Excel Hull Stingrays (3) 3-4 (8) Manchester Phoenix
The playoffs are now the sole focus for the Excel Hull Stingrays after they lost out to the Manchester Phoenix by four goals to three in the second leg of their British Knockout Cup Quarter Final, leaving the Stingrays five goals behind on aggregate.
The Stingrays required a five goal turn around to progress to their second semi final in three years after losing the first leg in Manchester 4-0.
With their foot somewhat off the gas after a week off, the Stingrays left themselves with an uphill struggle in the opening two periods, as Manchester fired 36 shots on netminder Curtis Cruickshank in the Stingrays goal. Within those 36 shots Cruickshank allowed three Phoenix goals through defenceman Kenton Smith and forwards Kyle Bruce and Luke Fulghum.
Konstantin Kalmikov gave the Stingrays dimming light at the end of the tunnel a small flash with a 32nd minute goal however the beginning of the third period saw Andrew Jazscyzk replace Curtis Cruickshank, who recieved a deserved rest,and Lucas Burnett went on to capitalised on the netminders inexperience with what would turn out to be the game winning goal.
Further goals from Jeff Glowa, his 50th point this season, and Lee Mitchell gave the Stingrays fans something to sing about and the scoreline a closer slant, however both sides went away somewhat happy with the Stingrays avoiding any further injuries, in readyness for the playoff qualification, whilst Manchester move into the semi finals of a cup competition with the chance of silverware.
Knocked out of both the Challenge Cup and British Knockout Cup, the Stingrays now face the challenge of qualifying for the EIHL Playoffs for the first time in their history. Currently two points clear of ninth placed Edinburgh with two more games played, the run in to the end of the season will be a nervy time for both sides and will culminate on the final day with riveting fixture as the Capitals travel to Hull.
Next weekend the Rays face Cardiff at home on Saturday in their only fixture, whilst the Capitals will make up their two games in hand with a midweek fixture in Cardiff before a home and away double header against the Coventry Blaze next weekend.
Strach said: "We made it through the game without any more injuries so that's a big plus. We all knew it would be pretty tough to make up four goals. To do that you have to open it up, but if you do that Manchester will score goals."
SOG: 42-29
PIM: 6-10
