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Phoenix unable to capitalise on penalties

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Manchester Phoenix fell to a 7-4 defeat at the Sheffield Steeldogs on Friday night, in a typical encounter which was littered with penalties for the home side.

After a quiet opening, Sheffield bagged two quick goals through Stanislav Lascek at 5:57 followed by a tip from Andy Hirst at 8:41.  Phoenix hit back with Martin Baranek firing home a deflected shot at 9:46 after being set up by Robin Kovar.  However, the home side restored their two goal cushion with Arnoldas Bosas scoring on the rebound at 13:06.  Phoenix were denied a Powerplay goal as Sedlar made an incredible save to keep out Baranek before Bosas got his second at 19:27 as the period ended 4-1.

The second period saw Baranek this time denied by the post before Cole Shudra made it 5-1 at 25:05.  Bizarrely, this goal led to Sheffield players fighting amongst themselves on the home bench.  Despite holding a healthy lead, Craig Elliott was handed a lengthy penalty for attempting to spear Michal Satek at the end of the period.

Phoenix did get a deserved second on the Powerplay as Stanislav Gron buried a rebound from Baranek at 41:46 however Shudra then scored his second of the night on the Powerplay at 47:21 to make it 6-2.  Phoenix kept going and Kovar set up Gareth O’Flaherty to score at 49:55 and 25 seconds later, Kovar scored a magnificent individual goal to make it 6-4.

Sheffield sensed a comeback as Phoenix continued to create chances, and Elliott was finally ejected from the game, receiving a match penalty for slashing and resisting the officials, and racking up 70 penalty minutes in the process.  Phoenix were unable to take advantage and Lubomir Korhon wrapped up the scoring at 59:02.

Phoenix are back at home on Sunday evening as we host the Bracknell Bees in Deeside with a 6:30pm face-off.