So, the Phoenix took the points on Sunday from the visiting Milton Keynes Lightning, but as is fast becoming the norm, we did it the hard way. In fact, we probably did it the hardest way of all, requiring not just overtime, but penalty shots too!
To say many of the faithful were shitting a brick would probably count as a factual statement during those five or so minutes it took to enact the shootout. The game beforehand wasn't exactly a relaxing experience either....
The game started, and was played in much the same manner as previous meetings with the Lightning. That is to say it was fast, furious, balls to the wall hockey time! The Phoenix took the early advantage when young Andy McKinney placed the puck past Mettam, after barely 5 minutes of play. Within 4 minutes however, things took an ill turn as Ciaran Long was assessed as match penalty for checking to the head after a solid hit on Dan Harris left the Lightning player prone on the ice. The vast majority of fans felt that the ref called the injury, not the hit as he did not call the penalty immediately, but only after it was appernet Harris was hurt. Ciaran to his credit immediatley checked on Harris as soon as he realised he had hurt him, but this was not enough to placate one of the Lightnings resident goons, a very pissed off Grant McPherson, who rapidly found himself on the end of a solid beat down from Phoenix goalscorer McKinney, who landed some beautiful punches before scoring the takedown with ease. McPherson had a repuataion for being one of the leagues togher guys, but on this showing he looked, well, piss poor really. Both men were assessed a 2+2 for roughing (picking up a fighting major is harder than picking up a virgin on a Saturday night in Manchester in the EPIHL these days), with an additional 10 minute instigator call on McPhear-ful.
The net result was a 5 minute power play for the Lightning, which they failed to capitalise on. Period end, and the score was 1-0 to the Phoenix.
The dreaded 2nd period slump surfaced once more after the break and midway through the period the Lightning tied the game up with a well worked move which culminated in a goal for Leigh Jamieson (who is somehow on the GB roster for the Olympic qualifiers. How a player like him makes the squad but Tom Duggan doesn't is beyond me). Speaking of Jamieson, he was skating on a fine line all evening, often goin into check near the board with his lead elbow at head height. Why he wasn't called on this I don't know, but it looked beyond dangerous to me. The period ended all square, and set up what was usre to be an eventful 3rd period of play.
The Phoenix stepped it ip for the 3rd, and were duly rewarded for their efforts when Andy McKinney scored a peach of a goal to give the Phoenix the 2-1 lead. Sadly, the Lightning tied the score once more with barely 5 minutes remaining, and both sides spurrned opportunities to win it, as the tension rose in the stands.
Overtime was a blur as both side played as fast and hard as possible, but the dreaded penatly shots were required. Fuuuuuuuck! The only shot scored was the first one with Michal Psurny slotting home, as Steve Fone blanked the Lightning trio to secure the 2 points. Needless to say I was very fucking relieved.
Seriously, if this is to be the pattern for the season, then I really do think I'm going to have some kind of episode. The tension was so much that a few naughty words slipped out of my mouth (quietly though, and nothing too rude. The odd 'oh shit' here and there). Thank fuck for the relaxing effect of beer. Without a post match brew, I don't think my wife could have coped with me.
I have to say as well, the comedy moment of the night came when another goon from down south, Chris Biggins, sorry Wigggins gobbed off to big Rob Schnabel, then promptly shit himself when he realised Schnabel was more than willing to have a 'dance' with him. Indeed, the smell of fear was palpable, even from my vantage point some 30-odd metres away.
And, finally, it appears that with the NHL lockout in full swing, our lil' old club has been 'adopted' by the fans of the Phoenix Coyotes. So, to any of them reading this, thank you and enjoy!
See y'all on Sunday!
No comments:
Post a Comment