GAME REPORT: Hard-working performance ends in loss to Storm

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Two third period goals for Manchester Storm proved to be the difference as a hard-working Glasgow Clan display ended with no points to show for it.

As the play-off push intensifies, Ryan Finnerty’s side were the team to start a three-game weekend for both teams with the first points as they boosted their own chances.

It was the start of a massive weekend for both sides as they looked to strengthen their place in the play-off berths and the early intensity definitely reflected that.

Storm goalie Matt Ginn pulled off a great glove save when Travis Ehrhardt steamed in from the left to set up Chad Rau, but the shot was well stopped.

Cam Braes took a puck in the face from a powerful blue line drive from Ehrhardt, but was back later on after being patched up.

It was certainly a performance to be pleased about as the Clan outshot their opponents 13-5, but all that was missing was the goal.

Rasmus Bjerrum hit a low effort on Ginn, who had his left side covered then Nolan LaPorte went for placement, but again, Storm’s goalie got enough on it to divert it wide.

Tyson Fawcett, up the other end, forced Patrick Killeen into a terrific save to guide it away from danger – a save that earned a round of applause around the arena.

Ginn was on top form to deny Craig Peacock twice, the first a low effort that forced the Storm netminder to plunge low to his left to get something on.

Then the home #71 hit a one-timer that the visiting goalie gloved with great precision before Fawcett was denied by Killeen again with a leg pad stop.

The intensity was still there after the first two periods, with a touch more physicality from both sides as the stakes crept a little higher the longer the game went on.

It was Manchester who eventually broke the deadlock when Mario Puskarich’s effort from the inside left took a touch from Henrik Samuelsson and found its way in.

Clan put the pressure on in an attempt to get an equaliser, but were hit on the break as Frankie Melton surged up the right and teed up Scott Simmons, who caressed the puck into the net for the insurance marker.

With two games to come this weekend, focus now turns to a trip to the Skydome and Coventry Blaze as Clan try to get their play-off bid back on track.

View the game sheet HERE.