Lightning’s flashing start

MILTON KEYNES, UK – Despite the new season only being three weeks old, eyebrows have already been raised following the start set by MK Lightning. The Buckinghamshire side are the only side with a 100% record having won all six of their opening games, including wins over pre-season favourites Guildford Flames and Manchester Phoenix and defending champions Peterborough Phantoms. This start has seen the Lightning top the EPL and also having conceded the least amount of goals, yet player-coach Nick Poole has warned his side to not get too carried away. “I am delighted by the start we’ve made, but at this stage of the season we need to stay focused on our performances on the ice and improving on these performances, not our league position.” Poole said. The key to Lightning’s early success appears to be their defending. The side have averaged less than two goals against a game and net minders Barry Hollyhead and Alex Mettam have both posted save percentages of over 90 per cent. However, Poole believes that the team can still improve. “We know we can play better and I believe that we will improve as the season progresses,” Poole added. “We just need to keep focused and to take things a game at a time.” Milton Keynes will face another tough test this coming weekend as they host Slough Jets, who have also had some strong performances so far, before travelling to play Bracknell Bees for the third time this season, Lightning having won both previous games 5-2 and 4-2.
Contact mike.walls@prohockeynws.com