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Skovira winner as Phoenix sink the Devils

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Slovak sniper Miroslav Skovira scored the overtime winner but goaltender Jayme Platt was the hero as the Phoenix got back to winning ways in a hard-fought game in Cardiff.

Beaten by a bouncing shot from Devils Ed Patterson that came through a forest of legs in the 17th minute, Jayme Platt turned on another stellar display of goaltending as Cardiff threatened to run riot and provided the foundation for the Phoenix to build upon. Still trailing entering the third period, former Cardiff defenceman Dwight Parrish crashed home a 45th minute equaliser and captain George Awada gave Phoenix the lead with little over a minute to play in regulation.

The Devils sent the game into sudden death overtime though as Vezio Sacratini was left unmarked at the back post and scored with just 30 seconds to play. Cardiff ran into penalty trouble and on the powerplay, Mike Lankshear fed Skovira for a close range finish to secure the extra point at 62.53.

Phoenix coach Rick Brebant commented, “It was a tough game and we knew it would be. They have a lot of big guys who like to play the body and we had to take some punishment. It was not a pretty game to watch, in fact it was downright ugly at times.” He added, “I’m happy with the points but there were elements of our play that we have to improve upon, we can’t keep relying on Jayme Platt to keep us in games. Jayme was outstanding again tonight – three other guys scored goals, but he was our real hero.”

The win ended a two-game losing streak and condemned the Devils to their third straight home loss. Brebant confirmed after the game that Dave Clancy will start in goal on Saturday when the Phoenix play the Newcastle Vipers at Deeside Leisure Centre.