Flyers crushed by Flames after winning 14-goal epic

Fife Flyers were brought back down to earth last night after losing 6-1 to Elite League new boys Guildford Flames in Surrey.

Todd Dutiaume’s side were on a high after winning a 14-goal thriller with reigning league champions Cardiff Devils – but they were unable to maintain that pace as they struggled against the Flames, who are now one point behind Fife in the league standings.

Shayne Stockton gave Fife the lead in the third minute after an assist from James Jorgensen.

However Guildford took control and led 2-1 at the end of the first period thanks to strikes from Kruise Reddick and Ian Watters.

The hosts then dominated the second period, adding four more strikes through Jeremy Lundin, Tomas Nechala, Ben Campbell and Reddick again.

The third and final period remained goalless on a night to forget for the Kirkcaldy side, who remain in sixth place.

Meanwhile Danick Gauthier ignited a sensational comeback as Fife roared back from 5-1 down to beat champions Cardiff Devils 8-6 on their home patch on Saturday.

Dutiaume’s side started badly when Andrew Hotham put Devils a goal up inside the first minute.

Hotham added his and Cardiff’s second a few minutes later and Cardiff went 3-0 ahead after Josh Batch netted.

Fife opened their account when Liam Heelis set up Carlo Finucci but Cardiff restored their threegoal lead as Joey Martin struck on the powerplay in the opening minutes of the second session.

Bryce Reddick made it 5-1 after Layne Ulmer set him up to make Cardiff’s night more comfortable, but Gauthier’s first on the powerplay proved the trigger.

Chase Schaber and Finucci, with his second, were also on target to bring the Flyers to within one by the end of the middle period.

Cardiff netted again through Justin Faryna to reopen a two-goal cushion, but the visitors responded.

Evan Bloodoff scored shorthanded as momentum swung Fife’s way, with two more from Gauthier to complete the treble and claim an amazing victory.

● Dundee Stars lost 3-2 to Braehead Clan in Glasgow.