Phantoms vs. Norfolk Admirals 3-4-09: Third Period

I can't help but notice, from the viewing angle which I have, that the backup-goalie stool that Aubin is sitting on is covered with gold glitter. However, from what I can see when he stands up, it does not appear to have gotten all over his uniform. That would be, uh, not good. Imagine having to explain to the equipment guys why he's got gold glitter all over his rump. ;)

Oh, crud. Once again, the first shot Norfolk took in the period clanged off the post and in. I'm thinking Scott might want to review what happened with these goals and tweak his angles a bit. 3-3, drat and double-drat.

The Admirals' coach, former Phantom Darren Rumble, must have given them some words of wisdom during the intermission, because Norfolk came out hard and they keep finding their way into our zone now. The shot clock needs to be incremented for the Admirals, as I counted four shots on goal (including the goal) and I only see that they've gotten credit for three.

IN any event, the sooner we start tilting the ice back in the Admirals' direction, the better. We can't let up now. We have a PP in progress, so let's see if that helps us any. My unfavorite infraction, Delay of Game, ws called against Konopka. And it's STILL my unfavorite infraction (well, other than the instigator penalty, which is worthy of its own separate rant some time when I'm not blogging a game live). Matsumoto's line is out with Ratchuk and Curry (who is face-fuzz-free again after sporting a beard for most of the season). YO, freaking number 7 for the Admiras decided to clear the crease by pnching Laliberte in the back of the head. No call. Excuse me while I aim a Glare of Death at the Zebra.

We're back at full stsrength now, and Kalinski's line is out with Syvret and Guenin. Kalinski and Gratton are digging in the corner for the puck, with three Admirals on hand to do battle with them. The Ads come up with the disk, and in the course of defending the net, Nate Raduns comes up with an interference penalty. Off he goes.

The first PK unit is Matsumoto, Laliberte, Kukkonen, and Bartulis. Oskars laid himself out flat to prevent a shot on goal. Now it's Guenin with Syvret, Nodl with Kalinski.

We're back at even strength, and Clackson went with Rosehill. I would give Rosehill the edge early due to a flurry of punches he threw before Clackson got going, but then Clackson came back and threw enough punches to even it out IMO. This was a LONG bout for sure. I can't really say that Rosehill got a takedown, because I think that once the linesmen moved in, their attempt to pry apart the tired-but-still-willing gladiators caused Clackson to lose an edge. I can't really give a decision to either guy, except to say that they both must be in good condition to keep going at it for that length of time.

MOVE, linesman! Dang it, he got in Laliberte's way as we were trying to get into the Norfolk end. We did manage to get a scoring chance out of it, but I'd have liked our guy not to be delayed in his arrival while we're trying to generate some offense.

With 5:35 left in the period, SOG are Phantoms 31, Admirals 30. The score remans 3-3. And Norfolk's holding infraction sends us onto the PECOOOO POWER PLAY. OK, guys, do or die here. We don't need to give up a point to a divisional rival, even when the rival is well behind us in the race for the final playoff slot.

Our first shot of the PP had the puck tagged for the top right corner, but it was just high. However, we kept on going with the play, and our next attempts led to success. Freakin' SWEET. Matsumoto stood on the doorstep to slam in the rebound, and the Phantoms have the lead back. Assists to Laliberte and Kukkonen.

The ref sends Guenin off for interference, over the vociferous objections of the Phantoms Phaithful. Raduns, Kalinski, Kukkonen, and Syvret start the PK. Norfolk is deadly serious about wanting to tie this game. Next up, Matsumoto (nice clear!), Laliberte, Curry, and Syvret. Next, Ross, Kane, Kukkonen, Syvret and Kane gets the pyuk way down just before the penalty ends. Guenin proceeds to try and mow down the Norfolk attacker who carries the puck past the sin bin just as Nasty Nate exits.

Curry got away with one in our zone, as he let Konopka have it in the corner behind our net, well behind the play. Fans have been hollering for someone to "get number 28" for a while now, so perhaps Konopka has gotten away with one or two of his own during the course of the game. ;) In any event, with 41.2 seconds left, Norfolk calls timeout. There will be a faceoff in our zone, and the Ads' net is empty.

ON the ice we have Raduns Ross, Kane, Guenin, and Syvret. Keller elbows Ross right off his feet, but it makes no difference in the outcome. The Phantoms win! :)