OT win keeps Flames seven points clear at top

Photo: John Uwins

Guildford Flames stayed seven points clear at the top of the Viaplay Elite League, but had to work hard to eventually edge past Manchester Storm in overtime on Sunday night.

Jesper Ohrvall gave the Storm the perfect start at the Spectrum with a goal just 20 seconds into the game, capitalising on a giveaway and firing into the roof of the net. 2:02 into period two, Cole Carter finished ion the slot to double the visitors lead.

However, just 36 seconds later Mike Crocock's shot from the point went through a screen and found the net to bring the Flames back to within one. The home side then went on to tie things up at 36:50 through Kyle Lock off a nice pass from Ian McNulty.

The game was still tied heading into the final 10 minutes of period three until Finlay Ulrick put Storm back ahead with 6:24 to play. The league leaders were to draw level again, though, as Ryan Tait fired home in the slot from Brett Ferguson's pass from behind the goal line at 55:17.

In overtime, the Flames broke forward off the faceoff which forced Anthony DeLuca to take a hooking minor. 16 seconds later, Ferguson set up Bradley Lalonde for the game winner at 60:23 - the only time the Flames led all game.