Flames thrash Storm to book Finals Weekend place

Photo: John Uwins

Guildford Flames will contest only their third ever Elite League Playoff Finals Weekend after a thumping aggregate victory over Manchester Storm.

The Flames brought a 5-1 lead back home from Manchester on Saturday night, and had a dream start back at the Spectrum when Nicolas Oulette beat Evan Weninger five-hole off a quick play just 16 seconds into the game.

Storm were always going to have an uphill task, but that early goal was one they never really recovered from as the Flames continued to press through the opening period.

Ryan Tait made it 2-0 on the night 5:42 into period two, before Bradley Lalonde crashed a one-timer off the post and in from the edge of the circle at 28:13.

Tait's second of the night at 47:51 capped off an excellent passing play by the hosts on the powerplay as Storm could only watch on as their season slipped away.