There was nothing to choose between MK Lightning and Leeds Knights, as the pair won one game apiece in their weekend double-header at the top of the Planet Ice NIHL National Division.

On both occasions, it was the away side that prevailed – the Knights winning 4-2 in Milton Keynes on Saturday to temporarily move top, before Lightning returned to the summit the following day thanks to a narrow 3-2 victory in West Yorkshire.

Sunday’s game between the top two was the only one of the night to finish in regulation time – across the evening’s action, a remarkable 43 goals were scored in five games, with three going to overtime and one ending with a penalty shootout.

Despite having a one-game weekend, Swindon Wildcats were able to keep pace with their title rivals after overcoming Solway Sharks 6-5 at the Link Centre on Saturday.

But their cushion over fourth-placed Hull Seahawks was cut to seven points after Matty Davies’ side enjoyed a perfect gameweek with victories over Romford Raiders and Peterborough Phantoms.

The Seahawks edged further clear of Sheffield Steeldogs in the race for the top four, with their Yorkshire rivals requiring overtime to defeat Romford Raiders in their only game of the weekend.

Further down the standings, Peterborough Phantoms couldn’t back up Thursday’s emphatic 6-0 win at home to Berkshire Bees but still added a point to their tally after taking Hull to overtime.

In the race for playoff hockey, Telford Tigers climbed into eighth after picking up three points from a possible four against Berkshire, who remains four points adrift at the foot of the table.

The Sharks dropped out of the top eight but did still pick up a point away at Bristol Pitbulls, who were victorious in their Sunday shootout.

Results – NIHL National Division

Thu 6th Feb Peterborough Phantoms 6-0 Berkshire Bees
Sat 8th Feb Berkshire Bees 3-5 Telford Tigers L
Sat 8th Feb Hull Seahawks 8-4 Romford Raiders L
Sat 8th Feb Milton Keynes Lightning 2-4 Leeds Knights L
Sat 8th Feb Swindon Wildcats 6-5 Solway Sharks L
Sun 9th Feb Bristol Pitbulls 6-5 (SO) Solway Sharks L
Sun 9th Feb Leeds Knights 2-3 Milton Keynes Lightning L
Sun 9th Feb Peterborough Phantoms 5-6 (OT) Hull Seahawks L
Sun 9th Feb Romford Raiders 3-4 (OT) Sheffield Steeldogs L
Sun 9th Feb Telford Tigers 4-5 (OT) Berkshire Bees L

Stay updated on all the latest fixtures and results from across the NIHL regional divisions, WNIHL and junior leagues.

Photo credit: Pete Fears

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