Two late goals help Clan to road win

Photo: John Uwins

Glasgow Clan led for most of the game in Guildford, but needed two late goals to beat the Flames on Saturday night.

Having been under pressure for most of the opening period, Clan came out of the first with a one-goal lead - Nolan LaPorte crashed a slapshot past Kevin Lindskoug with 17:37 played using Flames' defenseman Kyle Locke as a screen.

The visitors took four minor penalties in period two, giving the Flames ample opportunity to equalise. Despite decent pressure on Shane Starrett's net, the Flames failed to create too many Grade A opportunities with their 15 shots in the period and Clan stayed a goal ahead. 

Both Owen Griffiths and Robert Lachowicz had good chances in front of Starrett's net to tie the game but couldn't beat the Clan goalie. Eventually, the home side's pressure told and they were level at 45:54 thanks to Ian Watters getting the final touch after a scramble in front of the Clan net.

The Flames continued to look the most likely team to score again, but the game swung at 52:07. A poorly timed hit form former Clan forward Mac Howlett saw him ejected for kneeing and put the Clan on a five-minute powerplay. Tim Shoup's initial shot was blocked in front of Lindskoug, but he got on the rebound and shot through a crowd to put the visitors back ahead with 3:31 left on the clock. Justo ver a minute later, Mathieu Roy finished off a LaPorte feed in front to double Clan's lead and put the game out of Guildford's reach. 

Guildford pressed for a way back into the game and also went with six skaters, but there was nothing doing and the Clan held on for an important two points with Starrett making 45 saves.