The Manchester Metros traveled down the M6 to Coventry on Sunday night to square off against the Warwick Panthers at the SkyDome. The Metros came into the game needing an emphatic win to really state their case in the Cup Competition. (@ Edinburgh 1-1, vs. Newcastle 3-2 win)
Once the puck dropped, the Metros put the pressure on Warwick, not allowing them to breathe. Warwick found themselves in an uncomfortable position of having extreme difficulty gaining the offensive blue line as the Metros D and back-checking forwards were completely disruptive of Warwick's passing and overall flow. Warwick were unable to respond to the high intensity the Metros were playing with. The Metros pounded the Warwick goalie with shots from all over the offensive zone and the 1st period saw no shortage of goals as the Metros led 4-0 at the 1st break.
The 2nd period was much the same as the Metros continued their dominance. The team carried over their stellar passing from the first period as they weaved their way in out of the Warwick defense. Although the Metros created several opportunities, they were only able to capitalize on 2 of them, extending their lead to 6-0 after two periods of play.
The start of the 3rd period saw a change in Warwick's goal. The new goalie faced much of the same as the starter did and was peppered with shots at point blank. The lads added one extra insurance goal on a blazing shot from the point to supplant a 7-0 lead. The Metros did slow their play down which allowed for 3-unanswered Warwick goals, all via the breakaway.
The game finished 7-3 with the Metros stealing not only both points, but saw them climb atop the Cup Competition table since Edinburgh could only muster out a tie against Sheffield. It was definitely the emphatic win the Metros were looking for.
The Metros can take a lot of extra confidence as they have just under 2 weeks off before Sheffield comes-a-calling to Deeside on the 9th of December.
For full stats, gamesheet, and summary, visit:
http://www.buiha.org.uk/gameStats.php?gid=1815
Photo credit to: Martin Klefas-Stennett
(View all of Martin's photo collections at his Flickr account.)
