Phantoms at Albany: First Period

I like the amount of jump we have come out with. Not bad for a team that only finished their previous game approximately 16 hours ago. Munroe is in goal, as I'd expected, and he's looking good.

Our scratches are Teslak, Klotz, Beaulieu, and Hersley.

With approximately 8 minutes remaining in the first period, there's been a lot of back-and-forth play between the teams but the netminders have been equal to the task. I love a good goalie duel, particularly when MY team's goalie comes out with a W, so I'd be fine with having that for a result. :)

We're well into the frame before teh first penalty is called, and it's on Guenin. But allow me to mention yet another ref whom I'm pleased to see is LETTING THEM PLAY. I've carped about Ciamaga's officiating in past seasons when I've felt he was whistle-happy, but today he's anything but so far. Good. This is how the games should be called.

We killed that penalty very well, preventing the River Rats from doing much. Now we're going on the power play, and I hope our PP is equally effective.

Turns out we had a few PP chances, but didn't cash any of them in. However, the good news is that shortly after returning to even strength, Downie and Giroux had a nice 2-on-1 break. The Rats defenseman neutralize the option of passing across to Giroux, so Downie shot and beat the goalie. The Phantoms draw first blood to take a 1-0 lead.

I don't know how Downie's knee is doing, in terms of its recovery, but his SHOT is just fine thank you. :) He was involved in both goals that we scored since his being sent to the Phantoms.

At the end of the first period, the Phantoms lead 1-0. We outshot Albany 14-7. WTG, guys, keep it up!