Phoenix lose home opener against Wildcats

Sunday, 14th September 2014

Manchester Phoenix 3 - Swindon Wildcats 4 (after overtime and penalty shots.)

Phoenix scorers : James Archer, Frantisek Bakrlik and Michal Psurny.

J Davidson sponsored Men of Iron, Manchester Phoenix, lost their home opener to Swindon Wildcats after a penalty shoot out.

Phoenix blasted out of the traps at the beginning and took just 73 seconds to take the lead. James Archer was on hand to roof the puck into the net from the back post after Stevie Lyle in the Swindon goal was unable to hold a Tony Hand shot. Michal Psurny was also awarded an assist.

Swindon’s experienced defender, ex Phoenix captain Kenton Smith, took umbrage at an offside decision and earned himself a 10 minute misconduct after 5.46. Phoenix continued to have the upper hand but Wildcats slowly got themselves back into the game as the period ended. 1-0 to the home side.

Phoenix doubled their lead on 27.37 when Frankie Bakrlik scored with a blistering shot that surprised Stevie Lyle. Adam Walker and Joe Graham were awarded assists. With 37.33 on the clock, Robin Kovar went to the box on a tripping minor and Swindon took advantage and made it 2-1 with a Malasinski goal assisted by Sandvik and Harding. Swindon were slowly grinding Phoenix down and looking the better side as the period drew to a close.

Phoenix worst fears were realised with just 31 seconds on the clock in the third period when Swindon equalised through Oliver Betteridge. Phoenix re-grouped and regained the lead on 42.38 with a Michal Psurny goal. The Phoenix forwards drew Lyle all over the place and Michal forced the puck home off Lyle’s skate.

Phoenix tired visibly as Aaron Nell out-stripped the defence to score on 54.50 and make it 3-3. The game ended with Wildcats in the ascendancy but there were no further goals and the game went into overtime.

A 5 minute 4 on 4 period saw Wildcats have 3 shots in quick succession as they pressed for the winner. Phoenix hit back as the extra period drew to a close and with the scores tied at 3-3, the dreaded penalty shot came into operation.

Stephen Fone saved Aaron Nell’s penalty and Adam Walker also failed to find the net. Jan Kostal put the Wildcats in front then James Archer scored with his shot to tie the scores once again. Swindon’s third penalty was converted by Malasinski and Michal Psurny saw his shot saved by Lyle as Swindon took the extra point back to Wiltshire.

Coach Hand said after the game:

“I thought our defence played well tonight. They were under a lot of pressure from Swindon. I feel we need more from our forwards if we are to challenge for the title this year.”