Phoenix began last weekend with a tough away trip to the Peterborough Phantoms. Over the years the Phoenix have struggled in the hostile atmosphere in Peterborough, this year, that tough away trip is made even harder by a vastly improved Phantoms team. So much so, the Phantoms are riding high in the EPL table as one of those teams leading the charge behind the Telford Tigers. It looked to be a very close game with the game being tied after 65mins of hockey. That left the lottery of shootouts, in which the Phantoms scored the winner to take the extra point.
Phantoms 2 Phoenix 1 APS - Phoenix Article
Taking a point from Peterborough was a good result, now the Phoenix welcomed the MK Lighting to the Ice Dome in the hope of finishing the weekend with 3 points. After a well deserved round of applause for both teams GB u21 representatives the game got underway.
First Period: The game began and the Phoenix went off on the front foot, controlling the puck in the MK zone and cycling the puck. The early pressure told and the Phoenix took the lead before 2 minutes had been played. After Kovar and Chamberlain had dug the puck out from behind Wall's net, Kovar passed the puck to the waiting Boothroyd who rifled it past Wall. Giving the home side the lead at 1min 48sec. Despite more pressure, including the games first powerplay, Phoenix could not add to their score. MK are a dangerous team, the first line a particular standout. Blaz Emersic picked up the puck in his own zone, skated the length of the ice with no Phoenix pressure, and put a lovely deak on Ryan to level the scores, goal timed at 11min 57sec. As the period ticketed by the game began to even up and it took a freak turn of events to break the deadlock. After a big scrum in front of the MK net the puck was left free, only for Lewis Christie to put the puck in his own net. As own goals do not count, Bobby Chamberlain was credited with the goal, timed 19min 22sec.
Second Period: Despite the score it was an even game, MK showed that when, just 50sec into the second period, Emersic scored a carbon copy of his first goal. Again, coast to coast with little disruption he levelled the score at 20min 50sec. The period settled down for the next few minutes until the turn of the period. James Archer took a penalty which brought out the Phoenix penalty kill unit. It was on the penalty kill when, the Phoenix took the lead. Graham and Thomspon had worked hard to turn over the puck and their clearance found Kovar free on the wing, who's quick turn and shot beat Wall and put the Phoenix ahead, timed at 31min 45sec. The Phoenix special teams, in this second period, would win the game as it turns out. Two goals from Adam Walker, both of which were on the powerplay in the last 6/7 minutes put the Phoenix into a commanding lead. Walker's two PP efforts timed at 34min 16sec and 38min 26sec included a lovely toe drag and deak, one really worth watching Phoenix TV for!
Third Period: The early stages of the third period saw the Phoenix controlling the game comfortably, the stuffing seemingly knocked out of MK. Throughout the first 10 minutes a number of MK players, especially Jamieson, looked to be getting quite worked up and frustrated. In some ways that frustration helped and MK did find the net once more. That man Jamieson was the guy who got it, scoring MK's 3rd goal at 42min 53sec. Despite the goal no further makers were added and the game ended 5-3 Phoenix.
Verdict: A real solid win for the Phoenix, MK proved a tough test but the Phoenix special teams won the game in that second period burst. A perfect treat for Christmas and a vital 3 point weekend which helps the Phoenix climb the table.
Attendance: Slightly down on normal but, that's probably the effect of the holiday season. I will guess at 900 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 5 MK 3 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix TV:
Showing posts with label Stephen Wall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stephen Wall. Show all posts
Monday, 29 December 2014
Wednesday, 10 December 2014
Phoenix Rolling - 23rd November MK Lightning
As we near the end of November and, Christmas is peeking round the corner, the EPL season continues its relentless march. The weekend just gone saw the Phoenix make a return trip the face the Guildford Flames, before welcoming the MK Lightning to the Ice Dome for the first time this season. The Phoenix went south with the recent win against the Flames in their mind. Facing a tough test on the big Spectrum ice the Phoenix played well, by all accounts. But for a refereeing decision to turn the game. Despite a late come back by the Phoenix, the Manchester men fell short 4-3 as the Flames avenged their loss up in Altrincham the previous weekend.
Flames 4 Phoenix 3 - Phoenix Article
Flames 4 Phoenix 3 - Flames Article
Sunday saw the visit of the MK Lightning, a team the Phoenix have always enjoyed playing and, on of the teams I look forward to seeing on Altrincham ice. The two sides have met only once before this season, down in Coventry before the refurbished Thunderdome had opened. That result saw the Phoenix fortunes on Coventry ice continue as they skated away with a 4-1 victory. Tonight would be different, MK now in their new home, and back to regular practicing would be a different proposition.
First Period: The Phoenix opened the period on the front foot, pushing MK back into their zone and laying numerous pucks on Stephen Wall. Even so the Phoenix were struggling to create clear chances and, Wall was living up to his name. A quality keeper keeping the Phoenix at bay! MK soaked up the early pressure and took the lead just after the 6 minute mark. Lewis Hook pouncing on the puck and slotting past Fone to give the visitors the lead. About a minute later the Phoenix suffered a huge blow when, after a melee on the net a player appears to fall onto Fone's leg. After the bodies cleared Fone was left on his back and in pain, he had to be helped from the ice and Declan Ryan thrust into action. Ryan, and the Phoenix, did well to weather the initial storm from the Lightning as they sought to test out the Phoenix back-up netminder. Phoenix scored the next goal at 14min 59sec when Jack Watkins capped off a great third line move. After great work by Corson-Heron, Jack re-directed the puck through Wall to get the home side on the board. With neither team seizing the advantage no further goals came in the first period.
Second Period: The second period summed up the game so far. A poor poor period with little hockey at all. The Phoenix were struggling to reach the levels seen previously against the Bison and Flames. MK not offering up much either, I was a little disappointed in them but, pleased that they seemed unable to click and take the game from the Phoenix. It is no surprise then, that no goals were scored in the second period.
Third Period: Into the third period and the quality of hockey on show certainly did not improve. It was MK who edged out in front when Leigh Jamieson scored from infront of Ryan, giving MK the lead at 45min 34sec. The Phoenix set about rescuing the game and continued to pile on the pressure on Wall. Wall was putting up a great fight turning away everything until the period moved into its final stages. Robin Kovar levelling the game at 54min 02sec to much relief around the stands. In the last 5 minutes neither team could force the winner, so the game went to OT!
Overtime/PS: The extra 5 minutes saw neither side score so, the game went to penalty shots. The first shootout in, what felt like, ages at the Ice Dome. Wall and Ryan would do battle. Some good attempts were made, some poor ones too! In the end it was Tony Hand who scored the decider, after almost losing control of the puck, the great one deceived Wall to hand Phoenix the advantage. Jamieson had to score, Ryan stood tall himself and denied him to hand the Phoenix the win.
Verdict: Overall great to get the win, especially after losing Fone so early. But thats the beuty of having two strong goalies. You don't have the usual worry of a back up going in! Ryan had a very good game, shame the team in front didn't! Not a classic by any means, with both sides struggling to take the initiative. I hope the Phoenix return to better form soon! The Phoenix continue to outshoot opponents, putting 57 shots on Wall, while Ryan faced 31 shots. It seems accuracy is out main issue now!
Attendance: An ok crowd at the Ice Dome, i'll guess at 1,000 in!
Phoenix 3 MK 2 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 3 MK 2 - Lightning Article
Phoenix 3 MK 2 - Bolton News
Phoenix TV:
Flames 4 Phoenix 3 - Phoenix Article
Flames 4 Phoenix 3 - Flames Article
Sunday saw the visit of the MK Lightning, a team the Phoenix have always enjoyed playing and, on of the teams I look forward to seeing on Altrincham ice. The two sides have met only once before this season, down in Coventry before the refurbished Thunderdome had opened. That result saw the Phoenix fortunes on Coventry ice continue as they skated away with a 4-1 victory. Tonight would be different, MK now in their new home, and back to regular practicing would be a different proposition.
First Period: The Phoenix opened the period on the front foot, pushing MK back into their zone and laying numerous pucks on Stephen Wall. Even so the Phoenix were struggling to create clear chances and, Wall was living up to his name. A quality keeper keeping the Phoenix at bay! MK soaked up the early pressure and took the lead just after the 6 minute mark. Lewis Hook pouncing on the puck and slotting past Fone to give the visitors the lead. About a minute later the Phoenix suffered a huge blow when, after a melee on the net a player appears to fall onto Fone's leg. After the bodies cleared Fone was left on his back and in pain, he had to be helped from the ice and Declan Ryan thrust into action. Ryan, and the Phoenix, did well to weather the initial storm from the Lightning as they sought to test out the Phoenix back-up netminder. Phoenix scored the next goal at 14min 59sec when Jack Watkins capped off a great third line move. After great work by Corson-Heron, Jack re-directed the puck through Wall to get the home side on the board. With neither team seizing the advantage no further goals came in the first period.
Second Period: The second period summed up the game so far. A poor poor period with little hockey at all. The Phoenix were struggling to reach the levels seen previously against the Bison and Flames. MK not offering up much either, I was a little disappointed in them but, pleased that they seemed unable to click and take the game from the Phoenix. It is no surprise then, that no goals were scored in the second period.
Third Period: Into the third period and the quality of hockey on show certainly did not improve. It was MK who edged out in front when Leigh Jamieson scored from infront of Ryan, giving MK the lead at 45min 34sec. The Phoenix set about rescuing the game and continued to pile on the pressure on Wall. Wall was putting up a great fight turning away everything until the period moved into its final stages. Robin Kovar levelling the game at 54min 02sec to much relief around the stands. In the last 5 minutes neither team could force the winner, so the game went to OT!
Overtime/PS: The extra 5 minutes saw neither side score so, the game went to penalty shots. The first shootout in, what felt like, ages at the Ice Dome. Wall and Ryan would do battle. Some good attempts were made, some poor ones too! In the end it was Tony Hand who scored the decider, after almost losing control of the puck, the great one deceived Wall to hand Phoenix the advantage. Jamieson had to score, Ryan stood tall himself and denied him to hand the Phoenix the win.
Verdict: Overall great to get the win, especially after losing Fone so early. But thats the beuty of having two strong goalies. You don't have the usual worry of a back up going in! Ryan had a very good game, shame the team in front didn't! Not a classic by any means, with both sides struggling to take the initiative. I hope the Phoenix return to better form soon! The Phoenix continue to outshoot opponents, putting 57 shots on Wall, while Ryan faced 31 shots. It seems accuracy is out main issue now!
Attendance: An ok crowd at the Ice Dome, i'll guess at 1,000 in!
Phoenix 3 MK 2 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 3 MK 2 - Lightning Article
Phoenix 3 MK 2 - Bolton News
Phoenix TV:
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Phoenix v MK Lightning EPL Cup 2nd Leg 13th Feb
The EPL Cup Semi Final first leg was held in the Coventry SkyDome, the temporary home of the MK Lightning. The two legged affair would be keenly contested between the two sides and the result in the first leg would go a massive way to deciding the result. In the early stages of the third period it looked signed, sealed and delivered for MK to the final. At the time they were 5-2 up. Then, either it was a massive collapse of an amazing turnaround for the Phoenix but, in the last 3 minutes the Phoenix hauled it back to tie it up 5-5 as the buzzer sounded. Setting the tie up perfectly for the 2nd leg in Altrincham.
First Period: The second leg in Altrincham got off to a fast start, with both sides putting some great moves together. It was obvious from the outset this would be another close game. MK got the scoring underway with a goal at 5min 55sec through Joklia. Worrying this was another poor D zone turnover for the Phoenix. Something that is becoming a bit of a habit for the Phoenix! Even though MK scored first there was not a feeling of impending doom in the stands, the Phoenix had done enough to show they could create scoring chances. The Phoenix did level it up, at 11min 16 through James Neil. Not the first name when you think of scorers on the Phoenix bench, but Neil took his goal well. About a minute later the Phoenix took the lead when Frantisek Bakrlik picked up the puck and put a lovely deke on Wall to slide home at 12min 36sec. This time the Phoenix closed out the period without conceding a late goal. End of the first period, advantage Phoenix.
Second Period: Much like the Sheffield game, the early composure showed by the Phoenix seemed to disappear in the second period. MK came back into the game and started to pressure the Phoenix into making mistakes. It was on a Phoenix powerplay that MK would capitalise and score a short handed goal. Lascek scoring at 24min 52sec. Halfway through the period MK took the lead in the game and the tie when MK captain Carr scored at 30min 59sec. Phoenix fans had begun to loose some heart but for Luke Boothroyd to restore parity scoring at 35min 17sec on the powerplay. There was some controversy over this goal with claims of a player being in the crese, nothing was ruled and the goal stood. The Phoenix D lapses surfaced again when Carr scored again on a tight angle on Fone's nearside post, goal timed at 36min 06sec. The D failed and Fone should not have been beaten on his near post, very disappointing! What made it worse was, shortly after, the Phoenix thought they had tied the game but, this time, the goal was washed out for a man in the crease. End of the second, advantage MK.
Third Period: 20 minutes to save the tie the Phoenix pressed MK hard. Wall was performing heroics in goal keeping the Phoenix at bay. One goal was scored and it was that man, James Neil again. On the powerplay a strong shot trickled under Wall and the Phoenix had tied the game at 44min 46sec. As the period progressed the Phoenix began to edge the game and look the more likely to take the win. Having said that, MK did threaten and have more than enough skill to hurt a team if a mistake is forced. End of the period, no advantage, back to square one!
Overtime: The final stanza of open hockey began with both teams pressing each other while in possession. The Phoenix were pressed back into their own zone and, awfully, yet another D zone turnover cost the home side their first crack at the EPL cup. Hero of the game James Neil suddenly became the villain when a poor clearing pass trickled out to the hash marks for Lascek to pick up and score. The game winner timed at 61min 03sec.
Verdict: James Neil will be the villain of the piece but, and criticism levelled at him personally is not justified. The Phoenix, through their own lapses in D cost the game. At least 3 of MK's goals were stone cold gifted by Phoenix giveaways. Of the three games I have now seen since coming back from honeymoon this trend is worrying. While being in for all three cup's, if the Phoenix cannot iron out their defencive wobbles, they could end the season empty handed. A very frustrating loss, a game which the Phoenix could have won comfortably gifted to the visitors. Ah well, next!
Attendance: Around 700 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 4 MK 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 MK 5 - MK Article
First Period: The second leg in Altrincham got off to a fast start, with both sides putting some great moves together. It was obvious from the outset this would be another close game. MK got the scoring underway with a goal at 5min 55sec through Joklia. Worrying this was another poor D zone turnover for the Phoenix. Something that is becoming a bit of a habit for the Phoenix! Even though MK scored first there was not a feeling of impending doom in the stands, the Phoenix had done enough to show they could create scoring chances. The Phoenix did level it up, at 11min 16 through James Neil. Not the first name when you think of scorers on the Phoenix bench, but Neil took his goal well. About a minute later the Phoenix took the lead when Frantisek Bakrlik picked up the puck and put a lovely deke on Wall to slide home at 12min 36sec. This time the Phoenix closed out the period without conceding a late goal. End of the first period, advantage Phoenix.
Second Period: Much like the Sheffield game, the early composure showed by the Phoenix seemed to disappear in the second period. MK came back into the game and started to pressure the Phoenix into making mistakes. It was on a Phoenix powerplay that MK would capitalise and score a short handed goal. Lascek scoring at 24min 52sec. Halfway through the period MK took the lead in the game and the tie when MK captain Carr scored at 30min 59sec. Phoenix fans had begun to loose some heart but for Luke Boothroyd to restore parity scoring at 35min 17sec on the powerplay. There was some controversy over this goal with claims of a player being in the crese, nothing was ruled and the goal stood. The Phoenix D lapses surfaced again when Carr scored again on a tight angle on Fone's nearside post, goal timed at 36min 06sec. The D failed and Fone should not have been beaten on his near post, very disappointing! What made it worse was, shortly after, the Phoenix thought they had tied the game but, this time, the goal was washed out for a man in the crease. End of the second, advantage MK.
Third Period: 20 minutes to save the tie the Phoenix pressed MK hard. Wall was performing heroics in goal keeping the Phoenix at bay. One goal was scored and it was that man, James Neil again. On the powerplay a strong shot trickled under Wall and the Phoenix had tied the game at 44min 46sec. As the period progressed the Phoenix began to edge the game and look the more likely to take the win. Having said that, MK did threaten and have more than enough skill to hurt a team if a mistake is forced. End of the period, no advantage, back to square one!
Overtime: The final stanza of open hockey began with both teams pressing each other while in possession. The Phoenix were pressed back into their own zone and, awfully, yet another D zone turnover cost the home side their first crack at the EPL cup. Hero of the game James Neil suddenly became the villain when a poor clearing pass trickled out to the hash marks for Lascek to pick up and score. The game winner timed at 61min 03sec.
Verdict: James Neil will be the villain of the piece but, and criticism levelled at him personally is not justified. The Phoenix, through their own lapses in D cost the game. At least 3 of MK's goals were stone cold gifted by Phoenix giveaways. Of the three games I have now seen since coming back from honeymoon this trend is worrying. While being in for all three cup's, if the Phoenix cannot iron out their defencive wobbles, they could end the season empty handed. A very frustrating loss, a game which the Phoenix could have won comfortably gifted to the visitors. Ah well, next!
Attendance: Around 700 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 4 MK 5 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 MK 5 - MK Article
Friday, 25 November 2011
Phoenix v Peterborough Phantoms 20th November Game Review
I do apologise with the lateness of another match report, really must give my self a rocket up the proverbial and get them online in a more timely fashion! Anyway, the past weekend saw the Phoenix take on the Peterborough Phantoms in a away/home series. The Phoenix traveled down to Peterborough saturday night and took the lead, before the Phantoms took over. It looks like the Phoenix ran out of steam and the Phantoms ran out 3-1 winners. Another loss for the Phoenix and possibly the team hitting rock bottom?
Sunday night gave them the best chance to right that wrong and get back on track. Sunday's warm up also saw Jaroslav Spelda take to the ice, however he did not ice in the game. Still encouraging signs as it shows the Phoenix injury list is going to get smaller soon! The Phantoms always present a tough nut to crack, mainly because of the most aptly named goalkeeper in hockey, Stephen Wall. On a hot night he can be unbeatable, he gives the Phantoms a chance to win every game they play. A big, mobile, guy he fills the goal and can be a right pain! Sunday night would be a tough test for the Phoenix!
First Period: The Phoenix came out the blocks flying and really took the game to the Phantoms. The lines were, again, being mixed up due to absentee's and, with Tony on the bench it gave him a chance to see how the team plays. Maybe even see some of the frustrations we see in the stands. Anyway the Phoenix were testing Wall in goal and showed some desire and hunger. A much improved performance! The first goal came within the first 5mins with James Archer getting a deserved goal for all his efforts. His goal timed at 4min 40sec. The period continued well for the Phoenix and Slava (Dave) Koulikov netted another goal for the Phoenix at 16min 10sec. Slava is really beginning to up his point production now. The period ended 2-0 to the Phoenix.
Second Period: Could the good form last, or would the Jekyll and Hyde Phoenix return. Thankfully the good form of the first period continued in the second. Juraj Faith has performed very well being moved back into his more natural centre position, note to Sir Tony, why not spread the top line talent with Faith's improved performance in mind! Tom Duggan got a fair fe shifts at centre on the top line, with Faith rotating through lines 2 and 3 in the middle. Worked very well too! The Phoenix scored the next goal of the game when Faith found Cingel at 25min 40sec to make it 3-0 Phoenix. The period continued and the Phoenix continued to pressure the Phantoms, Tom Duggan made it 4-0 Phoenix with another goal to reward his constant good efforts on the ice. His fifth of the season coming at 36min 55sec.
Third Period: With the game at 4-0 the Phoenix eased off and looked to ride out the game and get the two points. The Phantoms threatened but never really tested Fone in goal. A few chances came the way of the Phoenix but Wall stood up to them and kept the Phoenix at bay. Only one goal came in the period and, sadly, it was to break a prospective shutout for Fone. Luke Ferrara was found in the hash marks and blasted the puck high into Fone's top left corner with around 4mins to go in the game.
Verdict: Great to get a win, great to see Spelda out on warm up but, even more important, a great performance from the Phoenix. The Phantoms have often proved to be a difficult opposition for the Phoenix and following on from the loss saturday night, heads could have been down. I must echo what, Nigel said on the podcast during the intervals, maybe the loss in Peterborough was rock bottom for the Phoenix. Maybe it forced them to think, this is not good enough, and forced them to re-focus and up their game. What ever happened, it worked! With that performance, and some bodies coming back from the injury table, thinks are looking a bit brighter for the Phoenix!
Attendance: A little lower than usual, maybe recent results had taken their toll, so i'll guess at around 1,000 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 4 Peterborough 1 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 Peterborough 1 - CB Sport
Sunday night gave them the best chance to right that wrong and get back on track. Sunday's warm up also saw Jaroslav Spelda take to the ice, however he did not ice in the game. Still encouraging signs as it shows the Phoenix injury list is going to get smaller soon! The Phantoms always present a tough nut to crack, mainly because of the most aptly named goalkeeper in hockey, Stephen Wall. On a hot night he can be unbeatable, he gives the Phantoms a chance to win every game they play. A big, mobile, guy he fills the goal and can be a right pain! Sunday night would be a tough test for the Phoenix!
First Period: The Phoenix came out the blocks flying and really took the game to the Phantoms. The lines were, again, being mixed up due to absentee's and, with Tony on the bench it gave him a chance to see how the team plays. Maybe even see some of the frustrations we see in the stands. Anyway the Phoenix were testing Wall in goal and showed some desire and hunger. A much improved performance! The first goal came within the first 5mins with James Archer getting a deserved goal for all his efforts. His goal timed at 4min 40sec. The period continued well for the Phoenix and Slava (Dave) Koulikov netted another goal for the Phoenix at 16min 10sec. Slava is really beginning to up his point production now. The period ended 2-0 to the Phoenix.
Second Period: Could the good form last, or would the Jekyll and Hyde Phoenix return. Thankfully the good form of the first period continued in the second. Juraj Faith has performed very well being moved back into his more natural centre position, note to Sir Tony, why not spread the top line talent with Faith's improved performance in mind! Tom Duggan got a fair fe shifts at centre on the top line, with Faith rotating through lines 2 and 3 in the middle. Worked very well too! The Phoenix scored the next goal of the game when Faith found Cingel at 25min 40sec to make it 3-0 Phoenix. The period continued and the Phoenix continued to pressure the Phantoms, Tom Duggan made it 4-0 Phoenix with another goal to reward his constant good efforts on the ice. His fifth of the season coming at 36min 55sec.
Third Period: With the game at 4-0 the Phoenix eased off and looked to ride out the game and get the two points. The Phantoms threatened but never really tested Fone in goal. A few chances came the way of the Phoenix but Wall stood up to them and kept the Phoenix at bay. Only one goal came in the period and, sadly, it was to break a prospective shutout for Fone. Luke Ferrara was found in the hash marks and blasted the puck high into Fone's top left corner with around 4mins to go in the game.
Verdict: Great to get a win, great to see Spelda out on warm up but, even more important, a great performance from the Phoenix. The Phantoms have often proved to be a difficult opposition for the Phoenix and following on from the loss saturday night, heads could have been down. I must echo what, Nigel said on the podcast during the intervals, maybe the loss in Peterborough was rock bottom for the Phoenix. Maybe it forced them to think, this is not good enough, and forced them to re-focus and up their game. What ever happened, it worked! With that performance, and some bodies coming back from the injury table, thinks are looking a bit brighter for the Phoenix!
Attendance: A little lower than usual, maybe recent results had taken their toll, so i'll guess at around 1,000 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix 4 Peterborough 1 - Phoenix Article
Phoenix 4 Peterborough 1 - CB Sport
Monday, 11 January 2010
Phoenix v Peterborough Jets 9th January Game Review
Saturday night saw the visit of the Peterborough Phantoms to a cold and icy Altrincham Ice Dome. The main aim for the Phoenix would be to arrest a developing slide of four losses that had seen them slip down the table. More worryingly was the performance of the Phoenix during those losses. Granted the Phoenix had lost their number one keeper and 4 Brit lads to GB, but worrying none the less. With a full strength squad, Ed Courtenay was back for the Phoenix after his plane bringing him back from Canada had been cancelled!
First Period: The Phoenix did not start brightly, in fact as the period wore on it became obvious that the Phoenix were low on confidence. Seemingly unable to get past centre ice and into the Phantoms zone, the Phoenix lacked ideas and execution to make any of their little pressure count. In some circles it was clearly the worst 20 minutes the Phoenix have played this season. Making matters worse the only goal of the period would come for the Phantoms. The excellent Jow Miller was rewarded for his buzzing the Phoenix net after 6min 21sec with the opening goal.
Second Period: It seems that Mr Hand had lit some fires in the interval, or it could have been the change of shirt for the Phoenix. But the Phoenix that begun the second period was nothing like the Phoenix that had ended the first. Finally some good pressure on the Phantom net, some great plays and some passion. The first Phoenix goal would come on the powerplay, after setting up in the Phantom zone, the Phoenix quickly moved the puck around the zone finally coming to Hagelberg who riffled a shot through Stephen Wall's five hole! An absolute beauty! This came after 22min 32sec, the Phoenix would double their lead less than a minute later at 23min 26sec. Rob Lachowicz was the scorer this time to the delight of the Phoenix faithful. The Phoenix went in to the break 3-1 to the good after Adam Walker got another goal after 31min 42sec.
Third Period: As is often the case with the Phoenix, once they have a lead they tend to try and sit on it. But with our current defensive wobbles this is never a great strategy! So it would prove to be in this game. The Phantoms upped their game and brought pressure to the Phoenix! The Phantoms would get one goal back on a 5 on 3 powerplay after 46min 14sec through Joe Miller again. That boy is a revelation, such pace! The Phantoms would then tie the game at 51min 44sec through an excellent James Knight short handed goal. The Phoenix would restore their lead less than a minute later when Ed Courtenay would pounce on a loose puck and make the scores 4-3 at 52min 10sec. The Phantoms would not be finished and forced overtime at 53min 53sec through James Morgan.
Overtime: So for the second game in a row we went to overtime. The Phantoms handing the Phoenix the advantage by taking a couple of penalties in the extra session. Despite this the game winning goal would not be scored on the PP. Unlike the Slough game, the previous week, the Phoenix would get the winner! Ed Courtenay saving the day by being in the right place at the right time. On the back post with the puck on his stick with Stephen Wall on the wrong side of the net! Cue jubilation on and off the ice, and some surprising acting from Mr Wall!
Verdict: Not a classic from the Phoenix, but a step in the right direction. Delighted to have got the win and reverse some recent fortune, but defensive worries still remain! These will have to be ironed out if the Phoenix want to win some silverware. We cannot rely on our offence to always bail out the defence!
Attendance: Not the best in the Dome, a combination of a saturday night fixture, cold weather all combined to produce say around 700 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix TV Highlights:
Phoenix 5 Peterborough 4 after OT, MEN Article
First Period: The Phoenix did not start brightly, in fact as the period wore on it became obvious that the Phoenix were low on confidence. Seemingly unable to get past centre ice and into the Phantoms zone, the Phoenix lacked ideas and execution to make any of their little pressure count. In some circles it was clearly the worst 20 minutes the Phoenix have played this season. Making matters worse the only goal of the period would come for the Phantoms. The excellent Jow Miller was rewarded for his buzzing the Phoenix net after 6min 21sec with the opening goal.
Second Period: It seems that Mr Hand had lit some fires in the interval, or it could have been the change of shirt for the Phoenix. But the Phoenix that begun the second period was nothing like the Phoenix that had ended the first. Finally some good pressure on the Phantom net, some great plays and some passion. The first Phoenix goal would come on the powerplay, after setting up in the Phantom zone, the Phoenix quickly moved the puck around the zone finally coming to Hagelberg who riffled a shot through Stephen Wall's five hole! An absolute beauty! This came after 22min 32sec, the Phoenix would double their lead less than a minute later at 23min 26sec. Rob Lachowicz was the scorer this time to the delight of the Phoenix faithful. The Phoenix went in to the break 3-1 to the good after Adam Walker got another goal after 31min 42sec.
Third Period: As is often the case with the Phoenix, once they have a lead they tend to try and sit on it. But with our current defensive wobbles this is never a great strategy! So it would prove to be in this game. The Phantoms upped their game and brought pressure to the Phoenix! The Phantoms would get one goal back on a 5 on 3 powerplay after 46min 14sec through Joe Miller again. That boy is a revelation, such pace! The Phantoms would then tie the game at 51min 44sec through an excellent James Knight short handed goal. The Phoenix would restore their lead less than a minute later when Ed Courtenay would pounce on a loose puck and make the scores 4-3 at 52min 10sec. The Phantoms would not be finished and forced overtime at 53min 53sec through James Morgan.
Overtime: So for the second game in a row we went to overtime. The Phantoms handing the Phoenix the advantage by taking a couple of penalties in the extra session. Despite this the game winning goal would not be scored on the PP. Unlike the Slough game, the previous week, the Phoenix would get the winner! Ed Courtenay saving the day by being in the right place at the right time. On the back post with the puck on his stick with Stephen Wall on the wrong side of the net! Cue jubilation on and off the ice, and some surprising acting from Mr Wall!
Verdict: Not a classic from the Phoenix, but a step in the right direction. Delighted to have got the win and reverse some recent fortune, but defensive worries still remain! These will have to be ironed out if the Phoenix want to win some silverware. We cannot rely on our offence to always bail out the defence!
Attendance: Not the best in the Dome, a combination of a saturday night fixture, cold weather all combined to produce say around 700 in the Ice Dome.
Phoenix TV Highlights:
Phoenix 5 Peterborough 4 after OT, MEN Article
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