NIHL Play-Offs Week 2 Review!
Swindon Wildcats vs Sheffield Steeldogs
Game 1: Steeldogs (PS) 5-4 Wildcats
The Steeldogs produced a stunning comeback from 4-2 down in the third period to take the game beyond regulation. Tim Smith scored the crucial equaliser with less than four minutes remaining to force overtime. Neither side could find a winner in the extra period, meaning a shootout was required, where Bair Gendunov proved to be the hero, scoring the only goal to secure the extra point for Sheffield.
Game 2: Wildcats 3-2 Steeldogs
The Wildcats responded with a much more controlled performance in Game 2, dictating the pace far better than the previous night. In a tighter contest, Dylan Lipsey scored the decisive goal to seal the win. The three points collected across the weekend were enough to confirm Swindon’s place at the Coventry play-off weekend for a third straight season.
Romford Raiders vs Peterborough Phantoms
Game 1: Raiders 5-6 Phantoms
A remarkable comeback saw the Phantoms overturn huge deficits of 4-0 and 5-2 to claim an incredible victory. Jake Sylvester had earlier scored a rapid seven-minute hat-trick for the Raiders, putting them firmly in control. However, Peterborough battled back goal by goal, with depth scoring from Joe Gretton and Scott Robson before Luke Ferrara completed the turnaround in dramatic fashion.
Game 2: Phantoms 3-5 Raiders
The Raiders responded strongly with an important away win to keep their play-off hopes alive. Ewan Hill starred on the night with a hat-trick, leading the way offensively. Although the Phantoms attempted to mount another comeback, they were unable to do so, and the defeat confirmed their elimination from the play-offs while Romford secured a crucial two points.
Leeds Knights vs Hull Seahawks
Game 1: Knights 1-0 Seahawks
A tight and tactical contest saw the Knights edge a narrow victory on home ice. With chances at a premium, it was Oli Endicott who broke the deadlock late in the game, scoring within the final three minutes. Sam Gospel was also key, delivering a shutout performance at an important stage of the season.
Game 2: Seahawks (OT) 4-3 Knights
The second game was far more open, with both sides showing their attacking quality. Leeds carried a one-goal lead into the third period, but Jack Musil levelled the score at 3-3 to force overtime. In the extra period, Emil Svec struck with a decisive slapshot to secure the win and an extra point for Hull, keeping their play-off push alive.
MK Lightning vs Telford Tigers
Game 1: Lightning 6-3 Tigers
The Tigers made a dream start, scoring twice within the opening four minutes, but MK responded brilliantly. Four unanswered goals in the second period turned the game on its head and gave the Lightning control. Although Telford briefly closed the gap, two further goals in the third period ensured a comfortable victory for the home side.
Game 2: Tigers 4-2 Lightning
Telford came into Game 2 needing a result and delivered under pressure. After a closely contested opening, the Tigers pulled away in the third period with two crucial goals from their leading forwards, David Thomson and David Henderson. The win keeps them firmly in the play-off race and leaves Group B finely balanced, with three teams level on four points heading into the final weekend.
