The Steeldogs were still without Tim Smith for the visit to the Peterborough Phantoms , but had Fin Ulrick back in the line up. Ben Norton got the nod again with Dan Crowe backing up. This was going to be another big ask to get a win in Peterborough, especially after their big win In MK last night, and given the Steeldogs poor showing v Telford on the same night.
The 1st period started with both defenses on top and at 4.40 Barry and Salem set the tone for the night by taking 2 mins each for holding. In the 8th minute, Nathan Ripley slotted home a rebound after good work by Phillips and Sommer. A 2nd goal came for the visitors at 12.31, Hallfors on the spot to fire past Lavigne. Assists to Bjorkly Nordstrom and Morgan. The dogs should have gone into the break with a bigger lead, but squandered 2 powerplay opportunities, either side of Hallfors’ goal. But a two nil advantage at the end of the 1st was more than anyone could have envisaged.
Peterborough started the 2nd period with a man advantage. Former phantom favourite IBN was given a 2 minute minor for unsportsmanlike conduct after handbags at the buzzer ( 20.00 ) The dogs saw the penalty out with some great penalty killing but the home side didn’t take long to get on the scoresheet at 23.23. Phantoms had the upper hand now but Lavigne was being kept busy too, especially with another PP at 28.58 for the visitors. As with the previous 2 powerplays, despite plenty of slick passing, the Steeldogs weren’t able to punish the Phantoms. Then shortly after the PP, Cooper was given a seat in the penalty box, 2 mins for roughing, which meant more work for the specialist units. Norton and the defense were equal to everything Peterborough had to offer, and the period ended without further scoring. The ongoing battle between Barry and Salem was keeping the officials on their toes!! A 2-1 lead for the Steeldogs heading into the 3rd.
Phantoms were always going to start on the front foot in the 3rd and the first 5 minutes were going to be a test of the Steeldogs character. The lead lasted all of 18 seconds!. Less than a minute in and Barry was sent to the box for wrestling that man Salem to the ice. Holding was the official call. 7 seconds later and the home team had taken the lead. The tide had turned and the Dogs were hanging on now and it was no surprise to see the hosts add 2 more goals ( 47.52 and 50.35 ) Coach Morgan called a time out as soon as the 5th went in. A minute later and the Dogs were on the powerplay again but, as before, couldn’t find a way past Lavigne. The phantoms nettie was growing in confidence and denied the dogs on a couple of breakaways. As the game looked to be heading to another disappointing loss, Ulrick pulled a goal back on 57.34, assists to Hallfors and Ivan. Remarkably, Walker Sommer hammered a shot home, unassisted, to bring the deficit to one goal, at 58.11.
A last gasp effort was needed to tie the game and as the Dogs headed towards the phantoms zone, Norton was pulled for the extra skater. His skates barely off the ice before the home team scored into the empty net. A fitting end to a poor weekend for the Dogs. No further incident and the buzzer sounded to signal the end of the game. Steeldogs had outshot the home team 38- 34 but will rue the missed powerplay opportunities and the lame start to the 3rd period.
Ben Norton was presented with the Dogs Man of the Match award.
The next home game for the Steeldogs is Sunday 23rd March, face off 4pm.
Tickets can be purchased from : https://hub.steeldogs.co.uk/