Just a quick update to get you ready for tonight. It’s Dollar Dog Friday and the 7th place Bridgeport Islanders are back in town.
The Phantoms have been on the road to start 2023 taking five of six possible standings points this past week, following a 4-1 loss to the hated Penguins on New Year Eve. The Phantoms are now 16-13-2-2 on the season and in fifth place in the standings, looking up at Charlotte, WBS, Providence and Hershey.
Phantoms by month:
October 2-4-1
November 6-3-1
December 6-6-1
Bridgeport lost to us in a very exciting shootout on Wednesday 12/28, then in their place this past Wednesday, the Hamilton Street Heroes won 3-1. The Islets are struggling of late 0-8-1-1 in their last 10 games.
Roster Update
Willman has been back from the Flyers
Connauton has been back from Team Canada
Lycksell has been back from the Flyers
First rounder Bobby Brink has been activated by the Flyers and assigned to the Phantoms. He’s wearing #23.
Sandstrom has been with the Phantoms on conditioning.
Bellows is up with the Flyers
Maier returns in exchange for Nagle, with Reading
Wisdom down to Reading, where he can hopefully get some ice time and get his mojo back
Lines/Pairs Wednesday Night in Bridgeport:
28 Lycksell 51 Anisimov 71 Foerster
17 Wilson 91 Desnoyers 23 Brink
20 Willman 9 O’Reilly 25 Marody
24 Brooks 18 Cates 15 Bellerive
4 Zamula 47 Belpedio
44 Connauton 12 Attard
37 Ginning 29 Wylie
32 Felix Sandstrom (Nagle)
What To Watch Tonight
- Watch Brink. His reputation is as a huge hockey sense guy who knows how to get goals and has a wicket accurate shot. He’s smaller, but plays a tough, grinding game. There are questions about his skating.
- Sandstrom has been in net a ton lately as he’s getting work down from the Flyers while Ersson gets some opportunity with the big club and has done well in replacement of the sometimes-injured Carter Hart. Will Sandstrom continue to carry the water?
- If that Zamula/Belpedio pairing stays intact, watch to see if they can be responsible in their own end. Ditto Connauton/Attard.
- Marody is due for a multiple-point game here soon
- My winning streak versus the parking overlords will come to an end tonight as my plans will not allow me to take evasive maneuvers. I think I’m like 4-16 on the season, or something, including preseason.
- Look for some power play goals: These are two top-six teams in PP% in the entire league.
- Plus the Phantoms PK still stinks: #31 out of 32 in the league.
Up Next
Back at it tomorrow with Syracuse at the PPL Center for Saturday Night Hockey Live.
Sorry for the short update–see you at the arena,
@Kram207
Cover photo by Jack Mitroka