The former MK Lightning netminder pulled off a number of big saves, including a fantastic double stop in the final period, as Bees drew 3-3 with Telford Tigers at The Hive on Saturday night.

And although he was on the losing side in the shootout, Galazzi said if anyone deserved the victory it was Mettam.

“There were some outstanding performances from guys on our team. Vanya Antonov was unbelievable, Grant Rounding too, and Mettsy put in one of the best netminding performances I have seen for a long time and he deserved the win,” he commented.

“I could mention everyone as the whole team really stepped up, and that’s the level we can play at. The performance sets us up great, it was a real high energy game and there won’t be many teams that will beat us in regulation time if we play like that.” The point picked up by Bees could prove to be pivotal as it moves them two ahead of play-off rivals Peterborough Phantoms in the English Premier Ice Hockey League. Although Phantoms have a game in hand, they have to visit The Hive on the final day of the season on March 23.

And Galazzi hopes Bees, who also face Swindon Wildcats at home this Sunday (6pm f/o) and MK Lightning away the following Saturday, can have their play-off place wrapped up by the time they host Phantoms.

“We all knew the result on Thursday in Peterborough [6-4 win over Manchester Phoenix] so we thought Saturday was vital we win to keep us ahead,” he said.

“We don’t want to be playing vital, important games on the last game of the season, we want it done and dusted so we can relax a bit, focus on the play-offs.

“At the moment we have put ourselves in a position where it is a play-off situation already. It’s like knockout hockey so we will take one game at a time, we can only do what we can do.” Bees have just one game again this weekend as they welcome Swindon to the The Hive on Sunday while Phantoms face a double header with MK Lightning, who look set to finish fourth in the table.

Galazzi acknowledges the pressure is on both teams but is confident Bees can cope with the demands in the final three games.

“We will put pressure on ourselves and it’s how we deal with it,” he said. “We have to try and chip away and see if we can get an extra point [over Phantoms].

“There is pressure but some of us thrive on it, the big game players, that’s where we come into our own, I am sure we will be fine.”