ICE HOCKEY: Phantoms boost their bid for second by muzzling the Steeldogs

Milan Baranyk scored twice for Phantoms at Sheffield.

Slava Koulikov’s men swooped for a 5-2 success in Sheffield to extend their winning streak against the Steeldogs to five games this season.

The victory was also enough to edge them a point clear of EPL Cup final conquerors Guildford in the race for a runners-up finish. They also have a game in hand on the Flames.

Phantoms found themselves ahead and behind during a frantic first period at iceSheffield last night.

Ales Padelek was man-of-the-match for Phantoms at Sheffield.

Milan Baranyk provided an early breakthrough but Steeldogs import Lubomir Korhon levelled before youngster Cole Shudra forced the hosts ahead.

Phantoms were only in arrears for 70 seconds as former Sheffield man Edgars Bebris responded and they eased back into the driving seat when Baranyk bagged his second of the night, on a powerplay, in the second period.

The clinching goals arrived in quick succession in the final stanza from Darius Pliskauskas and Ales Padelek for a Phantoms side who remain nine points behind leaders Basingstoke with six games to go.

That gap could reduce tonight (March 6) as Phantoms return to home ice tonight to take on Swindon (5.30pm). Table-toppers Basingstoke have no fixture

MATCH DETAILS

Goals

Sheffield

7:18 Korhon ass: Squires/Bosas

11:01 Shudra unassisted

Phantoms

2:42 Baranyk ass: Scott/Auzins

12:11 Bebris ass: Pliskauskas/McGiffin

32:12 Baranyk (PP) ass: Scott

47:22 Pliskauskas ass: Norton/Bebris

50:45 Padelek ass: Bebris/Gibson

Men-of-the-match

Sheffield – Liam Kirk

Phantoms – Ales Padelek