GUILDFORD, UK – Week 26 and the Flames started the weekend on the end of a three-game losing streak, their worst period this season. In fact, they have only had one previous 3-game losing streak and that was at the back end of last year. Saturday’s opponents, the Swindon Wildcats, on the other hand, had their tails up following the thrashing dished out to the Bees and the unlucky loss to the Jets. So some would say it wasn’t too surprising when Matt Foord gave the hosts the lead, but a Rick Plant equaliser meant all was tied going into the first break. The second period was equally tight with shots almost equal again, but it was Jan Krajicek who again put the home team in front with the Wildcats making better use of the powerplay.
Into the third and in what was a scrappier period the Flames equalled again, this time through Lukas Smital after five minutes, but it was Jozef Kohut who clinched it for the Wildcats seven minutes from the end.
Sunday’s game against the Scimitars and the rough period was looking over for the Flames when with fifteen minutes gone a goal by Adrian Saul put them in the lead. The Scimitars equalled after the break thanks to Aaran Strawson, but shortly after Lubomir Huraj regained the lead for the Flames. Nine minutes from the end Andrew Melachrino added to the score suggesting the Flames were coasting to a comfortable win. But then, six minutes from the end in a thirty second burst not only did the Sheffield side score through Matthew Haywood but the equaliser came through Mark Stewart forcing the game into overtime. Seventy-four seconds into the sudden death overtime and it was Stewart again who ended it with his second goal and another defeat for the Flames, but at least a point salvaged.
The disappointing weekend means the Flames have dropped to fifth place in the league and although out of touch with the top now, are still in the scrap for third.
Got a comment? Bill.Collins@Prohockeynews.com
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