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Battling Phoenix claim point in Guildford

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Manchester Phoenix travelled to Surrey on Saturday evening to face a Guildford team who had lost 5-3 in Basingstoke on Friday night and were missing former Phoenix forward Marcus Kristoffersson through suspension.

Phoenix started well and took the lead at 9:47 through James Archer who was left unmarked to score after good work from Stanislav Gron to create the opportunity.  Guildford worked hard to get back into the game but were frustrated by Phoenix, and Danny Meyers and Robin Kovar then picked up penalties at the end of the period for a scuffle off the puck.

Phoenix extended their lead early in the second period at 21:25 when James Neil converted his second of the season from defence after excellent work from Michal Satek and Gron.  Guildford responded quickly, and Jez Lundin blasted a shot past Fone at 22:33.  The Flames then levelled shorthanded at 33:21 through Jens Eriksson and took the lead for the first time through Ben Campbell at 36:02 as the second period ended 3-2 to the home side.

The Flames took advantage of more generous officiating at the start of the third as former Phoenix forward Tom Duggan scored on the Powerplay at 41:05.  But Phoenix mounted a spirited comeback, and Trent Hope scored his first Phoenix goal at 48:41 after being set up by Satek before Kovar equalised at 51:49.  Phoenix had a late Powerplay opportunity but the game went to overtime at 4-4.

After a goalless overtime period of 3 on 3 hockey, the game went to penalty shots.  Despite Michal Satek scoring, Phoenix had to settle for one point as both Matic Kralj and Tom Duggan scored for Guildford.

Phoenix are back in action tomorrow night as they host the Swindon Wildcats in Deeside with a 6:30pm face-off.