Last night saw the Hamilton Street Heroes lose in overtime to the visiting fake Bruins. At times the team seemed to play some good hockey, but many of the shots on net were not high-quality offerings. Sometimes the power play seemed to be working and generating chances, and other times not so much. The team continues to give up too many penalties. But that was last night, and this is tonight, Rochester is in town and may present a more formidable test compared with the recently reeling Providence team. Here’s what you need to know if you’re going to the game or following from home.
The Big Picture
Wilkes-Barre lost last night to Charlotte so that “one important standings point” vaults us into sole possession of fourth place in the AHL Atlantic. There’s a lot of hockey to go. I’m not counting home playoff games until they’re hatched.
Both goals scored against the Phantoms last night were on the penalty kill–the winner in overtime following an unfortunate series of “Ref Show” events. Still, the PK unit killed off 5 other power plays and had a shortie chance or two.
Player Notes
D Emil Andrae returned from injury but thankfully was not reunited with his “Duo of Destruction” mate Attard. Sandstrom was the backup; as long as he’s feeling OK today I’d expect to see him lead the team onto the ice for warm-ups. Just before the game last night, D Mason Millman was sent to ECHL Reading.
Lines from last night
28 Lycksell – 9 Laczynski – 27 Tuomaala
17 Wilson – 22 Gardner – 19 Allison
16 Avon – 91 Desnoyers – 20 Marody
15 Bellerive – 56 Gaucher – 14 Wisdom
6 Andrae – 2 Grans
98 Mete – 12 Attard
37 Ginning – 5 Samson
40 Petersen (32 Sandstrom)
Royal Report
After 14 games, the Reading Royals are 4-8-1-1 and by winning percentage are in last place in the ECHL Eastern/North division.
GAME DAY!
Rochester is in town–the AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. At 10-4-2 they are currently in second place in the AHL North. They come in riding a three-game win streak and are 6-3-1 in their last ten games. This is the first meeting–of two–on the season between the teams. We’ll visit up there in January. You’ll recognize D Ethan Prow from his long tenure with Wilkes-Barre. Old friend Dustin Tokarski is one of their netminders. First round pick RW Isak Rosen (#18) is their top scorer, followed by another first-round pick in C Jiri Kulich (#25). The Rochester power play is #6 in the nation, while their PK is #31. They are #24 in penalty minutes, roughly half the minutes of the Phantoms top mark of 341. Rochester has had relatively few transactions lately, owing to the fact that their ECHL affiliate is in Jacksonville, FLA and Buffalo is leaving their young talent alone to develop in the AHL, at this juncture. Rochester hosted Laval last night and won in overtime.
It’s affiliation night so wear your Flyers gear if you like. Gritty will be in the building. I’d love to see a new alternate jersey with the burnt orange, but I’m not holding my breath. Doors at 6PM, Show at 7:05PM. It’s Saturday Night Hockey Live with special musical guest []. Gritty and meLVin will be available for photos at the Guitar Stage in the rotunda by Burger Prime, from 6:05 to 6:35. Stick around after the game for post-game photos with the players on the ice.
No update on parking. I continue to just hand the Parking Overlords as little cash as I can manage. If you know for certain where you’d like to park, you can purchase in advance on the Park Mobile App.
If you’re not going on the ice for photos following the game, head to Chickie’s for some free raffle giveaways: 2 pucks at 10:00, a stick at 10:15, and a jersey at 10:30.
OFFICIALS
Referee Patrick Hanrahan (#52)
Referee Alex Lepkowski (#74)
Linesperson Josh Cleary (#45)
Linesperson Jud Ritter (#34)
MEDIA KIT (with no team graphics for some reason)
What To Watch
- Watch to see if we get Sandstrom in net backed up by Gahagen. Wouldn’t even be surprised if both play in this game.
- Watch to see if the Phantoms can stay out of the box. Fights are fine but you can’t put yourself at that kind of disadvantage versus this Rochester squad by taking sloppy SHIT (Slashing, Hooking, Interference, Tripping) penalties.
- Watch to see what kind of mischief Gritty and meLVin get themselves into. I’m usually kind of above the mascot thing, but it can be fun entertainment sometimes. Also, leave your jersey at home if you think of yourself as a Rochester or Buffalo fan. Just some friendly advice.
- Three of the top five scorers on the team are on that top line. If they don’t score the goals then no one does? Watch to see if they mix it up a bit tonight. I’m not advocating for that or not–just interested to see what they do.
- Rochester is at a rest/travel disadvantage here. Let’s see if we can come out rocking and end their win streak.
- To that end, I did notice Allison last night, who had a couple good chances and was making a little noise. I’d like to see some of the same from Wisdom as well.
Season Ticket News
I never hear about the early doors we used to get the last couple seasons, so I guess that’s done? Maybe we just get our own line but everyone gets in at 6PM. That would be better for beer and food sales, for sure. But today we get a priority line for the photo event following the game. Check your email for details. That’s a nice perk. Remember to pick up your season ticket gift(s). Download your gift “tickets” they will scan them.
Up Next
The Phantoms are off until Friday when they have three in New England–first two in Hartford followed by a Sunday matinee in Providence.
The team will return home on Friday, December 8 for another with Providence. That will start a 5-game home stand with Saturday versus Charlotte on Teddy Bear night, another with Charlotte on Happy Hour Wednesday, and the following weekend against Laval and Springfield. I think that’s when it’s going to feel like it’s really hockey season. I hope the team is playing well through that stretch.
See yesterday’s column (HERE) for more detailed team notes following their conquering trip to Canada.
See you at the arena,
@Kram207
Featured Image by Jack Mitroka
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