Phoenix caught cold by Lightning strike

Manchester Phoenix 2-8 Milton Keynes Lightning

Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix were handed a semi final first leg thrashing by league leading Milton Keynes Lightning on Thursday night that now leaves them with very little chance of reaching the EPL cup final.

Milton Keynes arrived late at the Altrincham Ice Dome after being caught in traffic but it was the home side which looked tired and flat throughout what was the most important game of the season.

Joe Graham gave Phoenix the lead in the 9th minute on the powerplay, but three goals from the Lighting before the end of period saw the visitors firmly in control, Lewis Christie, Andre Smulter and Nick Poole all finding the net.

And the second period saw no let up in the Lightning’s dominance, Lukas Zatopek, Leigh Jamieson and Russ Bowers all converted for the visitors as Steve Fone in the Manchester net struggled to deal with the Lightning onslaught, a lone Adam Walker goal was all Phoenix could manage.

Smulter and Monir Kalgoum added further goals in the third period to all but seal their place in the final before the second leg has even took place leaving Phoenix with an embarrassing home defeat.