Steeldogs hosted MK Lightning in their last home game of the season. With no chance of reaching Coventry all the Steeldogs had to play for was pride, especially after the abysmal performance last time out in Romford. MK needed 2 wins from the double header to guarantee their spot at Coventry. Steeldogs welcomed back Ben Morgan to the line up but Fin Ulrick joined Kirk and Barry on the unavailable list. Dan Crowe started in goal. Lightning were quickly on the front foot and forced Crowe into some fine saves in the opening minutes, but the Dogs were putting up a much better fight of things and went close a couple of times themselves. MK took the lead at 5.59 and laid siege on Crowe’s net, but with help from his teammates and some bizarre finishing from Lightning they couldn’t add to the score. Leading scorer and talisman Walker Sommer got the dogs back level, elegantly skating beyond the MK defence and across Hedley, before tipping the puck home at 14.15. Assists going to Phillips and Smith Game on and the visitors knew the Dogs weren’t going to lie down. Chances at each end followed but no further goals before the buzzer. A much better effort from the Dogs, but the task was to be much harder, with Tate Shudra, recently back from a long injury, having had to be helped off the ice after crashing into the boards and receiving lengthy treatment, during the latter stages. Shudra took no further part in the game and we all wish him a speedy recovery.
Into the 2nd period and again, MK were on the offensive. 2 quickfire goals 36 seconds apart, giving them breathing space. With the extra swagger of a 2 goal lead, MK had the upper hand and should’ve put the game to bed, but some unbelievable misses in front of goal meant the score stayed at 3-1 at the end of the 2nd period.
Still all to play for, but it would take an heroic 3rd period performance for the Steeldogs to get something out of this game. The last period pretty much followed the pattern of the first two, with MK looking the most likely to score, but they were reminded on numerous occasions that any easing up and the Dogs were capable of turning the game around. However, 2 further goals gave the score line a more realistic look at the end.MK, deserved 5-1 winners.
Whilst not one of the hosts better games, it was a vastly improved performance from the previous one. Man of the Match awards were presented to Hedley and Brady Doxey The players showed their appreciation after the skate round, by gathering mid ice, to applaud the fans as one… A well received gesture
More of the same effort tonight please lads
