The Phantoms face a key stretch versus the first-place Hershey Bears. We might find out a lot about our team in the next couple weeks. It starts tonight.
This Year
Since the calendar turned, the Phantoms are 5-1-1-1 and have risen to fourth place in the division standings. In fact, these road warriors who are 0-1-1 at home this month, were briefly in third place.
Since we last saw them, they made the trek westward to visit Cleveland for a pair of mid-week games, winning the first 3-1 and the second in overtime. They stopped in Wilkes-Barre on the way home and throttled the hated Penguins 5-2.
Players and Stats
G Sam Ersson has returned from Philadelphia as G Felix Sandstrom–in the net for most of those wins above–has completed his conditioning assignment. Not everyone in Philadelphia is happy about it, as it’s generally accepted that the Flyers’ coaches prefer Ersson, who’s been more consistent in the NHL net. However, Sandstrom would need to pass through waivers and right now the Flyers can ill-afford to lose the depth that he brings. The injury to G Troy Grosenick is part of that equation. When I inquired about Grosenick several weeks ago, I was told that it was more of a long-term injury. I’m unsure of his current status, but it starts getting pretty thin as far as experienced netminders once you get beyond Hart, Sandstrom and Ersson. Do they maybe trade Sandstrom? Try to sneak him through waivers and risk it? I think something will happen eventually, but for right now we ride with Ersson.
F Zayde Wisdom has returned after a quick stint in Reading. I think he needs the ice time, wherever he can get it.
Lines in Wilkes last Friday:
28 Lycksell – 51 Anisimov – 23 Brink
17 Wilson – 91 Desnoyers – 71 Foerster
24 Brooks – 9 O’Reilly – 42 Hodgson
20 Willman – 18 J. Cates – 15 Bellerive
4 Zamula – 47 Belpedio
44 Connauton – 29 Wylie
37 Ginning – 12 Attard
30 Sam Ersson (35 Nagle)
Scratches From Last Friday:
1 Troy Grosenick
3 Adam Karashik
6 Linus Hogberg
13 Ryan Fitzgerald
14 Zayde Wisdom
19 Isaac Ratcliffe
25 Cooper Marody
Grosenick is injured as we discussed above. Karashik has been up and down from Reading as defensive depth. Hogberg may be nicked up, but he’s been in and out of the lineup all season. Fitzgerald has seen very little ice time this season, I have to believe he’s still suffering after-effects of injuries that kept him out most of last season–even if it’s only down to getting his game back. We discussed Wisdom above. Ratcliffe is still battling the after-effects of a recent injury which could be long-term. We’ve only seen flashes of an effective Marody; I have to believe he’s not 100% or he’d be out there on one of the top two lines.
Notes from Phantoms Media Dept.
Photo: Jack Mitroka
GAME DAY!
It’s dollar-beer Wednesday! OK, $2. Still, it is a regular sized pint and you can find the discounted Miller or Lager at all of the regular concessions who pour beer. It’s a good way to get folks to the concession counter, but it can result in some longer lines. The special runs from doors-open to the drop of the puck, so who’s complaining about the late puck drop now?
Good seats still remain for tonight’s contest, which will take place regardless of weather. I’d encourage the use of one of the parking decks so that your vehicle can remain out of the precipitation. I’m currently 4-12 versus the parking overlords. I expect to get a win tonight, but I’m wondering if the weather will be a factor.
Enter Hershey. The Hamilton Street Heroes remain winless versus the brown team thus far this season. But with four games upcoming between the teams–in just 11 days, 3 at home 1 on the road–we should start to see what this Phantoms side is made of. The Phantoms Penalty Kill, a bugaboo thus far in ’22-’23 has been top notch recently. The Bears have won with defense and goaltending, so giving them the man-advantage plays right into what they do.
OFFICIALS
Referee Peter Schlittenhardt (#12)
Referee Jeremy Tufts (#78)
Linesperson John Rey (#16)
Linesperson Patrick Dapuzzo (#57)
MEDIA KIT
Photo: Jack Mitroka
What To Watch
- Expect Ersson in net tonight. He should be fine given his performance in Wilkes-Barre.
- Watch Brink on that top line. How does his skating look? Can he finish a goal or two tonight?
- Watch the defensive pairs. I think that was a good lineup from last Friday in terms of keeping the more offensive-minded of the blueliners from getting paired together.
- Watch for any clarity on the scratches and injured.
- Watch to see if the PK can continue to perform at a high level
- Watch to see if the Phantoms can stay out of the box and keep the pressure on Hershey
- Watch to see if the Phantoms can solve this Hershey side, and if not, why?
Coming Up
We’re back here this weekend as we begin a stretch five straight home games. Friday is versus the hated Penguins for Flyers’ night with Lou Nolan and Gritty. Wear white! Saturday night sees Hershey return and hats for the kiddos. And Hershey will be here next Wednesday, too! Yay!
See you at the arena!
@Kram207
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