Phantoms ghost a victory in shoot-out against Wildcats

Swindon Wildcats were dealt a late blow, as the Peterborough Phantoms delivered a shootout winning goal to claim the night’s win. Despite gaining a solid point after reaching an overtime period eventually The ‘Cats had to face a shootout and concede their sixth overtime loss of the season.

The night opened well for the home side as Swedish import Jonas Hoog linked well with Nicky Watt and with a simple pass, set up forward Aaron Nell for a simple tap in for a very impressive opening goal.

The second period then saw much of the same as the line once more performed on the ice, this time with Watt finishing well after some ‘tic-tac’ passing in the Phantoms zone. Stopping the onslaught on net, Peterborough soon found a reply and one that saw the Canadian Jeff Glowa deflect a rapid slapshot of a faceoff draw. Minutes later and Glowa would then find yet another, this time following up another shot from the blue line and tapping the puck past netminder Dean Skinns.

A tied score bought the game into the third period, with the night’s fixture still very much in contention for both sides. Within minutes the ‘Cats found their next goal of the night, with the newly signed Tomas Fojtik earning his first for the club. A big slapshot from the blue line made hard work for netminder Damien King who although blocking the initial shot, would see the puck trickle over the line for a third home goal.The celebrations were cut short however just minutes later, as Phantoms import Andrej Lauko would connect on a pin point pass and direct the puck into the goal after a rush to the far post.

A tied game once more would hold opportunities for both sides, however with neither side beating the opposing netminder the game drew into an overtime period.

A tense OT gave chances at either end and although not consequently netting, did see both netminders tested in net on several occasions. Despite this, the buzzer sounded for an ultimate shoot out decider with both teams gathering to their benches alike.

First to emerge for Swindon was previous scorer Nell and although taking the simple aim to place the shot high, would see his shot hit the glass and be denied a goal.

Next to step up for the Phantoms would also be a previous scorer in the form of forward Ondrej Lauko. Despite a charge to the net and some quick moves, his shot would consequently be saved as netminder Skinns tracked the puck to block it.

Round two bought about Nicky Watt to the ice for the ‘Cats and although pulling out several dekes on net, a missed shot meant for a continued scoreless shootout contest.

However with the Peterborough’s Tom Carlon next to step up, the game was to change. With a skate to the net and a simple slapshot to the top right hand corner, Skinns was beaten and the away side had their important shootout goal.

Finally with ‘Cats Jonas Hoog being denied in round three, it gave the away side the shootout victory and a second point to take the win.

Final Score: Swindon Wildcats 3 – 3 (0-1) SO Peterborough Phantoms