News

Panthers maintain their Phoenix dominance

Tweet

Despite a hard-battling performance, Manchester Phoenix were denied a share of the spoils on Wednesday night by a game-winning goaltending display from Panthers Niklas Sundberg who kept the visitors record in Manchester this season perfect.

Trailing two-nil at the end of the first period to goals from Paul Moran and Mark Cadotte, Phoenix adjusted their lines and fought back strongly to put the Panthers defence under a lot of pressure before captain George Awada reduced the arrears with a superb 36th minute goal. Phoenix tied the game on Awada’s second marker just 33 seconds into the third period and Sundberg was outstanding in keeping the Phoenix forwards at bay and allowing Moran to score his second and the Panthers third goal in the 46th minute.

Phoenix player coach Rick Brebant remarked, “We were a little sluggish in the first period and needed to make some adjustments. After that, we improved and I thought it was a very even game with Sundberg the difference; he made some huge saves for them tonight. Having fought back, it was tough on the guys to lose it, but we get the chance to redeem ourselves on Saturday when we go to Nottingham.”

Brebant added, “we’ve played .500 hockey since the turn of the year and it’s frustrating that we don’t seem able to buy a result at home. We’ve got a tough schedule coming up and it’s vital that the guys stay fit and healthy, because we’re not going to be able to lose anyone to injury.”