I can't seem to get through to the available networks tonight, so I will post the entire blog file when I get home.
Nodl is still on the line with Matsumoto and Maroon, so Laliberte is still out of the lineup. Kalinski is on a line with Raduns and Szwez. The line of Ross, Kane, and Sirianni remains together from last night. Klotz is on a line, and is out on the ice, with Clackson and Beaulieu.
The D pairs are the same as last night. Guenin is with DeSantis, Kukkonen is with Bartulis, and Ratchuk is with Curry.
We just spent the first four and a half minutes of the game with no stoppage of play before the Sens went offside. The Phantoms have the only shot on goal.
OMG we lucked out -- the puck hit the post behind Scott Munroe and didn't deflect in off him. Even better, he was able to clear it away from the Senator waiting on the doorstep.
Bartulis made some nice defensive moves, including checking an attacker into our bench, to prevent Bingo from getting set up in our end.
The shots on goal, with 10 minutes left in the period, are Phantoms 3, Senators 6.
We get to go on the game's first PK, as Kalinski gets sent off immediately after a faceoff for hooking. The first unit is Kane, Ross, Kukkonen, and Guenin. Nice clear by Kane. Next up are Matsumoto, Nodl, Bartulis, Curry. Curry's stick broke in half just as we finished killing the penalty, but luckily we cleared the puck out and nothing bad came of it.
A nice little scrum at our half boards results in one Senator going to the sin bin for boarding. Time for the PECOOOOO POWER PLAAY. Matsumoto's line is the first one up. 'we finally got our first shot on goal since before the halfway mark of the period. Unfortunately, that turned out to be our only shot during the man advantage,
Nice save by Munroe and an even nicer clear of the rebound by Kukkonen.
Kalinski is getting sent off for holding with 3:04 remaining in the period. The first PK unit is Ross, Kane, Guenin, and Kukkonen, However, the first shot of the PK was a SH attempt by Ross, who got to the loose puck first and rushed up ice with it for all he was worth,
A Senator tried to do a wrap-around, but Munroe was ready for him and hugged the post. It was Bingo's 11th shot on goal.
At the end of the first period, the score is 0-0, and the SOG are Phantoms 5, Senators 11.
____
RATCHUK with the end-to-end rush! Glass made the save, but the Senators took a hooking penalty. 21 seconds into the PP, we scored the game's first goal on a long shot that hit Glass's leg pad so hard, it bounced up and over and went into the net. Rob Sirianni scored, assisted by Ross and Kukkonen. I was surprised at how long it took to announce the goal. Maybe it was as hard to tell from the ice as it was from this angle who should get credit for the goal. In any event, 1-0, Good Guys. :)
Ratchuk was breaking in on the Bingo net with the puck. He and the Senator covering him fell. Somehow this translated into RATCHUK going to the box for tripping. :headdesk: :headdesk: :headdesk: Don't ask me what logic was behind THAT observation, but unfortunately the Sens tied the game on their PP. 1-1.
Guenin was already going to get a penalty, but the scrum at the stoppage in play ensured that more guys would go off. Guenin, Kane, and Yablonski of the Sens all went off for slashing.
This caused our first PK unit to consist of Ross and Raduns, instead of Ross and Kane.
NICE clear, Now we have Matsumoto and Kalinski as our PK unit. Banfield's arm is up again, this time for the Sens. With 17 seconds left in the PK, Bois of Bingo goes off.
Kukkonen turned the puck over, leading to a SH rush by Bingo, but the end result was a Senator in our net, the net against the back boards, and a whistle stopping play.
With half a minute left on our PP, Munroe made a diving save on another SH attempt that led to the "Unbelievable" song being played. Dang, it's been a while since we've heard that one. This is 90s night, with music from that decade, but we still used to hear the song during games after a good save.
In any event, with seven minutes left in the period and the teams back at even strength, the SOG are Phantoms 13, Sens 19.
Sirianni gave us all a scare by slamming head first into the boards, and coming up holding his arm in a way that suggested an Upper Body Injury. He went up the tunnel with the trainer in tow, but to my surprise, they both came back out near the end of the period.
SOG at the end of the period: Phantoms 14, Sens 21.
____
Sirianni is out for the faceoff to open the third period, which is an excellent sign.
Sean Curry just tried to put a Senator right through the boards. After the last couple of borderline-boarding hits from Bingo went uncalled, I was glad to see that Curry didn't get an infraction either.
We have a broken pane of glass over by the Bingo blue line. Accordingly, the song on the PA is "Walking on Broken Glass". :)
WHOA, Munroe got the puck *under* his pads while in a butterfly split. Needless to say, he froze until the whistle was blown, lest a wrong move inadvertently send the puck into the net.
With 8:51 remaining in the period, the score remains 1-1 and the SOG are Phantoms 15, Senators 28. In other words, we have only gotten one shot in this period so far.
Matsumoto slammed the Sens' number 16 into the boards hard enough to earn a glare from him, but then they both continued playing instead of getting into a scrum.
Clackson is out with Raduns and Kalinski, which is a tweak to that line. (Szwez is normally their other winger).
Guenin blocked a shot.
You know, I would have sworn we got a least one SOG a couple shifts ago, but we didn't get credit for it on the shot clock.
NICE save by Munroe. That was the Sens 29th shot (as opposed to our alleged total of 15).
There. NOW we finally got credit for the shot.
In the final minute, Matsumoto, Nodl, and Maroon are out with Curry and Bartulis, However, the Game will go into OT and each team will earn at least one point.
So the best we can gain on Bingo in the standings is one point tonight. However, we need that point, so I hope the hero is on our side of the scorecard tonight.
SOG at the end of the third period are Phantoms 16, Sens 31.
Bingo just took a one-minute OT penalty for Delay of Game. It's my un-favorite infration, but at least we benefit from it about as often as we get burnt by it, The Phantoms used their time out.
Ross, Kane, Kukkonen, and Sirianni are out (three forwards). for the 4 on 3 PP.
WOW, Bingo just rang one off our post as loudly as a clang from a fire alarm. Geesh, what a blast, but fortunately it stayed out.
Last minute of OT, and so far we have all the OT shots on goal. It won't count as a shot, but Bingo just clanged another puck off the iron,
SOG at the end of OT, Phantoms 22, Binghamton 31.
I FREAKING LOATHE SHOOTOUTS, but that's how we will determine who gets the bonus point.
/
It took us into the sudden death portion of the shootout, but the Senators won the bonus point. So the point that we gained on them in the standings on Wednesday, we just lost again. Drat. We need these four-point-swing games.
We do have two more games vs. the Senators remaining, plus we still have three games in hand on them, So we are still mathematically capable of earning a playoff berth. Here's to postseason play, because we want to keep our team as long as possible.
Showing posts with label Shootout. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shootout. Show all posts
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Phantoms at Bridgeport Sound Tigers 3-7-09: Recap and Box Score
I wasn't able to watch this game or listen to it. However, I was told on the following day that one of our goals-against was an own-goal or close to it. Argh. :( Do I need to say that we need to avoid mishaps like that if we want to see postseason play? Particularly against a divisional rival?
Gaaah. Frustrating weekend.
CLICK HERE for the game recap from the Phantoms site.
CLICK HERE for the box score from the AHL's site.
Gaaah. Frustrating weekend.
CLICK HERE for the game recap from the Phantoms site.
CLICK HERE for the box score from the AHL's site.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Phantoms at Lowell Devils 02-11-09
I tried to watch the game online wirelessly, while on my way home on the AC Expressway, but the wireless connection was inconsistent and my cell phone battery eventually went kaput. However, I did manage to get home in time to see the last part of the third period, plus the OT and shootout.(Have I ranted recently that I LOATHE SHOOTOUTS?)
At least *this* shootout turned out with a happy ending, for the Phantoms, even if it DID take nine rounds' worth of shooters to determine a winner. But the end result was a Phantoms 2-1 victory.
Here's the recap of the game from the Phantoms site.
And here is the link to the box score.
Next up: the Phantoms play on the road on Friday (Bridgeport) and Saturday( Binghamton), and at home (inasmuch as the Wachovia Center is "home") on Monday (vs. Hamilton).
At least *this* shootout turned out with a happy ending, for the Phantoms, even if it DID take nine rounds' worth of shooters to determine a winner. But the end result was a Phantoms 2-1 victory.
Here's the recap of the game from the Phantoms site.
And here is the link to the box score.
Next up: the Phantoms play on the road on Friday (Bridgeport) and Saturday( Binghamton), and at home (inasmuch as the Wachovia Center is "home") on Monday (vs. Hamilton).
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Phantoms at Hershey Bears 1-17-09: Recap and Box Score
Here is the recap of the game from the Phantoms website.
And here is the box score from the AHL site.
The Phantoms will play at home vs. the Albany River Rats tonight. We will have special jerseys on which will be auctioned off for charity after the game. That auction stands to get a HUGE boost, because there'll be a Briere game-worn jersey among the offerings.
Yes, Daniel Briere will take part in the third of a possible three AHL rehab games tonight. So, stop on down if you want to see Mr. Briere for the cost of an AFFORDABLE hockey ticket. Be there or be square!
Go Phantoms!
And here is the box score from the AHL site.
The Phantoms will play at home vs. the Albany River Rats tonight. We will have special jerseys on which will be auctioned off for charity after the game. That auction stands to get a HUGE boost, because there'll be a Briere game-worn jersey among the offerings.
Yes, Daniel Briere will take part in the third of a possible three AHL rehab games tonight. So, stop on down if you want to see Mr. Briere for the cost of an AFFORDABLE hockey ticket. Be there or be square!
Go Phantoms!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Phantoms at Hershey Bears 1-17-09: Third Period, OT, shootout.
I see Laing back on the ice for the Bears. I have not seen nor heard Szwez's name since Laing hit him in the first period. Great, that's all we need: another possible injury. Our freaking press box isn't crowded enough already with guys in various stages of injury-recovery. :headdesk: I hope it's nothing major.
In the first six or so minutes of the period, both teams have had a couple of Keystone-Kops moments, but neither team has created much in the way of scoring opportunities. Now there's a protracted string of shots on the Phantoms net, but Munroe is equal to the task.
That seemed to wake up both teams, though. There is a lot of end-to-end movement going on, but the teams appear more organized and determined than they did earlier in the period.
We are being outshot in this period 13-2. Once again, the Phantoms have given up more than 40 SOG. Ratchuk blocked a stuff attempt at the post, but the rebound went out into the slot, where a Bear put it in. There was, however, a fallen Bear landing on Munroe at the time the puck went in. And the entire sequence could have been avoided if, as our announcer pointed out, our D's clearing attempt had not hit the referee's skates and stayed in. (That's the second time in this game that Fraser's feet kept the puck in the Phantoms zone, but who's counting?) There are no video replays to support or disprove the Phantoms' objections to goalie interference, however, so the goal will stand 3-2 Bad Guys.
The Phantoms have gone on a PP, as Clackson's preferred waltz partner Amadio has been sent to the box to feel shame. We're getting some chances, but so far, no dice. Nope -- no PP goal for us, at least not this time. The score remains 3-2.
MATSUMOTO -- he got stoned earlier in the game, but he wouldn't be denied this time! He made a nice highlight-reel maneuver at the post to tie the game. 3-3! :) Assists to Laliberte and Maroon.
After a long Nasty Session between the teams with 3:30 remaining, the sole penalty that was assesses was a ten-minute misconduct to Clackson. That's rather mystifying to those of us who can't hear what was going on, but at least we're not going shorthanded this late in the game. And speaking of late penalties, we're getting coincidental minors to Ross and a Bear whose name I missed.
Nodl and Sirianni are our first 4-on-4 forward pair. Matsumoto/Laliberte are next. Nodl/Maroon was yet another combination that we saw during the 4-on-4. But we didn't see a lot else of note, and now the penalties are over.
The Phantoms have called a timeout, prior to a defensive-zone draw. We have given up 48 shots on goal so far, and our season high of shots given up is 49. The game's not over yet, so we could be on the verge of setting a new mark there.
Looks like the Bears are getting back at us for all the times when our clock at the Spectrum has wigged out on them: a little while ago, they took two seconds off the clock. This time, they are adding 2.5 seconds, giving us 9.7 seconds remaining.
There goes the horn to end the third period. We've garnered at least one point from this game. Hershey still has 48 shots on goal as we take the minute-long break before the overtime.
Our first four players: Ross, Nodl, Syvret, Parent. Matsumoto/Laliberte got sprung on a long pass by Parent, but no luck. And there's Hershey's 49th shot. And their 50th and 51st, to boot. Scott Munroe needs a star of the game, have I mentioned that recently?
OMG times ten, Laliberte was robbed, absolutely freaking ROBBED. Machesney stopped two shots, plus a defenseman piled in to help prevent another puck from reaching the net. Oh, brother, we came this-close to a GWG on that play.
Here we go -- the game ended at 3-3, so we are going for the bonus point from the skills competition. Or, in other words, there will be a shootout. Munroe finished the game with 49 saves.
Hershey: no, 0-0
Phantoms, Maroon: no, 0-0
Hershey: no, 0-0
Phantoms, Matsumoto: YES, 1-0
Hershey: no, 1-0
Phantoms, Ross: YES, 2-0
Hershey: yes, 2-1
Phantoms, Nodl: no, 2-1
Hershey: yes, 2-2
Phantoms, Ratchuk: no, 2-2
We are tied after five rounds, so now we go to sudden death.
Hershey: no, 2-2
Phantoms, Laliberte: no, 2-2
Hershey: no, 2-2
Phantoms, Matsumoto: YES!!! 3-2! Phantoms win in the seventh round of the shootout, hallelujah! And I'm laughing -- the Phantoms' announcer's voice isn't quite as hoarse as mine, but it's close. LMHO, poor guy has laryngitis and he gets to call, not just a game, but an OT and a shootout into the bargain. (Not to mention that this is a three-game-in-three-night weekend, so he got to do play-by-play last night as well, and he's likely to be at it again tomorrow at the Spectrum.)
Well, the Good Guys pulled out a 4-3 victory, coming back from behind twice. THIS is more like it! Now if we could just figure out how to allow fewer SOG per game...! But I'd rather lead on the scoreboard than the shot clock, so I'll take it.
In the first six or so minutes of the period, both teams have had a couple of Keystone-Kops moments, but neither team has created much in the way of scoring opportunities. Now there's a protracted string of shots on the Phantoms net, but Munroe is equal to the task.
That seemed to wake up both teams, though. There is a lot of end-to-end movement going on, but the teams appear more organized and determined than they did earlier in the period.
We are being outshot in this period 13-2. Once again, the Phantoms have given up more than 40 SOG. Ratchuk blocked a stuff attempt at the post, but the rebound went out into the slot, where a Bear put it in. There was, however, a fallen Bear landing on Munroe at the time the puck went in. And the entire sequence could have been avoided if, as our announcer pointed out, our D's clearing attempt had not hit the referee's skates and stayed in. (That's the second time in this game that Fraser's feet kept the puck in the Phantoms zone, but who's counting?) There are no video replays to support or disprove the Phantoms' objections to goalie interference, however, so the goal will stand 3-2 Bad Guys.
The Phantoms have gone on a PP, as Clackson's preferred waltz partner Amadio has been sent to the box to feel shame. We're getting some chances, but so far, no dice. Nope -- no PP goal for us, at least not this time. The score remains 3-2.
MATSUMOTO -- he got stoned earlier in the game, but he wouldn't be denied this time! He made a nice highlight-reel maneuver at the post to tie the game. 3-3! :) Assists to Laliberte and Maroon.
After a long Nasty Session between the teams with 3:30 remaining, the sole penalty that was assesses was a ten-minute misconduct to Clackson. That's rather mystifying to those of us who can't hear what was going on, but at least we're not going shorthanded this late in the game. And speaking of late penalties, we're getting coincidental minors to Ross and a Bear whose name I missed.
Nodl and Sirianni are our first 4-on-4 forward pair. Matsumoto/Laliberte are next. Nodl/Maroon was yet another combination that we saw during the 4-on-4. But we didn't see a lot else of note, and now the penalties are over.
The Phantoms have called a timeout, prior to a defensive-zone draw. We have given up 48 shots on goal so far, and our season high of shots given up is 49. The game's not over yet, so we could be on the verge of setting a new mark there.
Looks like the Bears are getting back at us for all the times when our clock at the Spectrum has wigged out on them: a little while ago, they took two seconds off the clock. This time, they are adding 2.5 seconds, giving us 9.7 seconds remaining.
There goes the horn to end the third period. We've garnered at least one point from this game. Hershey still has 48 shots on goal as we take the minute-long break before the overtime.
Our first four players: Ross, Nodl, Syvret, Parent. Matsumoto/Laliberte got sprung on a long pass by Parent, but no luck. And there's Hershey's 49th shot. And their 50th and 51st, to boot. Scott Munroe needs a star of the game, have I mentioned that recently?
OMG times ten, Laliberte was robbed, absolutely freaking ROBBED. Machesney stopped two shots, plus a defenseman piled in to help prevent another puck from reaching the net. Oh, brother, we came this-close to a GWG on that play.
Here we go -- the game ended at 3-3, so we are going for the bonus point from the skills competition. Or, in other words, there will be a shootout. Munroe finished the game with 49 saves.
Hershey: no, 0-0
Phantoms, Maroon: no, 0-0
Hershey: no, 0-0
Phantoms, Matsumoto: YES, 1-0
Hershey: no, 1-0
Phantoms, Ross: YES, 2-0
Hershey: yes, 2-1
Phantoms, Nodl: no, 2-1
Hershey: yes, 2-2
Phantoms, Ratchuk: no, 2-2
We are tied after five rounds, so now we go to sudden death.
Hershey: no, 2-2
Phantoms, Laliberte: no, 2-2
Hershey: no, 2-2
Phantoms, Matsumoto: YES!!! 3-2! Phantoms win in the seventh round of the shootout, hallelujah! And I'm laughing -- the Phantoms' announcer's voice isn't quite as hoarse as mine, but it's close. LMHO, poor guy has laryngitis and he gets to call, not just a game, but an OT and a shootout into the bargain. (Not to mention that this is a three-game-in-three-night weekend, so he got to do play-by-play last night as well, and he's likely to be at it again tomorrow at the Spectrum.)
Well, the Good Guys pulled out a 4-3 victory, coming back from behind twice. THIS is more like it! Now if we could just figure out how to allow fewer SOG per game...! But I'd rather lead on the scoreboard than the shot clock, so I'll take it.
Phantoms at Hershey Bears 1-17-09: Second Period
Clackson had an early wrestling match with huge Bear whose name I don't recall having seen before: Wellar. They went off for fighting. I believe Clackson already led the league in fights; if so, having two bouts in one game won't do anything to diminish his supremacy.
The period has gone relatively evenly so far. The most notable event has been that Arsene hit Bellamy and stunned him. As this took place behind the play, I'm a little surprised that no penalty was called.
We didn't have to wait long to have a powerplay, however, as Bourque obliged by slashing Ryan. Our first PP unit is Maroon, Matsumoto, and Laliberte with Syvret and Desantis. SCOOOORE -- Laliberte buried the rebound of the rebound of the rebound. Nice work, guys! It helped that Syvret, one of our D, came in and got involved with the goalmouth scramble. That, per our announcer, disorganized the Bears' PK enough that we were able to keep hacking at the puck until we got it in.
OMG, ROSS!!! As I was typing the previous paragraph, he got a breakaway end-to-en rush, and scored to tie the game! NICE, Rossco! Assist from his buddy Scott Munroe. :) 2-2, and welcome to a new game!
On the following shift, we incurred a penalty to Beaulieu, so we are shorthanded. Nodl proceeds to carry the puck up ice and be a nuisance to the Bears. No major SH chance came of it, but we did shave a few seconds off the PK. Munroe gave us all we needed to withstand the rest of that penalty kill, and the teams are back at full strength.
Machesney (Bears goalie) had to come way out to play a puck. Ross tried to tip it away from him. Sloan of the Bears slashed Ross in retaliation, Ross went after him, and the end result is a ten-player shoving match in the corner. It appears that Ross gets slashing, Sloan gets cross-checking, and Arsene gets roughing, so the Phantoms are on the PP. I'm not convinced that a replay would show that those players broke those specific rules (other than Arsene/roughing), but the upshot is the naughty players were correctly identified and they're in the sin bin. Dang -- Machesney stoned Matsumoto on our best chance of the PP.
Soon after the return to even strength, Curry gets set off for boarding. Really, the players who turn to face the boards upon seeing that they are about to be hit should get sent to the freakin' box for unsportsmanlike conduct. If they can give "unsportsmanlike conduct, diving" penalties, they should give penalties to the people who turn a legal hit into a hit from behind when it's too late for the check-thrower to redirect his trajectory.
Two Bears collide, but one of them, Bourque, trips Matsumoto to prevent a breakaway, so he's in the sin bin and we will be at 4 on 4 for a while. Syvret came inches from scoring for the Phantoms -- the dratted puck rolled slowly through the crease. Too bad nothing was in its path to deflect it in, but oh well. SO close!
Sirianni just got two nice attempts. His first shot was blocked, but he got the puck back and took another one that Machesney had to be quick to deflect.
Speaking of goalies that need to be quick, The Wrong Giroux (Alexandre) deflected a teammate's shot on goal, and Munroe had to be sharp to track the puck and freeze it. Giroux tied a league record earlier in the game by scoring in 14th consecutive game. He leads the league in scoring -- no surprise, given stats like the above! I guess he's not just a Phantoms-killer, then. Looks like he's just an everyone-he-plays-against killer.(Dear Caps: call this guy the heck back up and KEEP him up this time, wouldja? KTHXBAI.)
The second period is over. The Phantoms staged a nice comeback, and the score remains tied at 2-2. Shots on goal: Phantoms 21, Bears 29.
Win the third period, guys!
The period has gone relatively evenly so far. The most notable event has been that Arsene hit Bellamy and stunned him. As this took place behind the play, I'm a little surprised that no penalty was called.
We didn't have to wait long to have a powerplay, however, as Bourque obliged by slashing Ryan. Our first PP unit is Maroon, Matsumoto, and Laliberte with Syvret and Desantis. SCOOOORE -- Laliberte buried the rebound of the rebound of the rebound. Nice work, guys! It helped that Syvret, one of our D, came in and got involved with the goalmouth scramble. That, per our announcer, disorganized the Bears' PK enough that we were able to keep hacking at the puck until we got it in.
OMG, ROSS!!! As I was typing the previous paragraph, he got a breakaway end-to-en rush, and scored to tie the game! NICE, Rossco! Assist from his buddy Scott Munroe. :) 2-2, and welcome to a new game!
On the following shift, we incurred a penalty to Beaulieu, so we are shorthanded. Nodl proceeds to carry the puck up ice and be a nuisance to the Bears. No major SH chance came of it, but we did shave a few seconds off the PK. Munroe gave us all we needed to withstand the rest of that penalty kill, and the teams are back at full strength.
Machesney (Bears goalie) had to come way out to play a puck. Ross tried to tip it away from him. Sloan of the Bears slashed Ross in retaliation, Ross went after him, and the end result is a ten-player shoving match in the corner. It appears that Ross gets slashing, Sloan gets cross-checking, and Arsene gets roughing, so the Phantoms are on the PP. I'm not convinced that a replay would show that those players broke those specific rules (other than Arsene/roughing), but the upshot is the naughty players were correctly identified and they're in the sin bin. Dang -- Machesney stoned Matsumoto on our best chance of the PP.
Soon after the return to even strength, Curry gets set off for boarding. Really, the players who turn to face the boards upon seeing that they are about to be hit should get sent to the freakin' box for unsportsmanlike conduct. If they can give "unsportsmanlike conduct, diving" penalties, they should give penalties to the people who turn a legal hit into a hit from behind when it's too late for the check-thrower to redirect his trajectory.
Two Bears collide, but one of them, Bourque, trips Matsumoto to prevent a breakaway, so he's in the sin bin and we will be at 4 on 4 for a while. Syvret came inches from scoring for the Phantoms -- the dratted puck rolled slowly through the crease. Too bad nothing was in its path to deflect it in, but oh well. SO close!
Sirianni just got two nice attempts. His first shot was blocked, but he got the puck back and took another one that Machesney had to be quick to deflect.
Speaking of goalies that need to be quick, The Wrong Giroux (Alexandre) deflected a teammate's shot on goal, and Munroe had to be sharp to track the puck and freeze it. Giroux tied a league record earlier in the game by scoring in 14th consecutive game. He leads the league in scoring -- no surprise, given stats like the above! I guess he's not just a Phantoms-killer, then. Looks like he's just an everyone-he-plays-against killer.(Dear Caps: call this guy the heck back up and KEEP him up this time, wouldja? KTHXBAI.)
The second period is over. The Phantoms staged a nice comeback, and the score remains tied at 2-2. Shots on goal: Phantoms 21, Bears 29.
Win the third period, guys!
Phantoms at Hershey Bears 1-17-09: First Period
I wasn't able to catch this game from the very beginning. However, Clackson has had the obligatory bout with Amadio. I swear those two have scrapped in almost every Phantoms/Bears contest we've had so far this season. The Phantoms wound up on a PP from that event, as Amadio picked up an extra minor.
At the time of the end of the PP, the Phantoms were outshooting the Bears 5-1. Thats the good news. The bad news is that we are nearly at the END of the first period and we have not had a shot on goal since. Not at even strength, not on another PP, not while shorthanded. Nada.
The Bears, meanwhile, have been offering us approximately a shot per minute from that point forward. The final horn just sounded, and we were outshot 16-0 during that time period. We are currently being outshot 17-5 as we go into the first intermission.
If that were the only place where we were trailing, it wouldn't be quite so tough. However, we have also given up two goals to Alexandre Giroux, the darn Phantoms-killer that Washington shouldn't have sent back down. One of those goals was at even strength, and the other was on a late Bears PP. So the Phantoms trail 2-0.
We do not have Briere in our lineup. However, it was announced earlier today that Briere will, in fact, partake in a third rehab contest with the Phantoms, in our home game on Sunday night. That serves multiple purposes. First of all, it lets Briere rehab another game before returning to the Flyers. It gives our GM time to straighten out the Flyers' salary cap situation in advance of Briere's return to the Flyers lineup. And as the Phantoms are going to have a jersey auction on Sunday night, it will be a huge boost to the fundraising effort to be able to auction off a Briere jersey along with those of the rest of the team.
One more note before I close out this post... we incurred one of those penalties that no coach will gripe about, nor will any player complain about having to kill off. Laing of the Bears laid out Szwez with a hit, shaking him up badly enough that he headed up the tunnel with our trainer. Moments later, Oskars Bartulis flattened Laing and left HIM in a heap on the ice. Laing wound up communing with the Bears trainer, and Bartulis got two minutes for charging. But when players are sticking up for one another, no coach or teammate will raise an objection to being shorthanded.
Here's hoping that neither player is dented too seriously. I'll be on the lookout for both of them in the second period.
At the time of the end of the PP, the Phantoms were outshooting the Bears 5-1. Thats the good news. The bad news is that we are nearly at the END of the first period and we have not had a shot on goal since. Not at even strength, not on another PP, not while shorthanded. Nada.
The Bears, meanwhile, have been offering us approximately a shot per minute from that point forward. The final horn just sounded, and we were outshot 16-0 during that time period. We are currently being outshot 17-5 as we go into the first intermission.
If that were the only place where we were trailing, it wouldn't be quite so tough. However, we have also given up two goals to Alexandre Giroux, the darn Phantoms-killer that Washington shouldn't have sent back down. One of those goals was at even strength, and the other was on a late Bears PP. So the Phantoms trail 2-0.
We do not have Briere in our lineup. However, it was announced earlier today that Briere will, in fact, partake in a third rehab contest with the Phantoms, in our home game on Sunday night. That serves multiple purposes. First of all, it lets Briere rehab another game before returning to the Flyers. It gives our GM time to straighten out the Flyers' salary cap situation in advance of Briere's return to the Flyers lineup. And as the Phantoms are going to have a jersey auction on Sunday night, it will be a huge boost to the fundraising effort to be able to auction off a Briere jersey along with those of the rest of the team.
One more note before I close out this post... we incurred one of those penalties that no coach will gripe about, nor will any player complain about having to kill off. Laing of the Bears laid out Szwez with a hit, shaking him up badly enough that he headed up the tunnel with our trainer. Moments later, Oskars Bartulis flattened Laing and left HIM in a heap on the ice. Laing wound up communing with the Bears trainer, and Bartulis got two minutes for charging. But when players are sticking up for one another, no coach or teammate will raise an objection to being shorthanded.
Here's hoping that neither player is dented too seriously. I'll be on the lookout for both of them in the second period.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
12/20 Wrapup; the latest news on the Phantoms' future is unpleasant
Imagine my surprise when I went to post information on what the Phantoms might be doing after this season, only to realize that I hadn't posted the official game recap or box score. Oops. I honestly thought I already posted these links -- sorry for the delay!
Here's the Phantoms' site game recap. And HERE is the link to the box score.
OK, now for the unhappy task of offering the latest news on where the Phantoms might be playing next season.
Turns out that they might not even be owned by the Flyers/Comcast-Spectacor, never mind playing anywhere near here.
Once again, we must turn to the SUBURBAN newspapers to get news on a PHILADELPHIA team. The Philly papers, apparently, couldn't give a rodent's posterior about reporting this information, but the papers from Delaware County, Bucks County, and south NJ all have articles.
I wish a GIANT BAH, HUMBUG on the corporate Grinches and Scrooges who are responsible for taking our team away from its loyal fan base. I hope they all get coal in their stockings. No, I take that back, since nothing's finalized yet.
What I REALLY hope for the Corporate Bigwigs is that their emotions in the aftermath of their decision-making are PRECISELY the same as the emotions of the Phantoms Fans who are impacted by their decisions. In other words, if they make us happy, may the results of their decisions make them happy. But if they break our hearts, well... what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, isn't it? I'd wager that we care about our team like the bigwigs care about their bankroll, so let the fates of the two be identical. Let the bigwigs' feelings, as they review the state of what THEY care about most, mirror those of us fans as we ponder the state of our team. May those feelings be duplicated right down to the last atom.
OK, now that I've gotten that out of my system for the moment, here is the newspaper coverage on the subject.
From the Delco Times:
Flyers Scoop: Hershey not so sweet
The relevant excerpt is as follows:
From the Courier Post:
Phantoms' future murky
I was going to quote the relevant portion of the above article, but there ISN'T one. The only Phantoms-related content it has, at the moment, is its title. I emailed the editors to request that they either restore the edited-out content about the Phantoms' future, or create a new article with the Phantoms-related information in it. We'll see if they take me up on either of those suggestions; if they do, I'll update this post accordingly.
From Phillyburbs.com:
Phantoms' affiliation with Flyers may end
Here is the relevant excerpt:
I have a sick feeling that we're going to end up with no Phantoms, no Spectrum, and even then PhillyLive! Dead. will be DOA because of lack of ability to secure funding to even get started. Not that I give a flying [reproductive act] about the fate of Philly Live! Dead., mind you -- I wish I'd never heard of it. But I just get this feeling that we fans are going to lose something we care about, for a project that will never end up seeing the light of day.
But even if PhillyLive! Dead. dies on the vine, God forbid that The Greedy Powers-That-Be should spare the Spectrum and leave the Phantoms team where it is. That would be too big of a loss of face for the Corporate Bigwigs. So they'll continue with their plans, unabated, as if nothing's amiss -- until we end up with a big hole in the ground or an extra-large parking lot at Broad and Pattison as a testament to their bull-headedness.
Here's the Phantoms' site game recap. And HERE is the link to the box score.
OK, now for the unhappy task of offering the latest news on where the Phantoms might be playing next season.
Turns out that they might not even be owned by the Flyers/Comcast-Spectacor, never mind playing anywhere near here.
Once again, we must turn to the SUBURBAN newspapers to get news on a PHILADELPHIA team. The Philly papers, apparently, couldn't give a rodent's posterior about reporting this information, but the papers from Delaware County, Bucks County, and south NJ all have articles.
I wish a GIANT BAH, HUMBUG on the corporate Grinches and Scrooges who are responsible for taking our team away from its loyal fan base. I hope they all get coal in their stockings. No, I take that back, since nothing's finalized yet.
What I REALLY hope for the Corporate Bigwigs is that their emotions in the aftermath of their decision-making are PRECISELY the same as the emotions of the Phantoms Fans who are impacted by their decisions. In other words, if they make us happy, may the results of their decisions make them happy. But if they break our hearts, well... what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, isn't it? I'd wager that we care about our team like the bigwigs care about their bankroll, so let the fates of the two be identical. Let the bigwigs' feelings, as they review the state of what THEY care about most, mirror those of us fans as we ponder the state of our team. May those feelings be duplicated right down to the last atom.
OK, now that I've gotten that out of my system for the moment, here is the newspaper coverage on the subject.
From the Delco Times:
Flyers Scoop: Hershey not so sweet
The relevant excerpt is as follows:
PHILADELPHIA - The Flyers have had had their minor league affiliate either in town with them or at the furthest 90 miles away in Hershey for nearly a quarter century.
That run is about to end.
Flyers president Peter Luukko said the team hasn't decided what to do with the Phantoms after this season, but it's almost a guarantee that there won't be minor league hockey in the Philadelphia area come next fall.
Luukko all but nixed the idea of the team moving to Atlantic City, N.J. as a temporary home until local investors could build a new arena for the Phantoms to play that would be relatively close to Philadelphia.
"We have several options at this point," Luukko said. "We could move the team, we could sell them, we could find another affiliate - we're still working it all out and probably won't have it all figured out until after the New Year."
With local investors in both Camden County, New Jersey and Allentown, Pa. trying to cut through political red tape to have arenas built that could house an American League team, it's a good bet that Comcast-Spectacor will sell the Phantoms to a prospective buyer (a company source said there are several potential buyers interested in purchasing the franchise), who would then move the team elsewhere.
Then, they would sign an affiliation agreement with one of the AHL cities that has independent ownership but might have a contract with another team expiring at the end of this season.
There are usually a handful of these situations that come about each year. Springfield, Mass. (Falcons) is one possibility for next season as their affiliation with Edmonton expires at the end of the season.
Hershey, which would be an ideal location, is locked into the Washington Capitals for one more season.
Ultimately, the Flyers would like to bring their affiliation back to the area, but Luukko said that possibility is at least four years down the road, if not longer.
Comcast-Spectacor forced themselves to make a decision of this ilk on the Phantoms when they announced in January plans for a multi-million dollar entertainment complex known as Philly Live! to be built between the Wachovia Center and where the Spectrum now sits.
They later announced the Spectrum would be razed as part of the project to make room for a posh hotel.
Luukko also said locations such as Trenton, N.J. or the Wachovia Center itself were not feasible destinations for the Phantoms, even on a short-term basis.
From the Courier Post:
Phantoms' future murky
I was going to quote the relevant portion of the above article, but there ISN'T one. The only Phantoms-related content it has, at the moment, is its title. I emailed the editors to request that they either restore the edited-out content about the Phantoms' future, or create a new article with the Phantoms-related information in it. We'll see if they take me up on either of those suggestions; if they do, I'll update this post accordingly.
From Phillyburbs.com:
Phantoms' affiliation with Flyers may end
Here is the relevant excerpt:
PHILADELPHIA — For years, the Flyers have enjoyed a productive and convenient relationship with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Phantoms.
The Phantoms have won two Calder Cups in their 12-year tenure in Philly and developed many Flyers prospects along the way. But there's a chance that connection could radically change when this season concludes.
With the Wachovia Spectrum scheduled for demolition next year, it was already known that the Phantoms probably would not be playing in Philadelphia in the future.
Tuesday night, Flyers president Peter Luukko disclosed that there's a good possibility the Phantoms will be sold and relocated to another city — such as Springfield, Mass. (the Falcons' contract with the Edmonton Oilers runs out this season) — while the Flyers maintain control of their players.
Such a move would allow Comcast-Spectacor to possibly wait several years to build a new arena nearby in places such as Allentown or Camden.
The Flyers have had an affiliate with the AHL since 1984-85 when they began an association with the Hershey Bears. The Flyers then moved their AHL connection to Philadelphia when they started the Phantoms in the 1996-97 season.
Luukko ruled out Atlantic City, Trenton and the Wachovia Center as possible temporary homes for the Phantoms.
I have a sick feeling that we're going to end up with no Phantoms, no Spectrum, and even then Philly
But even if Philly
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Phantoms vs. Norfolk Admirals 12-20-08: Third Period, OT, Shootout
We just had some great D in the second minute of the period, to prevent Downie from getting to a loose puck in front of our net. He's flat-out dangerous on the ice, and I still curse the fact that the Phantoms lost him in a trade.
Fortunately,m we have a few dangerous guys of our own, and that would include Ross, Groux, and Kane, who are generating some scoring chances even as I type. Unfortunately, none went in yet, but we have already gotten five SOG in four minutes. If we keep this up, we will be listening to cheering fans before long.
Bartulis made a nice play to break up a Norfolk attack in our end. Laliberte has been on a roll, taking the puck up the ice for us just about every time he gets hold of it.
CRUD CRUD CRUD. Guenin went into the boards awkwardly and came up with his right arm dangling. Darn it. He made a beeline up the tunnel, along with the trainer. I suspect we will be playing with five D for the remainder of the contest.
Speaking of dented guys, Mihalik did make a return to the ice in the third period. I'm personally not convinced that a guy who was "out on his feet" should have been sent back into the game, but I'm the cautious sort when it comes to possible concussions. (And IMO, all teams shoud take a similar stance on that score.)
With 10:30 left in the third period, the SOG are Phantoms 25, Admirals 27. Our guys are really doing a great job keeping Norfok hemmed into their zone, and we are working our collective tails off in the attempt to tie this game again. Come on, guys, you can do it. One goal, that's all we need to even it up. Here comes Ross's line. Maybe they'll do us the honors. :) Ah, now we're going on the PP -- one of the benefits of preventing our opponent from clearing the puck for minutes on end: eventually, you'll draw a penalty. Syvret and DeSantis are out with Giroux, Ross, and Kane. We had a wee blip during this shift, as the Ads broke out shorthanded, but we regrouped and headed back down to camp in Norfolk's end. Now it's Ratchuk, Curry, Nodl, Laliberte, and Maroon. Still no luck. Two SOG have gotten on net, but none have gone in yet. Ratchuk had a shot blocked just as our PP ended. That was a nice move by the Norfolk player. (Dang it.)
With 5:43 left, SCOOOORE! :) Giroux buries the puck, assisted by Jared Ross. SWEEEET. We also lead on the shot clock, 29-27. That's what comes of practically living in the Ads' end for the entire third period so far. Of course, Nofrolk is not too happy and they are suddenly playing with a lot more energy. They got a 2-on-1 against us, but Bartulis stood his ground and let Munroe take care of the puck carrier. Save, Muny. The score remains 2-2. Now we're back to a lot of end to end play again. If all goes well, maybe Norfolk will be tired from defending nonstop for the vast majority of this frame.
Boy, does Laliberte ever have wheels. He took off with the puck like it was on fire, sprinted the lenfth of the ice, and got us another shot on goal.
As an aside, I would love to know whose glove has been lying at our half-boards for the past three or so shifts.
Last minute of play in the third period... Normally I would hate to see us give up a point to a divisional rival if we see OT from this contest, but given that we needed most of the game to tie the score, I won't gripe about that tonight.
Yep, we are about to go into the extra session. The SOG at the end of the third period are even at 30, and the score is 2-2.
On to OT. Our first grouping is Ross, Giroux, Bartulis, and Syvret. Aw, WHAT THE FLAME is this? The freakin' Admiral slams right into Munroe, and no call? On what planet is that not goalie interference? GRRR...
Anyway, we had a faceoff just outside our zone. Next group to come out: Laliberte, Nodl, Ratchuk, Curry. We are facing Downie on this shift, and his line came dangerously close to ending this game the wrong way, but Munroe made a nice save and kept the score even.
Next: Kane, Raduns, Syvret, Bartulis. A norfolk blast from the blue line was deflected hgh into the netting in the corner, so we're having another draw. I'd like to see us go and annoy the other netminder for a while, as Munroe has already stopped three shots in less than two minutes. Curry, DeSantis, Ross, and Giroux are takign the draw now in the neutral zone. NOW we look like we are going to break out . Finally. Yep, Ross is battling for the puck and came up with it in the corner behind their net. No SOG came of it, though. Finally, after yet another near-goal from Norfolk, Nodl and Maroon took it down and Maroon earned our first extra-session shot.
With 1:34 remaining in the OT, the Phantoms have 31 shots and Norfolk has 35. It's time to get back on that roll we were on earlier in the third period.
One minute left in the OT. Come on, guys, we can do this. I despise shootouts, so please give us a happy ending before the final horn sounds.
The Phantoms call a timeout with 43.9 seconds remaining in the period. We are about to have a draw just outside Norfolk's zone. Riss, Giroux, Syvret, and Bartulis are out. Yikes, the puck came over the glass and hit a little boy in the head. He's up and getting some first aid, but he's bleeding from I'm-not-sure-where and he's crying. Owie, poor little guy. I hope he's all right.
Shootout. PHOOEY. I freaking HATE SHOOTOUTS. Ending a team game with an individual skills competition is just not cool. But I'll take the bonus point for the skills contest, should we come out of this victorious. Better us than them, after all.
But it wasn't meant to be. Double Phooey. This is the first time in this entire season that we have lost an OT or shootout game. Norfolk 3, Phantoms 2.
Stars:
#3 Ramo (Norfolk)
#2 Giroux
#1 Bochenski (Norfolk, GWG)
Fortunately,m we have a few dangerous guys of our own, and that would include Ross, Groux, and Kane, who are generating some scoring chances even as I type. Unfortunately, none went in yet, but we have already gotten five SOG in four minutes. If we keep this up, we will be listening to cheering fans before long.
Bartulis made a nice play to break up a Norfolk attack in our end. Laliberte has been on a roll, taking the puck up the ice for us just about every time he gets hold of it.
CRUD CRUD CRUD. Guenin went into the boards awkwardly and came up with his right arm dangling. Darn it. He made a beeline up the tunnel, along with the trainer. I suspect we will be playing with five D for the remainder of the contest.
Speaking of dented guys, Mihalik did make a return to the ice in the third period. I'm personally not convinced that a guy who was "out on his feet" should have been sent back into the game, but I'm the cautious sort when it comes to possible concussions. (And IMO, all teams shoud take a similar stance on that score.)
With 10:30 left in the third period, the SOG are Phantoms 25, Admirals 27. Our guys are really doing a great job keeping Norfok hemmed into their zone, and we are working our collective tails off in the attempt to tie this game again. Come on, guys, you can do it. One goal, that's all we need to even it up. Here comes Ross's line. Maybe they'll do us the honors. :) Ah, now we're going on the PP -- one of the benefits of preventing our opponent from clearing the puck for minutes on end: eventually, you'll draw a penalty. Syvret and DeSantis are out with Giroux, Ross, and Kane. We had a wee blip during this shift, as the Ads broke out shorthanded, but we regrouped and headed back down to camp in Norfolk's end. Now it's Ratchuk, Curry, Nodl, Laliberte, and Maroon. Still no luck. Two SOG have gotten on net, but none have gone in yet. Ratchuk had a shot blocked just as our PP ended. That was a nice move by the Norfolk player. (Dang it.)
With 5:43 left, SCOOOORE! :) Giroux buries the puck, assisted by Jared Ross. SWEEEET. We also lead on the shot clock, 29-27. That's what comes of practically living in the Ads' end for the entire third period so far. Of course, Nofrolk is not too happy and they are suddenly playing with a lot more energy. They got a 2-on-1 against us, but Bartulis stood his ground and let Munroe take care of the puck carrier. Save, Muny. The score remains 2-2. Now we're back to a lot of end to end play again. If all goes well, maybe Norfolk will be tired from defending nonstop for the vast majority of this frame.
Boy, does Laliberte ever have wheels. He took off with the puck like it was on fire, sprinted the lenfth of the ice, and got us another shot on goal.
As an aside, I would love to know whose glove has been lying at our half-boards for the past three or so shifts.
Last minute of play in the third period... Normally I would hate to see us give up a point to a divisional rival if we see OT from this contest, but given that we needed most of the game to tie the score, I won't gripe about that tonight.
Yep, we are about to go into the extra session. The SOG at the end of the third period are even at 30, and the score is 2-2.
On to OT. Our first grouping is Ross, Giroux, Bartulis, and Syvret. Aw, WHAT THE FLAME is this? The freakin' Admiral slams right into Munroe, and no call? On what planet is that not goalie interference? GRRR...
Anyway, we had a faceoff just outside our zone. Next group to come out: Laliberte, Nodl, Ratchuk, Curry. We are facing Downie on this shift, and his line came dangerously close to ending this game the wrong way, but Munroe made a nice save and kept the score even.
Next: Kane, Raduns, Syvret, Bartulis. A norfolk blast from the blue line was deflected hgh into the netting in the corner, so we're having another draw. I'd like to see us go and annoy the other netminder for a while, as Munroe has already stopped three shots in less than two minutes. Curry, DeSantis, Ross, and Giroux are takign the draw now in the neutral zone. NOW we look like we are going to break out . Finally. Yep, Ross is battling for the puck and came up with it in the corner behind their net. No SOG came of it, though. Finally, after yet another near-goal from Norfolk, Nodl and Maroon took it down and Maroon earned our first extra-session shot.
With 1:34 remaining in the OT, the Phantoms have 31 shots and Norfolk has 35. It's time to get back on that roll we were on earlier in the third period.
One minute left in the OT. Come on, guys, we can do this. I despise shootouts, so please give us a happy ending before the final horn sounds.
The Phantoms call a timeout with 43.9 seconds remaining in the period. We are about to have a draw just outside Norfolk's zone. Riss, Giroux, Syvret, and Bartulis are out. Yikes, the puck came over the glass and hit a little boy in the head. He's up and getting some first aid, but he's bleeding from I'm-not-sure-where and he's crying. Owie, poor little guy. I hope he's all right.
Shootout. PHOOEY. I freaking HATE SHOOTOUTS. Ending a team game with an individual skills competition is just not cool. But I'll take the bonus point for the skills contest, should we come out of this victorious. Better us than them, after all.
But it wasn't meant to be. Double Phooey. This is the first time in this entire season that we have lost an OT or shootout game. Norfolk 3, Phantoms 2.
Stars:
#3 Ramo (Norfolk)
#2 Giroux
#1 Bochenski (Norfolk, GWG)
Phantoms vs. Norfolk Admirals 12-20-08: Second Period
Right before the second period began, Mihalik (SP, number 44) got ito a shouting match with Jef Szwez who was on our bench. The ref immediately sent them both to the sin bin for unsportsmanlike conduct. I told my husband, "That's a fight waiting to happen." Sure enough, four seconds after they returned to the ice, the fight started. Mihalik got in several solid punches, and I thought he was about to win a lopsided decision over Szwez... But then Swez tagged him solidly with a one-punch TKO. I don't think he was fully unconscious, but he was definitely out-of-it and he dropped like a rag doll. The ref started waving for the Norfolk trainer to come out, which he did. Szwez went back to the penalty box. Both guys were assessed five minutes for fighting. Mihalik also bled on the ice, as the ice crew had to come out to scrape clean the area where he landed.
The Phantoms came tantalizingly close to tyng the game, but unfortunately the freaking ref's whistle blew the play dead a fraction of a second before the puck slowly trickled out from under the goalie and into the net Naturally, a boo-fest ensued, and the guy in charge of music took the opportunity to play an excerpt from "Mr. Grinch". LOLOLOL...!
So we have 10:04 left in the second period, and I'm less than pleased that we only have two second-period shots credited to us. I would like to see us get more rubber on goal in the second half of this frame.
Clackson just fought with Rosehill, at the Norfolk halfboards. It was a relatively even bout, though it drew an extra round of cheerign when Clackson managed to disengage Rosehill's helmet partway through the proceedings. By the time the bout was over, Rosehill was holding his hand over his eye (whch led me to thnk he was cut, but now I'm not sure) and he was hollering a whole lot of unprintabillities at Clackson as the linesman skated him far, far away from his adversary. Eventually, both gladiators took their seats in the respective penalty boxes, where they have spent a good three minutes jawing at one another. It should be interesting to see what happens when they exit the box in another couple of minutes.
SCOOOOOORE, Jared Ross from Guenin and Giroux! That was the line that got the goal disallowed, so it's poetic justice that they would be the ones to tie the score with a beauty.We had a nice shot on goal from the right, and Ross was in perfect position at the left post to cash in the resulting rebound. SWEET. Now the score is 1-1, and the SOG are Phantoms 14, Admirals 15. There are six minutes remaining in the second period... And I am not so sure that we have seen Mihalik since that fight. Hmmm.
Crumbs. We gave up another PP goal with about two and a half minutes left in the period. (But not before Guenin blocked another couple of shots during the PK.) So far, we have given up two PP goals. This game hasn't been a penalty-fest overall (other than the fights, lol), so that should be our clue to stay out of the box as much as possible. I'm not sure if it's our PK that's having a rough go, or if Norfolk's PP is on a tear, but we don't need to give up any more of these dratted goals. Downie got the primary assist on this goal. 2-1, Bad Guys.
I'm none too happy that we are stil stuck n our end now that we are at even strength again. Bleep. Oh, lol, just as I type that, the Ross line comes barreling up the ice to put a shot on goal. :D Hey, maybe I should try using reverse psychology more often. ;)
OK, there goes the horn to end the second period. The Admirals lead 2-1. The SOG are Phantoms 15, Admirals 25. And I noticed that Clackson has a little bit of blood on his sleeve. Maybe he did inflict some collateral damage to Rosehill after all.
The Phantoms came tantalizingly close to tyng the game, but unfortunately the freaking ref's whistle blew the play dead a fraction of a second before the puck slowly trickled out from under the goalie and into the net Naturally, a boo-fest ensued, and the guy in charge of music took the opportunity to play an excerpt from "Mr. Grinch". LOLOLOL...!
So we have 10:04 left in the second period, and I'm less than pleased that we only have two second-period shots credited to us. I would like to see us get more rubber on goal in the second half of this frame.
Clackson just fought with Rosehill, at the Norfolk halfboards. It was a relatively even bout, though it drew an extra round of cheerign when Clackson managed to disengage Rosehill's helmet partway through the proceedings. By the time the bout was over, Rosehill was holding his hand over his eye (whch led me to thnk he was cut, but now I'm not sure) and he was hollering a whole lot of unprintabillities at Clackson as the linesman skated him far, far away from his adversary. Eventually, both gladiators took their seats in the respective penalty boxes, where they have spent a good three minutes jawing at one another. It should be interesting to see what happens when they exit the box in another couple of minutes.
SCOOOOOORE, Jared Ross from Guenin and Giroux! That was the line that got the goal disallowed, so it's poetic justice that they would be the ones to tie the score with a beauty.We had a nice shot on goal from the right, and Ross was in perfect position at the left post to cash in the resulting rebound. SWEET. Now the score is 1-1, and the SOG are Phantoms 14, Admirals 15. There are six minutes remaining in the second period... And I am not so sure that we have seen Mihalik since that fight. Hmmm.
Crumbs. We gave up another PP goal with about two and a half minutes left in the period. (But not before Guenin blocked another couple of shots during the PK.) So far, we have given up two PP goals. This game hasn't been a penalty-fest overall (other than the fights, lol), so that should be our clue to stay out of the box as much as possible. I'm not sure if it's our PK that's having a rough go, or if Norfolk's PP is on a tear, but we don't need to give up any more of these dratted goals. Downie got the primary assist on this goal. 2-1, Bad Guys.
I'm none too happy that we are stil stuck n our end now that we are at even strength again. Bleep. Oh, lol, just as I type that, the Ross line comes barreling up the ice to put a shot on goal. :D Hey, maybe I should try using reverse psychology more often. ;)
OK, there goes the horn to end the second period. The Admirals lead 2-1. The SOG are Phantoms 15, Admirals 25. And I noticed that Clackson has a little bit of blood on his sleeve. Maybe he did inflict some collateral damage to Rosehill after all.
Phantoms vs. Norfolk Admirals 12-20-08: First Period
At the end of this afternoon's Flyers game, the Flyers called up Jonathon Kalinski and sent down Scott Munroe, who had served as Niittymaki's backup today.
Now, Munroe is starting for the Phantoms, making him the first player since (I believe) Freddy Meyer to dress for both teams in the same day. A few years ago, Meyer was called up and dressed for the Flyers in warmup. However, he was scratched from the game, so he was sent down and played for the Phantoms that night.
J-S Aubin is our backup tonight. This is the first time I've seen him on the ice since he injured himself during the game on Black Friday.
After tonight, the Phantoms will be off from December 21 through Christmas Day.
Randy Jones is not on the bench. He is eligible for one more Phantoms game before he HAS to go back to the FLyers or clear waivers and stay down. So maybe the Organ-eye-zation wanted to give themselves a little more leeway regarding getting the Fyers' D roster organized, as there's quite a logjam on the big club at the moment. If the team decides not to play Jones again, then our next game is on December 26. The Flyers will have until the day after that to fgure out what to do with their relatively large group of D, all of whom deserve to be seeing ice time with the way they have played lately.
Chris Gratton is with the Admirals and is on the ice right now. He just barely missed beng able to play against his cousin Josh, who's up with the Flyers and played this afternoon.
Steve Downie is also in the lineup for this game for the Admirals. We just had a shift where Downie and Clackson were on the ice together, and no fight occurred. However, we have only spent about three and a half minutes of game time yet; the night is young. :D
With 1:16 left in the first period and the SOG even at 4 apiece, the Phantoms are getting the first P of the game. Raduns, Maroon, and Nodl are on the ice for the first PP, with Ross and Syvret. IT's been a long time since we have had a four-forward PP unit. Ross is on the point, as he was for a lot of last season when Berube was our coach. Next up: Laliberte, Giroux, Kane, Ross, and Syvret. The ref's arm is up again, so we are going to get 37 secons of a two-man advantage. NICE. :)
Downie's going into the sin bin. Time to make Norfolk pay. Which we can't exactly do when the darn Ads clear the darn puck. Let's try this again. And again.
There goes the two-man advantage. But we still have over a minute of PP time remainng, so it's time to hop to it. Ratchuk/DeSantis are with laliberte, Maroon, and Raduns. We are having a bear of a time getting ourselves set up so far. It's the end of the PP, and Clackson is on the ice with Szwez and Nodl. There's a partial change now, as Clackson and Nodl stay out with Giroux, Bartulis, and Curry. Downie did not remain on the ice upon his exit from the sin bin; he went to the bench and was replaced by a different forward.
With 11:55 left in the period, the Phantoms have 7 SOG and the Admirals have 5.
Bellamy, Klotz, and Raduns are out as a line. Syvret/Guenin are the D pair. Guenin blocked a shot. Hey, I think I broke my streak of typing that phrase last night. Darn. We will have to start a new consecutive-game "Guenin blocked a shot" streak tonight. :)
We have had a lot of end-to-end rushing tonight, as well as last night and on Wednesday. In prior years, that was not the Phantoms' style and we usually lived to regret it if we played river hockey for too long. BUt in the past few games, we have been pretty much thrving with that style of play. Or at least, it hasn't come back to bite us. So FWIW, while I am not ready to dub this as "our new style of play", I like to think that maybe we will be the ones making the other teams regret getting into an end-to-end skating game. That goes double for if our opponents find themselves worn out by all the activity before the contest is over.
Oh, get real, ref, Guenin was just standing up to an attacker. I see the ref's arm up, so he's going to be sending Nasty Nate to the sin bin with 5:31 remaining in the first period. SOG at this time are even at 8 apiece. (Interference? Didn't the Norfolk guy have the puck two seconds before Guenin stood him up? What the hey?)
Yeah, thanks ref, now the darn Admirals are up by a PP goal That didn't take much time. Doggone it. Zebra 1, Phantoms 0. [scowl]
Giroux just got the puck swatted off his stick by a Norfolk guy as his line was trying to rush the puck. Every now and then he tries to create a play with something that's a bit more high-risk than you usually see at this level. This would be one of those times. But he's learning. He doesn't go for the low-percentage move as often now as he did early in the season.
AT the end of the first period, there is a scrum behind the Norfolk net. Downie s on the ice, no surprise. ;) Nothing much came of it, other than some vocabulary that I could lipread (and can't repeat here) as our guys were on their way bck to our bench.
Norfolk currently leads 1-0. SOG are even at 9 each.
Now, Munroe is starting for the Phantoms, making him the first player since (I believe) Freddy Meyer to dress for both teams in the same day. A few years ago, Meyer was called up and dressed for the Flyers in warmup. However, he was scratched from the game, so he was sent down and played for the Phantoms that night.
J-S Aubin is our backup tonight. This is the first time I've seen him on the ice since he injured himself during the game on Black Friday.
After tonight, the Phantoms will be off from December 21 through Christmas Day.
Randy Jones is not on the bench. He is eligible for one more Phantoms game before he HAS to go back to the FLyers or clear waivers and stay down. So maybe the Organ-eye-zation wanted to give themselves a little more leeway regarding getting the Fyers' D roster organized, as there's quite a logjam on the big club at the moment. If the team decides not to play Jones again, then our next game is on December 26. The Flyers will have until the day after that to fgure out what to do with their relatively large group of D, all of whom deserve to be seeing ice time with the way they have played lately.
Chris Gratton is with the Admirals and is on the ice right now. He just barely missed beng able to play against his cousin Josh, who's up with the Flyers and played this afternoon.
Steve Downie is also in the lineup for this game for the Admirals. We just had a shift where Downie and Clackson were on the ice together, and no fight occurred. However, we have only spent about three and a half minutes of game time yet; the night is young. :D
With 1:16 left in the first period and the SOG even at 4 apiece, the Phantoms are getting the first P of the game. Raduns, Maroon, and Nodl are on the ice for the first PP, with Ross and Syvret. IT's been a long time since we have had a four-forward PP unit. Ross is on the point, as he was for a lot of last season when Berube was our coach. Next up: Laliberte, Giroux, Kane, Ross, and Syvret. The ref's arm is up again, so we are going to get 37 secons of a two-man advantage. NICE. :)
Downie's going into the sin bin. Time to make Norfolk pay. Which we can't exactly do when the darn Ads clear the darn puck. Let's try this again. And again.
There goes the two-man advantage. But we still have over a minute of PP time remainng, so it's time to hop to it. Ratchuk/DeSantis are with laliberte, Maroon, and Raduns. We are having a bear of a time getting ourselves set up so far. It's the end of the PP, and Clackson is on the ice with Szwez and Nodl. There's a partial change now, as Clackson and Nodl stay out with Giroux, Bartulis, and Curry. Downie did not remain on the ice upon his exit from the sin bin; he went to the bench and was replaced by a different forward.
With 11:55 left in the period, the Phantoms have 7 SOG and the Admirals have 5.
Bellamy, Klotz, and Raduns are out as a line. Syvret/Guenin are the D pair. Guenin blocked a shot. Hey, I think I broke my streak of typing that phrase last night. Darn. We will have to start a new consecutive-game "Guenin blocked a shot" streak tonight. :)
We have had a lot of end-to-end rushing tonight, as well as last night and on Wednesday. In prior years, that was not the Phantoms' style and we usually lived to regret it if we played river hockey for too long. BUt in the past few games, we have been pretty much thrving with that style of play. Or at least, it hasn't come back to bite us. So FWIW, while I am not ready to dub this as "our new style of play", I like to think that maybe we will be the ones making the other teams regret getting into an end-to-end skating game. That goes double for if our opponents find themselves worn out by all the activity before the contest is over.
Oh, get real, ref, Guenin was just standing up to an attacker. I see the ref's arm up, so he's going to be sending Nasty Nate to the sin bin with 5:31 remaining in the first period. SOG at this time are even at 8 apiece. (Interference? Didn't the Norfolk guy have the puck two seconds before Guenin stood him up? What the hey?)
Yeah, thanks ref, now the darn Admirals are up by a PP goal That didn't take much time. Doggone it. Zebra 1, Phantoms 0. [scowl]
Giroux just got the puck swatted off his stick by a Norfolk guy as his line was trying to rush the puck. Every now and then he tries to create a play with something that's a bit more high-risk than you usually see at this level. This would be one of those times. But he's learning. He doesn't go for the low-percentage move as often now as he did early in the season.
AT the end of the first period, there is a scrum behind the Norfolk net. Downie s on the ice, no surprise. ;) Nothing much came of it, other than some vocabulary that I could lipread (and can't repeat here) as our guys were on their way bck to our bench.
Norfolk currently leads 1-0. SOG are even at 9 each.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Phantoms at Monarchs: Official Game Recap
Here is the Phantoms game recap from the Phantoms site.
Good job, guys! Now let's have some more wins this weekend. About two of 'em will do just fine. :)
Good job, guys! Now let's have some more wins this weekend. About two of 'em will do just fine. :)
Phantoms win in Manchester in Shootout, 3-2
I just got home and checked the box score of tonight's Phantoms game in Manchester. Even with the absence of Steve Downie, we managed to eke out enough scoring to win in a shootout, 3-2. Here are some (admittedly slightly belated) Pregame Press Notes. I'd have liked to post them sooner, but I've been battling Computer Gremlins for a large part of the day.
Here is the box score of the game from the AHL site.
Both the goals we scored in regulation time came on the PP. I'm pleased to see that we're continuing to make teams regret taking penalties against us. With the way that some officials call, shall we say, a generous number of infractions per game, being able to capitalize on the powerplay will make the difference between wins and losses. (So will the ability to kill penalties successfully, which we've also been doing well of late.)
I don't think we're getting any players back from the Downie trade. We traded a Flyers defenseman plus Downie for another defenseman, whom I presume will be going to the Flyers. All I can say is that now the Flyers have one less than the maximum number of contracts allowed (50), because we gave up two players and got one back.
I see Marty Murray is still with the Monarchs. Now THERE'S a player I wish we could get back. The Flyers lost him on waivers a couple seasons ago when we tried to call him up. He was excellent as a Phantom and boy, did losing him from our lineup hurt. Darn LA for claiming him, then sending him down.
Oh, speaking of people getting sent down, I sincerely hope that Downie remains with the Tampa Bay parent club. I want this both for Downie's sake, and for the Phantoms' sake as well. If the Bolts send him to their farm team, he'll be in Norfolk, which is one of our divisional rivals. The LAST thing we need to see is a guy who's a freaking scoring/assisting machine at the AHL level in Norfolk, tearing it up all season long. I'm gonna want to HURT SOMEBODY if that happens, mark my words.
The game recap hasn't been posted yet. I'll be back to provide a link to it when it becomes available.
Here is the box score of the game from the AHL site.
Both the goals we scored in regulation time came on the PP. I'm pleased to see that we're continuing to make teams regret taking penalties against us. With the way that some officials call, shall we say, a generous number of infractions per game, being able to capitalize on the powerplay will make the difference between wins and losses. (So will the ability to kill penalties successfully, which we've also been doing well of late.)
I don't think we're getting any players back from the Downie trade. We traded a Flyers defenseman plus Downie for another defenseman, whom I presume will be going to the Flyers. All I can say is that now the Flyers have one less than the maximum number of contracts allowed (50), because we gave up two players and got one back.
I see Marty Murray is still with the Monarchs. Now THERE'S a player I wish we could get back. The Flyers lost him on waivers a couple seasons ago when we tried to call him up. He was excellent as a Phantom and boy, did losing him from our lineup hurt. Darn LA for claiming him, then sending him down.
Oh, speaking of people getting sent down, I sincerely hope that Downie remains with the Tampa Bay parent club. I want this both for Downie's sake, and for the Phantoms' sake as well. If the Bolts send him to their farm team, he'll be in Norfolk, which is one of our divisional rivals. The LAST thing we need to see is a guy who's a freaking scoring/assisting machine at the AHL level in Norfolk, tearing it up all season long. I'm gonna want to HURT SOMEBODY if that happens, mark my words.
The game recap hasn't been posted yet. I'll be back to provide a link to it when it becomes available.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Phantoms vs. Bears: 3rd period and OT
Argh..Syvret blocked a shot, followed hy a Bear falling backward onto him, then limped up the tunnetwith the trainer in tow. Fortunately, he soon made his way back to the bench.
Aubin made a superb stop going left-to-right! He's also getting back up from butterfly splits very quickly.
We had better make good on this extended PP, during which we'll have 11 seconds of5 on 3.
Ah, phooey. Well before the PP ended, we got a penalty of our own. So we're playing 4-on-4, and now it's a case of dueling goalies, with some really nice stops happening at both ends of the ice.
Shoot. An impressive defensive sequence on our part eventually ended up in our net, largely because we didn't clear the puck soon enough. 3-1 Phantoms. SOG Phantoms 27, Bears 24.
Crud! 5 minutes later, the same thing happened, from the long time spent defending to the same guy scoring on us. Hershey has accrued about a shot per minute so far this period (15 and counting). NOT what I wanted to see happen in this frame.
2:36 left in the 3rd. SOG Phantoms 29, Bears 30. Hershey is throwing everything but the kitchen sink at our net. And if they could figure out how to send an equipment guy to Lowe's to buy a kitchen sink, and get him back here with it before the game's over, they'd be throwing THAT at our net as well.
Oh, the self-control it takes to keep this paragraph rated G. Hershey ties it with 1:57 left. Same problem. Same result.
SOG at end of 3rd: Phantoms 29 (still!), Bears 34. Hershey had 21!!! shots in the 3rd.
OT: We end up right back in our zone almost immediately. Fortunately, we got it down to Hershey's end for a shot and an offensive zone draw.
1:57 left: SOG Phantoms 33, Bears 34. Hershey T/O.
Come on, Phantoms, do something good. I LOATHE shootouts!
Hershey seems to WANT a shootout; they got the puck in the final minute, and just stickhandled around playing keep-away instead of regrouping and trying to win the game outright in OT.
Shootout results:
P19 no H18 yes
P10 yes H36 no
P16 yes H22 no
P28 no H12 no
P11 no H11 yes
P16 yes H12 no
Stars
3 Maroon
2 Osala
1 Laliberte
That would be the two guys who scored a pair of goals (Laliberte and Osala), and the guy whose goal won the shootout (Maroon).
Aubin made a superb stop going left-to-right! He's also getting back up from butterfly splits very quickly.
We had better make good on this extended PP, during which we'll have 11 seconds of5 on 3.
Ah, phooey. Well before the PP ended, we got a penalty of our own. So we're playing 4-on-4, and now it's a case of dueling goalies, with some really nice stops happening at both ends of the ice.
Shoot. An impressive defensive sequence on our part eventually ended up in our net, largely because we didn't clear the puck soon enough. 3-1 Phantoms. SOG Phantoms 27, Bears 24.
Crud! 5 minutes later, the same thing happened, from the long time spent defending to the same guy scoring on us. Hershey has accrued about a shot per minute so far this period (15 and counting). NOT what I wanted to see happen in this frame.
2:36 left in the 3rd. SOG Phantoms 29, Bears 30. Hershey is throwing everything but the kitchen sink at our net. And if they could figure out how to send an equipment guy to Lowe's to buy a kitchen sink, and get him back here with it before the game's over, they'd be throwing THAT at our net as well.
Oh, the self-control it takes to keep this paragraph rated G. Hershey ties it with 1:57 left. Same problem. Same result.
SOG at end of 3rd: Phantoms 29 (still!), Bears 34. Hershey had 21!!! shots in the 3rd.
OT: We end up right back in our zone almost immediately. Fortunately, we got it down to Hershey's end for a shot and an offensive zone draw.
1:57 left: SOG Phantoms 33, Bears 34. Hershey T/O.
Come on, Phantoms, do something good. I LOATHE shootouts!
Hershey seems to WANT a shootout; they got the puck in the final minute, and just stickhandled around playing keep-away instead of regrouping and trying to win the game outright in OT.
Shootout results:
P19 no H18 yes
P10 yes H36 no
P16 yes H22 no
P28 no H12 no
P11 no H11 yes
P16 yes H12 no
Stars
3 Maroon
2 Osala
1 Laliberte
That would be the two guys who scored a pair of goals (Laliberte and Osala), and the guy whose goal won the shootout (Maroon).
Phantoms vs. Bears: 2nd period
This ref is ticking me off quickly but surely. We have a 2-man disadvantage for 42 seconds. Every time I try to jot our regular line combos down, we get put on special teams, which puts that part of my notes on hold.
I've liked a lot of what I've seen from Aubin so far. He appears much more in control than he looked in our early-season games. He's much better with angles and with not committing early, as well.
SCORE! The same line: Kane from Giroux and Laliberte, on the PP. Immediately, Amadio fights Clackson. Edge and takedown both go to Clackson.
SOG at the end of the second period: Phantoms 20, Hershey 13. The fact that we only allowed 4 shots, in a period when we killed this much penalty time, speaks well for our D.
I've liked a lot of what I've seen from Aubin so far. He appears much more in control than he looked in our early-season games. He's much better with angles and with not committing early, as well.
SCORE! The same line: Kane from Giroux and Laliberte, on the PP. Immediately, Amadio fights Clackson. Edge and takedown both go to Clackson.
SOG at the end of the second period: Phantoms 20, Hershey 13. The fact that we only allowed 4 shots, in a period when we killed this much penalty time, speaks well for our D.
Phantoms vs. Bears 11-2-08: First Period
I arrived just in time for the opening faceoff. Gratton is wearing #24. Bellamy, whom I don't see on the bench, is now listed as #23. I hope the ceremonial puck pitch will be or Youtube, as a bunch of us were stuck on the concourse at the time. The ushers wouldn't let people go in the arena. GRRR...!
So far we've had a PK, coincidental minors, and a PP, and it's only 9 minutes into the 1st period.
SCORE! PP goal: Laliberte from Syvret and DeSantis.
Another PP with 9:09 left.
I wonder why our backup goalie is on a stool in the tunnel? This is new, to say the least. Normally, the goalie sits on the far left of the bench, which is the opposite end from the tunnel.
Aah, boo. 4 on 4 for 1:01. Boy is this ref... shall we say, "Active." The whistles have been nonstop in this game.
Aubin made some nice lateral movements to protect the net during the PK that followed the 4 on 4.
This is the first time I've seen Hersley dressed, besides preseason. He is wearing #36 now; I could've sworn he had #32 before. His D partner is Ratchuk.
SCORE! Laliberte gets a breakaway and scores a highlight reel goal! Assists from Bartulis and Giroux. Boy, this line is en fuego tonight.
SOG at the end of the first period: Phantoms 9, Bears 9.
So far we've had a PK, coincidental minors, and a PP, and it's only 9 minutes into the 1st period.
SCORE! PP goal: Laliberte from Syvret and DeSantis.
Another PP with 9:09 left.
I wonder why our backup goalie is on a stool in the tunnel? This is new, to say the least. Normally, the goalie sits on the far left of the bench, which is the opposite end from the tunnel.
Aah, boo. 4 on 4 for 1:01. Boy is this ref... shall we say, "Active." The whistles have been nonstop in this game.
Aubin made some nice lateral movements to protect the net during the PK that followed the 4 on 4.
This is the first time I've seen Hersley dressed, besides preseason. He is wearing #36 now; I could've sworn he had #32 before. His D partner is Ratchuk.
SCORE! Laliberte gets a breakaway and scores a highlight reel goal! Assists from Bartulis and Giroux. Boy, this line is en fuego tonight.
SOG at the end of the first period: Phantoms 9, Bears 9.
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