Five-second start, but Phoenix turn the tide on Cardiff

The puck had barely dropped before Cardiff were ahead. A face-off won, a burst through the middle of the Guildford defence and a finish from Carter Lloyd: just five seconds into Sunday’s game at the Vindico Arena, the Canucks had made the best possible start.

Against visitors who had beaten Bristol Pitbulls 2 15–0 the previous evening, it was an immediate reminder of Cardiff’s own threat. They had already overturned a three-goal deficit to win at Guildford in September, and Lloyd’s opener offered the prospect of another rewarding night against Phoenix.

This time, though, Guildford would be the side to turn the game around. Cardiff’s early lead survived almost to the first interval, but two goals in 23 seconds changed the mood of the contest and set the visitors on their way to a 5–1 win.

Theo Sire supplied both finishes, drawing Guildford level with 35 seconds left in the opening period before striking again with just 12 seconds remaining. Having spent almost the entire period in front, Cardiff headed into the dressing room a goal behind.

There was still plenty to play for. The Canucks stayed within touching distance through much of the second period, and a five-on-three power play presented an opening to bring the game back level. With only one goal between the teams, it was a chance to make Guildford chase again.

Instead, a quick succession of Cardiff penalties turned that opportunity on its head. The Canucks went from pressing with two extra skaters to defending a Guildford power play, and Montgomery Gailer punished the reversal at 35:10. A possible route to 2–2 had become a 3–1 deficit, leaving Cardiff with a much steeper climb.

Phoenix were making those chances count. Their defence and forward lines worked effectively across the ice, giving Cardiff little room to turn promising attacks into another breakthrough. At the other end, Ross Miller was kept busy throughout, making 47 saves as the Canucks tried to keep a way back within reach.

The second Cardiff goal would not come. Solomon Stoodley stretched Guildford’s advantage early in the third period, and Daniil Sakantsev added their fifth late on to complete the visitors’ winning weekend.

It had been a fast, end-to-end game, with the hockey itself providing the talking points. Lloyd’s opening burst gave Cardiff a moment to savour, Miller’s work in net helped them stay in the contest, and Jaydon Ford was recognised with the Canucks’ Man of the Match award. Ultimately, Guildford’s clinical finishing and Cardiff’s missed opportunities with the extra skater told the story.

The weekend leaves Cardiff down one place to eighth in the league, with 12 points from eight games. Guildford climb to second on 19, four behind leaders Milton Keynes Thunder, as the early-season table begins to take shape.

For Cardiff, the chance to respond starts on the road. They travel to Chelmsford Warriors in the Eddie Joseph Memorial Cup on Saturday 7 November, before league visits to Milton Keynes on 14 November and Haringey on 21 November.

The Canucks then return to the ’Nuck House on Sunday 22 November, hosting Peterborough Phantoms 2 in the Eddie Joseph Memorial Cup at 6.30pm. Three weeks separate the home fixtures, with plenty of hockey to shape Cardiff’s November before they are back in front of their own supporters. Book your tickets.