is in, he can be an amazing stopper when in full flow. But he can also be completely hopeless!
The Phoenix: While it made no difference to the Knockout Cup Final the Phoenix will be buoyed by another win over the Giants. The only negatives to come out of the game were a number of injuries the Phoenix picked up due to some questionable play by certain Giants players. But they will, hopefully, have cleared up come Thursday. The Phoenix must not be scared of the big ice or taking the game to the Giants. They have just as much chance of winning this game as the Giants do. It will be essential to hit the ice flying and get in the Giants faces, as proved so well in the 1st leg of the CC Final. The Phoenix need to get David Beauregard into the game quickly, Tony Hand needs his passing head on and Kyle Bruce needs to get rattling the plexi! In a similar vein to Stevie in the Giants net, the success of the Phoenix will also depend on, arguably, the no.1 GB nettie in Steven Murphy playing a blinder! He is a class act in full flow.
Who will lift the cup? Well that’s the $64,000 question isn’t it! Either team can! With my Phoenix tinted specs on I think we can do it! We are not scared of the Giants and have shown we can beat them! It will be another close game, but I can see both teams lifting the cup! The Giants will fancy it on their own ice, in front of a large (probably) crowd and will want some more silverware in the cabinet.
Despite this im going for a tight Phoenix win, simply because once a club gets the whiff of silverware the determination and desire goes through the roof! The players will want to right the wrongs of the CC final and bring the first piece of silverware back to the Ice Dome.
It will be tough, it will be fast, but it will be another classic served up by this developing rivalry. Whoever said the Knockout Cup wasn’t worth it is an idiot, or more than likely, a fan of a club not in the final!
So that’s the Knockout Cup previewed, check back this time tomorrow for my inaugural play off quarter final preview.
As for the game at the O, it really is either teams to win! Personally I don’t think the Phoenix are at a disadvantage due to the scores being tied 3 a piece. As we know from the CC final the 4-3 lead did us no favours so a 3-3 game means ‘game on!’
I think this reason will bring the best out of the Phoenix, what better motivation for the team than a final at the winner takes all stage!
So I will make a quick comment on each teams performance and give my own prediction over who will win.
The Giants: You would think from the off the Giants have the best chance, 3-3 and the second leg in their own barn. They will need to get Paul Deniset and George Awada into the game early. I dislike the ex Manchester man quite a bit now for the way he plays. But he is so important to how the Giants function. In every game I have seen the Giants play in Altrincham he has been at the middle of everything prowling the ice. Always willing to mix things up, but also willing to play dirty! The destiny of the cup will also be decided by what mood Stevie Lyle is in, he can be an amazing stopper when in full flow. But he can also be completely hopeless!
The Phoenix: While it made no difference to the Knockout Cup Final the Phoenix will be buoyed by another win over the Giants. The only negatives to come out of the game were a number of injuries the Phoenix picked up due to some questionable play by certain Giants players. But they will, hopefully, have cleared up come Thursday. The Phoenix must not be scared of the big ice or taking the game to the Giants. They have just as much chance of winning this game as the Giants do. It will be essential to hit the ice flying and get in the Giants faces, as proved so well in the 1st leg of the CC Final. The Phoenix need to get David Beauregard into the game quickly, Tony Hand needs his passing head on and Kyle Bruce needs to get rattling the plexi! In a similar vein to Stevie in the Giants net, the success of the Phoenix will also depend on, arguably, the no.1 GB nettie in Steven Murphy playing a blinder! He is a class act in full flow.
Who will lift the cup? Well that’s the $64,000 question isn’t it! Either team can! With my Phoenix tinted specs on I think we can do it! We are not scared of the Giants and have shown we can beat them! It will be another close game, but I can see both teams lifting the cup! The Giants will fancy it on their own ice, in front of a large (probably) crowd and will want some more silverware in the cabinet.
Despite this im going for a tight Phoenix win, simply because once a club gets the whiff of silverware the determination and desire goes through the roof! The players will want to right the wrongs of the CC final and bring the first piece of silverware back to the Ice Dome.
It will be tough, it will be fast, but it will be another classic served up by this developing rivalry. Whoever said the Knockout Cup wasn’t worth it is an idiot, or more than likely, a fan of a club not in the final!
So that’s the Knockout Cup previewed, check back this time tomorrow for my inaugural play off quarter final preview.
Monday, 23 March 2009
Phoenix v Belfast 22nd March Elite/Knockout Cup 1st Leg Game Review
Last nights game was a 2-1 as it were, we had the last league game of the season to be played at Alty Ice Dome for the 0809 season and, to add to the value for money stakes, the first leg of the KnockOut Cup Final. Now if your a member of one of the numerous hockey forums around t'league you will probably know how the Phoenix fans have viewed the organising of this particular final. Yours truly even had a rant here. Weather you agree with me or not, its up to you, but either way the league have organised this competition particularly badly!
Anyway, last nights game was more about the cup final than the league game, as a win would do nothing for either team!
So onto the game and the umpteenth meeting between the Phoenix and Giants this month!
First Period: It was obvious from the opening exchanges that this game was not going to be played at the same helter skelter pace that the Challenge Cup Final was. Needless to say it was still end to end hockey of the finest quality. Two team who prefer to play hockey rather than rough it up, was truly a pleasure to watch! The first incident of the game saw Alex Dunn forced off the ice with a suspected back injury. Despite this it was the Phoenix who jumped on the score sheet first through Lucas Burnett at 4min 54sec. The Phoenix then ran into penalty trouble and played a good 6minute period with someone in the box. The trips to the penalty box took its toll and the Giants equalled at 19min 18sec on the power play through Tyler Howells.
Second Period: More of the same in the second, both teams working hard not wanting to make too many mistakes. The Giants took the initiative and, after some good early chances for both teams, who took the lead at 32min 24sec through Bobby Robins. Not to be outdone Luke Fulgham finished off a beautiful move to bring the Phoenix level at 37min 54sec.
Third Period: One last period left for the 1st leg, however if needed the overtime and penalties would be used to decide the win and the extra point. The Phoenix scored first at 44min 54sec when Luke Fulgham got his second of the night, and a rather tasty top shelf wrister off the post. The Giants tied it up with just over 5 mins left in the period, at 54min 04sec through Colin Shields. That's the way it ended, with the Knockout Cup going back to Belfast at 3 a piece. Now it was into OT and possibly penalties for the league result.
Overtime: 4 on 4 hockey followed with the open ice creating some great opportunities. It was the Phoenix who scored and took the extra point, and possibly a good psychological edge over the Giants. The game winning goal scored at 62min 10sec by Nathan Ward - incidentally in front of his folks!
Verdict: With the added incentive of the Knockout Cup this turned a potentially dull league game into an interesting free flowing hockey game. Im glad we got the win in our last home league game of the season, and despite what you may think im fairly happy about the Knockout Cup result too! As we have found out before the Phoenix have not been able to hold a lead in a cup final, so a tied result means 'game on' in Belfast. The Phoenix will know, to win the cup, you win the game! No better motivator than that! The one worrying thing to come from the game were the injuries the Phoenix picked up. We oviously lost Alex Dunn early on, however Luke Boothroyd left the game witha nasty cut to the chin, and later Cloots with a cut under the nose - he did return however! This was all due to some rather intresting hits from the Gians that went unpunished!
Attendance: Big crowd, but not as big as the CC final, so ill say about 1,500 in!
Phoenix TV highlights:
MEN article here.
So an evenly placed cup final, one which both teams will fancy winning!
With the league ending last night it has also decided the playoff finals pairings, and the Phoenix have got pretty much who we wanted in the Panthers. An interesting tie and one I fancy an upset in!
My plan for this week is to do two preview postings, one will address the second leg of the Knockout Cup and the second will preview the finals games across the board. Including my predictions on who will win and advance to Nottingham. Speaking of which, I booked my train tickets today! Cant wait!
Anyway, last nights game was more about the cup final than the league game, as a win would do nothing for either team!
So onto the game and the umpteenth meeting between the Phoenix and Giants this month!
First Period: It was obvious from the opening exchanges that this game was not going to be played at the same helter skelter pace that the Challenge Cup Final was. Needless to say it was still end to end hockey of the finest quality. Two team who prefer to play hockey rather than rough it up, was truly a pleasure to watch! The first incident of the game saw Alex Dunn forced off the ice with a suspected back injury. Despite this it was the Phoenix who jumped on the score sheet first through Lucas Burnett at 4min 54sec. The Phoenix then ran into penalty trouble and played a good 6minute period with someone in the box. The trips to the penalty box took its toll and the Giants equalled at 19min 18sec on the power play through Tyler Howells.
Second Period: More of the same in the second, both teams working hard not wanting to make too many mistakes. The Giants took the initiative and, after some good early chances for both teams, who took the lead at 32min 24sec through Bobby Robins. Not to be outdone Luke Fulgham finished off a beautiful move to bring the Phoenix level at 37min 54sec.
Third Period: One last period left for the 1st leg, however if needed the overtime and penalties would be used to decide the win and the extra point. The Phoenix scored first at 44min 54sec when Luke Fulgham got his second of the night, and a rather tasty top shelf wrister off the post. The Giants tied it up with just over 5 mins left in the period, at 54min 04sec through Colin Shields. That's the way it ended, with the Knockout Cup going back to Belfast at 3 a piece. Now it was into OT and possibly penalties for the league result.
Overtime: 4 on 4 hockey followed with the open ice creating some great opportunities. It was the Phoenix who scored and took the extra point, and possibly a good psychological edge over the Giants. The game winning goal scored at 62min 10sec by Nathan Ward - incidentally in front of his folks!
Verdict: With the added incentive of the Knockout Cup this turned a potentially dull league game into an interesting free flowing hockey game. Im glad we got the win in our last home league game of the season, and despite what you may think im fairly happy about the Knockout Cup result too! As we have found out before the Phoenix have not been able to hold a lead in a cup final, so a tied result means 'game on' in Belfast. The Phoenix will know, to win the cup, you win the game! No better motivator than that! The one worrying thing to come from the game were the injuries the Phoenix picked up. We oviously lost Alex Dunn early on, however Luke Boothroyd left the game witha nasty cut to the chin, and later Cloots with a cut under the nose - he did return however! This was all due to some rather intresting hits from the Gians that went unpunished!
Attendance: Big crowd, but not as big as the CC final, so ill say about 1,500 in!
Phoenix TV highlights:
MEN article here.
So an evenly placed cup final, one which both teams will fancy winning!
With the league ending last night it has also decided the playoff finals pairings, and the Phoenix have got pretty much who we wanted in the Panthers. An interesting tie and one I fancy an upset in!
My plan for this week is to do two preview postings, one will address the second leg of the Knockout Cup and the second will preview the finals games across the board. Including my predictions on who will win and advance to Nottingham. Speaking of which, I booked my train tickets today! Cant wait!
Friday, 20 March 2009
Phoenix v Hull 19th March Game Review
Bit of a strange game this one, it’s a game that does not mean much to the Phoenix but means everything to Hull. The Stingray’s knowing a win is vital if they are to make the playoffs. Plus with Edinburgh also in action it makes this game a real nail biter for the Stingrays. For the Phoenix its more a case of getting through the game unscathed, with a big game against the Giants coming up on Sunday the Phoenix need to take it easy to aid recovery ahead of the Knockout Cup Final.
First Period: Well, either the Phoenix are still tired, ill or just playing badly the Stingray’s raced to a 2-0 lead in the first 4 minutes. Not undeserved either, the Stingrays were flying, and hustling the Phoenix hard. If they could only have played all season like this they would not be second bottom! The first goal came on the power play at 2min 29sec when Pavel Gomenyuk rifled a shot above Murphy’s right shoulder, cracking shot! The second came 56seconds later at 3min 22sec when Lee Esders, jumped with Kenton Smith batted the puck down (debatable as to weather that should have been called an infraction!) and swept through unmarked on Murhpy to deak the Phoenix nettie and extend the lead. So far it was a lead well earned by the Stingray’s as the Phoenix had not shown much so far! However the Phoenix did make it onto the board at 13min 07sec on the powerplay through the leagues leading scorer and general all round nice guy David Beauregard!
Second Period: The first interval came at a good time for the Phoenix, as into the second period they shifted out of first gear. Despite this it was the Stingrays who extended their lead to 3-1 at 23min 34sec through Konstantin Kalmikov. Lucas Burnett would finally get the Phoenix on the board at 25min 48sec while shorthanded, he managed to find a gap in Cruickshank’s pads to light the goal light. Now the Phoenix goal machine really swung into action and Adam Walker would score two goals in 50seconds, his first at 30min 12sec with a sweet backhander that deceived Cruickshank, and then at 31min 02sec with a nice one timer to the top corner. This got the Phoenix nose in front for the first time in the evening. It was the Stingray’s who would have the last laugh in the period when, at 32min 41sec, Kalmikov would get his second of the night!
Third Period: Anyone’s game in the third now! The Phoenix were still scrabbling around in the lower gears but were now matching the Stingrays. A fairly clam period was shocked into life when Bruce Mulherin connected with a beautiful one-timer to put the Phoenix in the lead at 45min 29sec. The Stingrays were still fighting hard and fuller deserved to tie the game up again. Their 5th of the night came at 52min 02sec when the dependable Jeff Glowa got his first of the night.
Overtime: Not a lot happened in OT, each team traded chances with Beauregard arguably having the best opportunity.
Penalties: Onto penalties to decide the extra point:
1) Kalmikov – Hull – Scored 1-0
2) Walker – Manchester – Scored 1-1
3) Glowa – Hull – Scored 2-1
4) Mulherin – Manchester – Missed 2-1
5) Reynolds – Hull – Missed 2-1
6) Beauregard – Manchester – Scored 2-2
7) Kalmikov – Hull – Scored 3-2
8) Walker – Manchester – Scored 3-3
9) Glowa – Hull – Scored 4-3
10) Mulherin – Manchester – Missed 4-3
Verdict: As mentioned at the start a very strange game and performance from the Phoenix. A win for the Phoenix would not really do much for their league position so the usual intensity was not required. This showed and I think a mixture of exhaustion, illness and just a below par performance coupled with a tenacious Stingray performance meant I could not begrudge the Stingrays their first win over the Phoenix this season. A win which was much needed as the Capitals vanquished the Vipers in the nights other game! I was a little worried, though, over Murphy’s 5-hole, he seemed to leave it open quite a lot. I just hope the guys are getting rest to recover. If you want to read a review of the game from the Stingray’s perspective head over to the excellent F Block Blog for a quick read!
Attendance: Poor last night, I would say 6-700 in.
MEN Article here.
So the Phoenix still managed a point out of the game, personally I will hope for the same in Edinburgh Saturday night. That’s another game where the Phoenix don’t need a result, just get through it with the least amount of effort expended and injury free in readiness for Sunday. Which I hope the Phoenix will come out all guns blazing for!
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Challenge Cup Final
So last night saw the second leg of the Challenge Cup final over in Belfast at the Dundonald Ice Bowl. The Phoenix took a 4-3 lead into this second leg and if it was anything like the first leg, those fans in attendance were in for a treat!
Around 120 Phoenix fans made the trip and on arrival at the Bowl found only 75 seats to sit in! Good rink management there! Anyway I couldn’t make the trip due to lack of funds, and I was unable to watch the webcast too so I cant really comment much on the game!
In the end the Phoenix lost on the night 3-1 and 6-5 on aggregate, by all accounts the game was played at a frenetic pace and really was end-to-end action. Ill admit to writing this while totally gutted and I really do feel for the guys. This March has seen them play a ridiculous number of games, and with half the team sick and on anti-biotic's each player stood tall and worked his ass off for the cause. If I could pinpoint a moment the game turned, it would possibly be the third period in Altrincham. The Phoenix had a 4-0 lead at that point and the Giants fought back to 4-3. Now im not going to blame the guys, it really was a combination of fatigue and an excellent Giants side.
It seemed last night the Phoenix took some time to get going and the Giants really had the best of the first period. By the end of the first the Giants had scored 5 unanswered goals in the tie. It was always going to be a steep climb for the Phoenix and this made it even harder. But credit to the guys they brought it back level and then worked so damn hard for the rest of the game. So in my opinion I would say over 6 periods, the Phoenix shaded 2, the Giants shaded 2 and we will call the other 2 even! Hardly a shabby performance against such a powerful Belfast team!
So to have come so close to the clubs first piece of silverware and yet fall short is heart wrenchingly painful to take. But, as our friends over at Five Minute Major have alluded to, this will make us stronger! Hey all the best teams have to suffer heart break before success! It shows how far this team have come and the progress made, two cup finals in one season, improving on last seasons league placing and, lets face it, a decent chance of making finals weekend in Nottingham!
The Phoenix can hold their heads high and play with pride for the rest of the season, watch out Elite League, the Phoenix are coming!
Around 120 Phoenix fans made the trip and on arrival at the Bowl found only 75 seats to sit in! Good rink management there! Anyway I couldn’t make the trip due to lack of funds, and I was unable to watch the webcast too so I cant really comment much on the game!
In the end the Phoenix lost on the night 3-1 and 6-5 on aggregate, by all accounts the game was played at a frenetic pace and really was end-to-end action. Ill admit to writing this while totally gutted and I really do feel for the guys. This March has seen them play a ridiculous number of games, and with half the team sick and on anti-biotic's each player stood tall and worked his ass off for the cause. If I could pinpoint a moment the game turned, it would possibly be the third period in Altrincham. The Phoenix had a 4-0 lead at that point and the Giants fought back to 4-3. Now im not going to blame the guys, it really was a combination of fatigue and an excellent Giants side.
It seemed last night the Phoenix took some time to get going and the Giants really had the best of the first period. By the end of the first the Giants had scored 5 unanswered goals in the tie. It was always going to be a steep climb for the Phoenix and this made it even harder. But credit to the guys they brought it back level and then worked so damn hard for the rest of the game. So in my opinion I would say over 6 periods, the Phoenix shaded 2, the Giants shaded 2 and we will call the other 2 even! Hardly a shabby performance against such a powerful Belfast team!
So to have come so close to the clubs first piece of silverware and yet fall short is heart wrenchingly painful to take. But, as our friends over at Five Minute Major have alluded to, this will make us stronger! Hey all the best teams have to suffer heart break before success! It shows how far this team have come and the progress made, two cup finals in one season, improving on last seasons league placing and, lets face it, a decent chance of making finals weekend in Nottingham!
The Phoenix can hold their heads high and play with pride for the rest of the season, watch out Elite League, the Phoenix are coming!
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Knocout Cup Farce
This rant was originally going to be tacked onto the end of the Phoenix v Vipers game review from yesterday. However after thinking about it all and thrashing out a post its turned into an article in its own right. So boys and girls, seat belts fastened? Popcorn bought? Lets go!
If you check here is the link to the Knockout Cup Final details on the Phoenix site. Where you can read about the generous accommodation made by the Elite League and the Giants in terms of accommodating the, as yet to be played, Knockout Cup Final games against the Giants. Now ill admit im ranting about this with no knowledge about the dealings and communications between all three parties, as are everyone else really!
Now lets set a few things out first:
Ok so sorry they turned into a little rant to! As you will have read to accommodate the final the Phoenix V Giants game this sunday the 22nd March is doubling up as the 1st Leg of the Final. The second leg will be played at the O on Thursday the 26th March.
This is wrong on a number of levels:
Generally in life I don’t get very angry, the only times I do its always hockey related, and this is no exception im really angry about this! OK ignore this as a ‘little team fan rant’ but bullocks again, the big 4 and Elite League have had their way and had us over a barrel! This is a crappy deal, the Phoenix have lost out on a money spinning home second leg, a leg that potentially could have had the team lifting a trophy at home! The one concession I will make is it makes the last game of the season, against the Giants from a pointless league game into a meaningful cup final game, but that is it! Nothing else!
I just can’t calm down about this, the Phoenix really have been shafted!
I will doff my cap to Andy C and Neil who must have worked tirelessly sorting this out! But its not right we should be having the 2nd leg!
So phew, got that off my chest, onto tonight's CC Final 2nd Leg. This will be a tight game, and one im sure will be played at the same insane intensity levels of the first leg! I hope the Phoenix can do it, I wont be there in person but will be in spirit!
If you check here is the link to the Knockout Cup Final details on the Phoenix site. Where you can read about the generous accommodation made by the Elite League and the Giants in terms of accommodating the, as yet to be played, Knockout Cup Final games against the Giants. Now ill admit im ranting about this with no knowledge about the dealings and communications between all three parties, as are everyone else really!
Now lets set a few things out first:
- The problem has been created as both the Phoenix and the Giants have progressed to the final, both finals are two legs. Add in to the usual fixture crunch that happens at the end of the season and you are left with a perfect storm.
- The Giants are an arena team, so they don’t have huge amounts of flexibility in re-arranging or shoe horning in extra games! Having said that they do have Dundonald!
- The Elite League leaving the competition to run so late in the season.
- The Giants qualified for the CC Final first and got 2nd leg at home! Fair enough!
Ok so sorry they turned into a little rant to! As you will have read to accommodate the final the Phoenix V Giants game this sunday the 22nd March is doubling up as the 1st Leg of the Final. The second leg will be played at the O on Thursday the 26th March.
This is wrong on a number of levels:
- The Giants only have to make one visit to Altrincham, however the Phoenix have to make another trip to Belfast. To be fair the Giants should be making two trips to Alty, one for the league game and one for the 2nd Leg of the final! Which……
- Should be at Altrinhcam. Any scrap of credibility and fairness the league had has now firmly left the building. The Phoenix qualified for the final first and therefore, as the Giants had the 2nd leg of the CC final, we should have the 2nd leg of this final.
- So we could have had the final played over the Tue/Thu of next week, no big deal, the Phoenix have been playing like this all March!
- Plus I don’t buy the argument that this was the only date that O was available. Bullocks, that’s why the Giants have been using Dundonald, that’s why the CC final is in Dundonald. Play at Dundonald!
Generally in life I don’t get very angry, the only times I do its always hockey related, and this is no exception im really angry about this! OK ignore this as a ‘little team fan rant’ but bullocks again, the big 4 and Elite League have had their way and had us over a barrel! This is a crappy deal, the Phoenix have lost out on a money spinning home second leg, a leg that potentially could have had the team lifting a trophy at home! The one concession I will make is it makes the last game of the season, against the Giants from a pointless league game into a meaningful cup final game, but that is it! Nothing else!
I just can’t calm down about this, the Phoenix really have been shafted!
I will doff my cap to Andy C and Neil who must have worked tirelessly sorting this out! But its not right we should be having the 2nd leg!
So phew, got that off my chest, onto tonight's CC Final 2nd Leg. This will be a tight game, and one im sure will be played at the same insane intensity levels of the first leg! I hope the Phoenix can do it, I wont be there in person but will be in spirit!
Monday, 9 March 2009
Phoenix v Belfast 08th March Challenge Cup 1st Leg Game Review
Last night saw the biggest game in Phoenix history! This game was the first leg of the Challenge Cup final against the Belfast Giants. The second leg follows on St Pat’s day in Belfast at the Dundonald Bowl. Going into the game I knew the Phoenix have a good chance in this final, a first leg lead would be imperative! Against a very good Giants squad this was going to be difficult. The Phoenix needed to be on their A game and then some!
First Period: A frenetic opening period saw the Giants make the most of the chances, but thankfully they came up against an inspired Murphy in the Phoenix goal. Some of the seasons best hockey was on display to those in the Dome that first period! Thankfully the breakthrough game from the Phoenix at 06min 46sec when Luke Fulghum fired past Stevie Lyle in the Giants net. The Dome exploded as soon as the red light went on and the fans began to believe.
Second Period: No let up in the second period with the game going end to end, and both net minders were in fine shape. It was the Phoenix who scored the only two goals in the period to take a 3-0 lead. The first, of two in two minutes, came at 24min 06sec when returnee, from injury, Brucey Mulherin lit the light for the second time. The third came from the big man Brett Clouthier at 25min 23sec when he does what he does best, get on the net and put home the rebound. Then step forward David Beauregard who made it 4-0 at 31min 30sec. The reeling Giants called a timeout to reground and it more or less paid dividends with George Awada getting the Giants on the board! Despite this if the Dome was rocking, by the end of the second I think the whole of Altrincham new about it!
Third Period: The third belonged more to the Giants, as the Phoenix recent heavy schedule began to take its toll the Giants came more into the game. After 5 minutes of the period the Giants made it 4-2 through Colin Shields on a delayed penalty call. The game had reached Epic proportions by now and the end to end action did not stop. It was the Giants who got the final goal of the night to bring them within one of the Phoenix, with 5 minutes to play Evan Cheverie fired home. This left the Phoenix holding onto the lead to take to Belfast.
Verdict: Epic, simply epic! Easily the best game of the season, and I would say better than any Shuff/Nottingham game ever could be! A great/heroic performance from the Phoenix, and a damn fine performance from the Giants too! Im sure I share the same opinion of many a Phoenix fan who watched the game that, while we got the win it’s a case of what could have been! The Phoenix were 4-0 up in this game, what a lead to take to Belfast! Still if someone had offered me 4-3 before the game started I would have taken their hand off! The way Iook at it, a win is a win, a lead is a lead! Belfast have to score that goal, and the fact the game is not at the ‘O’ I think will help the Phoenix!
Attendance: Easily the biggest crowd of the year, I would say at least 1,800 in last night! I really wish Phoenix TV could convey the atmosphere, it was rocking in the Dome and as mentioned above that atmosphere could beat the ‘Biggest rivalry in Europe’! For those of you unable to attend I say, you missed an amazing game! To those of you who were there, I salute you!
Anyway a lot to look forward to in the second leg, where either team could really take it! Its also encouraged me for the next final showdown with the Giants in the Knockout Cup! Bring it on I say!
Phoenix TV:
MEN Article
Monday, 19 January 2009
Phoenix v Belfast 18th January Game Review
This is up a bit earlier than planned, ill be completing a new years resolution tomorrow at lunchtime....hopefully! Ill be able to post pics to prove it!
So the Phoenix were away in the House of Tin, Friday night to face the Steelers. As usual with games away in Shuff my expectations are a loss, but with this seasons team I expect a point from the game! Keeping tabs on IH update through the evening showed that it was a tight game. However the Phoenix lost out in regulation time. I remember being a little disappointed with the result, but more worried about the 3rd loss in a row! With the Giants at the Dome next, it was going to be tough for the Phoenix to break that run!
Anyway onto the Giants game, as mentioned before the Giants are a very good team! My memories of their first visit to the Dome were, that the Giants come at you fast and strong across 3 very good lines! The debate has been had on Lyle vs Murhpy but im biased so ill leave that one to you!
First Period: A strong start from both teams indicated this could be a real classic! So it proved, end to end action and yet no goals to show for it! The crowd were happy!
Second Period: More of the same in the second with neither team really letting up and giving an inch! Astonishingly it was just on the half way mark when Deniset, at 30min 4sec fired the puck home. This prompted the Phoenix to come back and take the lead through two Fulgham goals, the game tieing goal at 36min 1sec and the go-ahead goal at 38min 8sec. Sadly, the Phoenix’ fan delight was short lived, when just under a minute later Denistet got his second goal, timed 39min 1 sec.
Third Period: So we entered the third period with all to play for! Just someone forgot to tell the Phoenix! With only 19seconds gone Colin Shields fired an absolutely storming shot into Murphy’s top corner!After that the Phoenix simply collapsed and played possibly the worst 20min’s of hockey I have seen all season! The giants went on to score a further 5 unanswered goals:
45min 21sec – Dave Phillips
46min 15sec – Evan Cheverie
49min 47sec – Paul Deniset (third hatrick in three games at the Dome!)
51min 55sec – Bobby Robins
56min 26sec – George Awada.
I remember thinking after Deniset’s hatrick goal, ‘oh great we still have 10 minutes to go!’
It simply was a shambolic period from the Phoenix, Murphy was trying his best, but even he started to get affected by the poor performance! Finally Adam Summerfield got some ice time and came on for the last two minutes! Personally I would have had him on sooner! The game was lost after 19seconds! The only bright point was Kyle Bruce having a fight and, in my book, wiping the floor with his Giants adversary. Cheered us up in the stands!
Verdict: As you may have guessed I was not happy with last night’s game. Sorry I tell a lie, the Phoenix were great for the first two periods, but guys, hockey is a 60min game! The drop in performance was shocking, no wonder the atmosphere was flat and no one could be bothered singing!
Im not professing that the Phoenix are a great team, but this season we have a good set of players who have shown they can beat anyone! Plus for the first two periods, we not only equalled the Giants but possible edged it! Which makes the humiliating score line harder to take!
Coupled with the loss in Shuff Friday night, this means the Phoenix have now lost 4 in a row. The Devils are now edging closer, if the Phoenix want to live up to their league placing they need some consitency and need it now!
I think that is where the Phoenix are at now, we are a comfortable mid-table team, getting WLWLW results. Now the next development must be to string together a few wins, this will truly see the team press into the top 4!
Attendance: Not one of the best crowd’s in last night, I guesstimate about 1,200 in!
As usual here is the Manchester Online article.
So the Phoenix were away in the House of Tin, Friday night to face the Steelers. As usual with games away in Shuff my expectations are a loss, but with this seasons team I expect a point from the game! Keeping tabs on IH update through the evening showed that it was a tight game. However the Phoenix lost out in regulation time. I remember being a little disappointed with the result, but more worried about the 3rd loss in a row! With the Giants at the Dome next, it was going to be tough for the Phoenix to break that run!
Anyway onto the Giants game, as mentioned before the Giants are a very good team! My memories of their first visit to the Dome were, that the Giants come at you fast and strong across 3 very good lines! The debate has been had on Lyle vs Murhpy but im biased so ill leave that one to you!
First Period: A strong start from both teams indicated this could be a real classic! So it proved, end to end action and yet no goals to show for it! The crowd were happy!
Second Period: More of the same in the second with neither team really letting up and giving an inch! Astonishingly it was just on the half way mark when Deniset, at 30min 4sec fired the puck home. This prompted the Phoenix to come back and take the lead through two Fulgham goals, the game tieing goal at 36min 1sec and the go-ahead goal at 38min 8sec. Sadly, the Phoenix’ fan delight was short lived, when just under a minute later Denistet got his second goal, timed 39min 1 sec.
Third Period: So we entered the third period with all to play for! Just someone forgot to tell the Phoenix! With only 19seconds gone Colin Shields fired an absolutely storming shot into Murphy’s top corner!After that the Phoenix simply collapsed and played possibly the worst 20min’s of hockey I have seen all season! The giants went on to score a further 5 unanswered goals:
45min 21sec – Dave Phillips
46min 15sec – Evan Cheverie
49min 47sec – Paul Deniset (third hatrick in three games at the Dome!)
51min 55sec – Bobby Robins
56min 26sec – George Awada.
I remember thinking after Deniset’s hatrick goal, ‘oh great we still have 10 minutes to go!’
It simply was a shambolic period from the Phoenix, Murphy was trying his best, but even he started to get affected by the poor performance! Finally Adam Summerfield got some ice time and came on for the last two minutes! Personally I would have had him on sooner! The game was lost after 19seconds! The only bright point was Kyle Bruce having a fight and, in my book, wiping the floor with his Giants adversary. Cheered us up in the stands!
Verdict: As you may have guessed I was not happy with last night’s game. Sorry I tell a lie, the Phoenix were great for the first two periods, but guys, hockey is a 60min game! The drop in performance was shocking, no wonder the atmosphere was flat and no one could be bothered singing!
Im not professing that the Phoenix are a great team, but this season we have a good set of players who have shown they can beat anyone! Plus for the first two periods, we not only equalled the Giants but possible edged it! Which makes the humiliating score line harder to take!
Coupled with the loss in Shuff Friday night, this means the Phoenix have now lost 4 in a row. The Devils are now edging closer, if the Phoenix want to live up to their league placing they need some consitency and need it now!
I think that is where the Phoenix are at now, we are a comfortable mid-table team, getting WLWLW results. Now the next development must be to string together a few wins, this will truly see the team press into the top 4!
Attendance: Not one of the best crowd’s in last night, I guesstimate about 1,200 in!
As usual here is the Manchester Online article.
Belfast Game Review
Just a quick note to those regular readers, I will post my usual Game Review of the Giants game from Sunday night just a bit later than usual! Apart from calming down from the worst 20mins ive seen the Phoenix play all season, im off up to Preston to complete one of my new year's resolutions! Which can be found here!
Monday, 8 December 2008
Cracking Weekend
Well I wouldn't usually do a game review for away games, but I thought for the weekend just gone I thought id make and exception!
This was a tricky weekend, and one that would test the Phoenix. With two away games, first at the high flying Giants and then a tough game against the Devils the following night! Going into this weekend I didn't expect much. While against the Giants we have played well, but ive always thought that they outplayed us on each occasion, Belfast have such strength in depth! Against the Devils, well those games are more evenly matched. The times ive seen them at the Dome they have always been tough games. Certainly at the Dome I would expect the Phoenix to take two points! Away is a different matter! Id take any point/s I can get away from home!
So to the away game at the Odyssey, to be honest I did not expect anything from this game, other than a good performance and possibly a loss in overtime or on penalties. Crikey, so on we go to ihupdate at about 10pm and I literally smiled and said a quite 'Yes!' 5-2 win with a hatrick to Beauregard! That is a cracking result, the team clicks Bau has a stormer along with the real GB no.1 'Smurf'. The Phoenix made the best start to the weekend and showed the rest of the league, we mean business!
After that result I was more positive about the Cardiff game, it would always be close but after the win the previous night, who knows! Same again, satruday night onto ihupdate and it was 1-1 in the third! Talk about a tight game! Sadly the next time I checked we lost in O/T!
So 3 points from a possible 4 from the weekend! I know some may have been disappointed with the loss in Cardiff, but if someone had offered me 3 points from that weekend? I would have taken their arm off!
Well done lads, keep it up!
This was a tricky weekend, and one that would test the Phoenix. With two away games, first at the high flying Giants and then a tough game against the Devils the following night! Going into this weekend I didn't expect much. While against the Giants we have played well, but ive always thought that they outplayed us on each occasion, Belfast have such strength in depth! Against the Devils, well those games are more evenly matched. The times ive seen them at the Dome they have always been tough games. Certainly at the Dome I would expect the Phoenix to take two points! Away is a different matter! Id take any point/s I can get away from home!
So to the away game at the Odyssey, to be honest I did not expect anything from this game, other than a good performance and possibly a loss in overtime or on penalties. Crikey, so on we go to ihupdate at about 10pm and I literally smiled and said a quite 'Yes!' 5-2 win with a hatrick to Beauregard! That is a cracking result, the team clicks Bau has a stormer along with the real GB no.1 'Smurf'. The Phoenix made the best start to the weekend and showed the rest of the league, we mean business!
After that result I was more positive about the Cardiff game, it would always be close but after the win the previous night, who knows! Same again, satruday night onto ihupdate and it was 1-1 in the third! Talk about a tight game! Sadly the next time I checked we lost in O/T!
So 3 points from a possible 4 from the weekend! I know some may have been disappointed with the loss in Cardiff, but if someone had offered me 3 points from that weekend? I would have taken their arm off!
Well done lads, keep it up!
Monday, 17 November 2008
Phoenix v Belfast 16th November Game Review
This week I cant do the usual game review, as due to other commitments I was unable to attend the Phoenix V Belfast game. I would like, however, to make a comment or two based on reading the Phoenix forum and the Manchester Online website.
It sounds like it was a close game, with the Phoenix coming up against a determined Belfast team. The Giants were the opponents for the only other Phoenix game I have missed this year, so yours truly has yet to see them. But from all accounts it seems like the Giants are one of, if not the best team to have taken to the ice at the Dome. It is also a marker of how far this team has come, going into this game many people, myself included, thought the Phoenix could get something from this game. Last year we could not have expected that!!
So its not surprising that many fans are gutted we did not get at least a point, 23 seconds to hold on!! Gutted! But that's Hockey, you can win or loose a game in 3 seconds!
So with that the Phoenix are on a loosing streak but hopefully only a short one, we have games versus Hull and Edinburgh next weekend, and while tough, I would expect a 4 point weekend from the guys to get back on track!
With that ill end, normal service should resume by the weekend! Plus the possibility of a new banner being revealed at the game! That's a point ill take a picture and post the current banner that hangs at the back of block 4 most games!
It sounds like it was a close game, with the Phoenix coming up against a determined Belfast team. The Giants were the opponents for the only other Phoenix game I have missed this year, so yours truly has yet to see them. But from all accounts it seems like the Giants are one of, if not the best team to have taken to the ice at the Dome. It is also a marker of how far this team has come, going into this game many people, myself included, thought the Phoenix could get something from this game. Last year we could not have expected that!!
So its not surprising that many fans are gutted we did not get at least a point, 23 seconds to hold on!! Gutted! But that's Hockey, you can win or loose a game in 3 seconds!
So with that the Phoenix are on a loosing streak but hopefully only a short one, we have games versus Hull and Edinburgh next weekend, and while tough, I would expect a 4 point weekend from the guys to get back on track!
With that ill end, normal service should resume by the weekend! Plus the possibility of a new banner being revealed at the game! That's a point ill take a picture and post the current banner that hangs at the back of block 4 most games!
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