“I can see that you look confused and you don’t know what to doSay what you see, what you likeIf you work it out, tell me what you find”
-Futureheads “Decent Days and Nights”
BREAKING: After this piece went to (word)press, it was announced that forwards Elliot Desnoyers and Tyson Foerster would return to the Phantoms from the Flyers in time for today’s game.
“We can have a few decent days and nights”
I was sure the stripe team was going to win last night’s game. It was one of the more haphazardly officiated hockey games I’ve ever seen. Some stuff got called and some stuff didn’t. There was often a conference to figure out what to even call–not on the same page. Pump-faking the face-offs. It was throwing a wet blanket on what was a reasonably exciting hockey game.
But to the hockey. In all seriousness, I didn’t know if the Hamilton Street Heroes were going to win the game, but I felt like a comeback was always gonna happen. Overtime 3-on-3 can always be kind of random and especially if that’s the time to call ticky-tack hooking penalties. But the win streak continues as the Phantoms continue to play some decent hockey these days and nights.
What did I tell you about Marody and Brooks in yesterday’s column? They’re hitting their stride at just the right time. I’m sorry I didn’t throw my hat. Even though it’s a really nice fitted from the Philadelphia era, I did purchase a back-up for just that reason. However, I was kind of late realizing the hattie and couldn’t get close enough quick enough to get it out on the ice. I’ll be better next time.
You might feel like it wasn’t Ersson’s best game but I thought he played well. The team left him out to dry a couple times and the penalty kill continues to be a problem, although they only gave up one of six last night and did kill the overtime 4-on-3.
No change in the standings as Springfield and Bridgeport also won last night. Fourteen games left; nine at home.
Lines from last night:
28 Lycksell – 51 Anisimov – 23 Brink
17 Wilson – 24 Brooks – 25 Marody
20 Willman – 9 O’Reilly – 42 Hodgson
13 Fitzgerald – 18 J Cates – 15 Bellerive
4 Zamula – 47 Belpedio
37 Ginning – 12 Attard
44 Connauton – 29 Wylie
30 Ersson (73 Maier)
GAME DAY!
Utica is in town and everyone knows how I feel about the red team from New Jersey. Old friend Tyler Wotherspoon is on this team. Graeme Clarke (20-24-34) leads the team in scoring. First-rounder Alex Holtz had 26 goals for the Comets last year. The Comets recently lost Andreas Johnsson and Nikita Okhotiuk to San Jose in a trade. Utica beat last-plcace Wilkes-Barre 4-1 last night. (Aside: Natives are getting restless in Wilkes. Always quick to criticize coaching and roster on other teams. I tried to warn them about Hextall. Good to see them suffer a bit for a change.) Utica is in second place in the AHL North. Their AWAY Power Play is 22nd in the league. Their AWAY Penalty Kill is 8th. At the end of December, Utica beat the Phantoms 3-1 at their place.
The “Hockey Fiesta” continues today. I didn’t get to sample any of the concession additions last night. But look for Margs at the Bru Daddy Bar and Burrito Bowls, Quesadillas and Nachos about the other concession stands. And more. There might be pre-game activities in the plaza, some special music. Remember, bring the kiddos as it’s replica meLVin jersey giveaway today. Use the main entrances to get your giveaway.
It appears parking in the Maple Street deck is budget-friendly. I think I’ll test it again today.
Good seats are still available on the PPL Center site as well as secondary markets.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Justin Kea (#44)
Referee: Dre Barone (#55)
Linesperson: Michael Magee (#41)
Linesperson: John Rey (#16)
MEDIA KIT
What To Watch
- Watch for Maier in net. He did fine last Sunday, but he is a bit shaky sometimes. Look for the team to do their best to keep shots off him–they’ve done that before. And, with the ugly hockey that the New Jersey affiliate plays, it shouldn’t be too hard.
- And for that reason, I’m looking for a low-scoring game today.
- Watch to see if Coach Ian mixes things up on the lines a bit. This is the second 3-in-3 in as many weeks and it might be good to try to keep things fresh.
- Or, I’m crazy. They’re playing well. Why make it more difficult?
- Watch to see if Ryan Fitzgerald is back out there today. It was good to see him last night and while he did look a little rusty he was playing with some decent energy and aggression. He was one of my favorite players back in the 2021 shortened season and I’d like to see him return to that form.
- Watch for plenty of traffic on the concourses. Kiddo jersey day and meLVin’s birthday are the two big family days, I think.
What’s Next?
Get ready for Hershey again. We’ve got them here Wednesday and Friday this week. Off on Saturday then finish this stretch with another Sunday matinee versus Wilkes-Barre.
See you at the arena,
@Kram207
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