Game Report
20 May 2026, 16:00
Predators Show Fight but Lightning Strike Hard in Cambridge
Linked game:
16 May 2026 vs Tri-base Lightning
Final Score
Peterborough Predators 4 – 8 Tri-base Lightning
📍 Cambridge Ice Arena
🗓 Saturday 16 May 2026
First Period
The Predators couldn’t have asked for a tougher start as Tri-base Lightning struck just 28 seconds into the game through Brandon Fianco to immediately put the visitors on the back foot.
Peterborough responded brilliantly though. Shaun Mcleavy buried a powerplay goal at 3:01 after excellent work from Euan Simpson to level the game and settle the Predators into the contest.
The momentum didn’t last long, however, as Fianco restored the Lightning lead midway through the period before adding a shorthanded goal at 13:23 to complete a first-period hat trick and send Tri-base into the break leading 3–1.
⸻
Second Period
The Predators came out flying in the second and again showed resilience. Jay Cullimore grabbed a shorthanded goal at 23:31 with Euan Simpson picking up another assist to cut the deficit to one.
Peterborough continued to battle and were rewarded again when Shaun Mcleavy fired home his second of the night at 36:37 after a neat setup from Jay Cullimore and Alex Langley, making it 4–3 and giving the Predators real hope heading into the final frame.
But once again the Lightning answered at key moments. Brandon Fianco added his fourth of the game late in the period to restore a two-goal cushion and silence the Predators push.
⸻
Third Period
Tri-base Lightning took control in the third period with Steven Stifer scoring twice in quick succession to extend the lead further.
The Predators refused to quit and Shaun Mcleavy completed a superb hat trick at 55:50, assisted by Alex Langley and Jay Cullimore, capping off a standout personal performance.
However, a late powerplay goal from Dustin Hughes sealed the result for the Lightning as they skated away with an 8–4 victory in a high-scoring encounter.
⸻
Predators Goalscorers
🥅 Shaun Mcleavy ×3
* P1 03:01 (PP) — Assist: Euan Simpson
* P2 16:37 — Assists: Jay Cullimore, Euan Simpson
* P3 15:50 — Assists: Alex Langley, Jay Cullimore
🥅 Jay Cullimore ×1
* P2 03:31 (SH) — Assist: Euan Simpson
⸻
Player of the Match
⭐ Euan Simpson (#9)
Simpson was involved throughout the game and registered three assists while constantly creating chances for the Predators offense.
⸻
Key Stats
Predators
* Goals: 4
* Powerplay Goals: 1
* Shorthanded Goals: 1
Tri-base Lightning
* Goals: 8
* Brandon Fianco: 4 goals
* Steven Stifer: 2 goals
⸻
Coach’s Summary
Despite the result, the Predators showed plenty of character offensively and remained competitive for large stretches of the game. Shaun Mcleavy’s hat trick and Euan Simpson’s playmaking were major positives, but defensive lapses and the Lightning’s clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive in Cambridge.
The Predators couldn’t have asked for a tougher start as Tri-base Lightning struck just 28 seconds into the game through Brandon Fianco to immediately put the visitors on the back foot.
Peterborough responded brilliantly though. Shaun Mcleavy buried a powerplay goal at 3:01 after excellent work from Euan Simpson to level the game and settle the Predators into the contest.
The momentum didn’t last long, however, as Fianco restored the Lightning lead midway through the period before adding a shorthanded goal at 13:23 to complete a first-period hat trick and send Tri-base into the break leading 3–1.
⸻
Second Period
The Predators came out flying in the second and again showed resilience. Jay Cullimore grabbed a shorthanded goal at 23:31 with Euan Simpson picking up another assist to cut the deficit to one.
Peterborough continued to battle and were rewarded again when Shaun Mcleavy fired home his second of the night at 36:37 after a neat setup from Jay Cullimore and Alex Langley, making it 4–3 and giving the Predators real hope heading into the final frame.
But once again the Lightning answered at key moments. Brandon Fianco added his fourth of the game late in the period to restore a two-goal cushion and silence the Predators push.
⸻
Third Period
Tri-base Lightning took control in the third period with Steven Stifer scoring twice in quick succession to extend the lead further.
The Predators refused to quit and Shaun Mcleavy completed a superb hat trick at 55:50, assisted by Alex Langley and Jay Cullimore, capping off a standout personal performance.
However, a late powerplay goal from Dustin Hughes sealed the result for the Lightning as they skated away with an 8–4 victory in a high-scoring encounter.
⸻
Predators Goalscorers
🥅 Shaun Mcleavy ×3
* P1 03:01 (PP) — Assist: Euan Simpson
* P2 16:37 — Assists: Jay Cullimore, Euan Simpson
* P3 15:50 — Assists: Alex Langley, Jay Cullimore
🥅 Jay Cullimore ×1
* P2 03:31 (SH) — Assist: Euan Simpson
⸻
Player of the Match
⭐ Euan Simpson (#9)
Simpson was involved throughout the game and registered three assists while constantly creating chances for the Predators offense.
⸻
Key Stats
Predators
* Goals: 4
* Powerplay Goals: 1
* Shorthanded Goals: 1
Tri-base Lightning
* Goals: 8
* Brandon Fianco: 4 goals
* Steven Stifer: 2 goals
⸻
Coach’s Summary
Despite the result, the Predators showed plenty of character offensively and remained competitive for large stretches of the game. Shaun Mcleavy’s hat trick and Euan Simpson’s playmaking were major positives, but defensive lapses and the Lightning’s clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive in Cambridge.