Excel Hull Stingrays 1-6 Manchester Phoenix
The Manchester Phoenix handed the Excel Hull Stingrays their second thrashing in front of home fans in three weeks as a third period capitulation confirmed that the Phoenix would go unbeaten against the Stingrays this season.
After beating the big budget Nottingham Panthers 6-4 at home last weekend, it was hoped that the Stingrays had beaten another low on their season long roller coaster after overcoming the extreme low of losing 7-1 at home to Cardiff the previous week.
However the Phoenix took a two nil lead thanks to Lucas Burdett and Tony Hand and never really looked back, despite a Lee Esders second period goal, his third in as many games, pinning the Phoenix lead momentarily back to one.
And despite the Rays out shooting the Phoenix by 45-41, a four goal third period for the Phoenix sealed a comprehensive 6-1 victory that has left the Rays hope of qualifying for the Elite League playoffs for the first time in tatters.
As if the loss wasn't bad enough, it was made all the worse with the news that the Edinburgh Capitals extended their lead in the final playoff spot to three points with a 9-2 thrashing over an understrength Newcastle Vipers, who conceded seven goals in the first period.
The Stingrays will naturally be hoping that this was not the day that cost them the chance to reach their first ever Elite League playoffs, however with just five games remaining it seems more likely than not that it could cost the team dear.
SOG: 45-41
PIM: 12-24
Playoff race, as it stands:
8th- Edinburgh GP47, W 14, OTL6, L28, GF155, GA221, GDIFF -66, PTS 33
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9th- Stingrays GP48, W 13, OTL5, L30, GF128, GA216, GDIFF -88, PTS 30
