Manchester Phoenix edged closer to a first ever appearance in an Elite League final after a comprehensive 4-0 win over Hull Stingrays.
Manchester have one foot in the last four after convincing win
Manchester Phoenix edged closer to a first ever appearance in an Elite League final after a comprehensive 4-0 win over Hull Stingrays in the first leg of the British Knockout Cup quarter-final.
Stephen Murphy posted his second successive shut-out with 26 saves as goals from Kenton Smith, Brett Clouthier, Tony Hand and Kyle Bruce put Phoenix in control of the tie.
Phoenix had the better of the chances in the first period but had to wait until late in the period before getting the breakthrough as Smith struck his sixth goal of the season at 17.38.
The home side, despite being out-shot 17-7 in the second period, doubled their lead at 35.24 when Clouthier returned to the ice after being binned for hooking to net his fifth of the season.
Phoenix made their home advantage count further at 46.42 as player/coach Hand struck home his sixteenth goal of the season.
Bruce then made sure that Manchester head to Hull Arena on February 14 with a four-goal cushion by completing the scoring at 56.28.
