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Phoenix unable to complete comeback in MK

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Manchester Phoenix travelled to Milton Keynes Lightning on Saturday evening, missing forward Stanislav Gron but welcoming Richie Bentham for his second appearance of the season in a Phoenix jersey.

MK grabbed an early lead through Jordan Cownie at 1:55 although Phoenix grew into the game as the period wore on without being able to make a breakthrough.  MK doubled their advantage on 17 minutes as Blaz Emersic thundered a shot past Steve Fone.

Phoenix responded early in the second period on the Powerplay, as a good passing move saw Michal Satek set up Nico Aaltonen at 22:17.  The one-goal deficit was short-lived as first Grant McPherson at 25:26, then former Phoenix favourite Frankie Bakrlik on 27:04, followed by Leigh Jamieson at 29:07 made it 5-1 to the home side.  The goals continued to flow as Robin Kovar reduced the arrears at 31:08 but Cownie netted his second of the game at 37:35 to make it 6-2 with 20 minutes to play.

Phoenix produced a spirited fightback in the third period, as Aaltonen completed his first hat trick in Phoenix colours, firstly converting a pass from James Neil at 43:15 and then scoring on the rebound at 47:31 after a Kovar shot was saved.  The home side resisted further pressure and added late goals from Emersic at 51:47 and Bakrlik at 58:51, both on the Powerplay.

Phoenix are on the road again tomorrow night at the Telford Tigers, with a 6pm face-off.