IT WAS difficult to lose to Milton Keynes on Wednesday but it isn’t the end of the world as there is still a lot of hockey to go.

We were all up for it and ready to go, then we got hit with the news that (netminder) Stevie Lyle had a bit of a bug.

So he wasn’t able to start the game meaning Michael Crisp had to play for us and he did an unbelievable job.

It was a crash course in how to play play-off hockey because that was the hardest match we have in the group out of the six games.

To be honest we were taught a lesson. It showed us that we can’t make mistakes without being punished for them.

Every mistake costs you and they capitalised on the few mistakes that we did make.

Now we look forward to learning from it and shrinking down the number of mistakes that we make.

Elsewhere in the play-offs there were quite a few big results. Hull got blown out by Basingstoke which reminded us how unpredictable the competition is.

In the other group Telford lost 3-0 at home to Guildford which was a surprise. It’s a cliché but everything is possible in the play-offs.

It’s a learning curve for the younger guys we have in the squad. We have five games now to produce the goods.

We have a nothing-to-lose attitude because it is the last piece of silverware up for grabs.

We need to get something from each of the last five games, especially Hull Pirates on Saturday which is almost a must-win game for us now.

Not only do I think the team are hitting their stride, I have been feeling pretty good over the last few weeks.

Last weekend I was able to get four goals against Basingstoke Bison. There is plenty left in the tank and I am feeling confident.

If we have a bit of chemistry like we are now it is another treat to have so hopefully we can produce more of the same.

Home support also plays a massive part. The fans that we have are the biggest positive for me. Every home game is a sell out and it is another asset for us to have.

As long as we can get them excited they can be a big lift.