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BUZZER REPORT: Swindon Wildcats 1 MK Lightning 4
Rested and refreshed after no Saturday game over the weekend, Swindon Wildcats entered the final period against MK Lightning on Sunday in the ascendency, until a late surge from the visitors left a packed Swindon Ice Arena with hearts in mouths. Total Sport’s Ben Callaghan was rink-side to record the action as it happened...
With just the one game this weekend the Swindon Wildcats faced MK Lightning at home for the second time this season. A third period comeback from the Lightning was enough to seal a 4-1 win.
The first period saw both sides get chances they deserved, but neither side could capitalise on their opportunities. MK had an early 5-on-3 powerplay which Swindon and the D successfully killed, setting on their stall early doors.
The best chance of the period for Cats also came on the powerplay, Aaron Nell and Carlo Finucci each going close for the home side. Dean Skinns stood tall in the MK net and was making some very good pad saves. The period finished goalless as both teams looked to regroup.
The second period was as fast and physical as the first, but yet again it was a night for the netminders. Stevie Lyle and Dean Skinns were showing the packed crowd their ability between the pipes with good glove and pad saves, each keeping their side in the tie.
The deadlock was broken at 26:28. With an MK penalty just expired, Corey McEwen found room in front of the net to poke the puck home with the assists being awarded to Carlo Finucci and Jonas Höög, putting Wildcats in the driving seat.
MK came out much quicker in the final period and found another gear. They tied the game up at 43.18. A shot from the point was converted by Blaz Emersic at the back door, with the assists being awarded to Michael Farn and Adam Carr.
Two minutes later, at 45:31, MK took the lead, Adam Carr again finding room close to the net to fire the puck through the legs of Lyle for a 2-1 lead. The goal rattled the Cats and, unable to find composure, they were struggling to test Skinns as frequently as they had done in the two periods previous.
Lightning got their third goal with a great breakaway from Lewis Hook. Hook moved in on goal at pace and lifted the puck over a stranded Lyle. With less than five minutes to play the Cats faced an uphill battle to get back into the contest.
Lyle was pulled as a last roll of the dice but James Griffin managed to convert on the empty net from halfway to seal a 4-1 win at 59.10.
Cats return to home ice on Saturday when the Hull Pirates make their first visit of the season to Swindon.
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