Hey, you ever feel like you’re caught in a never-ending loop where your hockey team continues to lose close games by falling behind early, coming back, only to eventually snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory near the end? Are defensive lapses and questionable goaltending combined with lack of scoring prowess getting you down? If so, well, it’s a hockey night and I got you babe.
Stacking Losses
We’re in the midst of a 6-game home stand and have managed to lose the first three games by four combined goals. First, on a last-minute goal to the hated-penguins, then in the shootout to Toronto, and on Wednesday night in a weeknight-tilt, by two to the powerful Hershey Bears who needed an empty net to win by margin.
It’s not great. A few games ago I outlined the 5 or 6 things this team needs to do to get going and make some noise in the second half. Alas, it seems things are slipping away unless some changes are made quickly. The Phantoms are 17-17-5-2 with 31 games remaining. They are 4-4-1-1 over their past 10 and 0-2-1 on the streak right here at home. There is a slight opening in the door and the chance remains to break into the bottom half of the playoff teams. But, fat, drunk, and stupid is no way…. Oh, wrong movie.
Roster Update
We’ll watch for any additional moves later today, but prior to Wednesday’s game, LW Alex Kile returned from loan to ECHL Maine. He was leading that entire league in goals and was second overall in points. He did play Wednesday night but was not noticeable. Still getting in the swing of the AHL it seems.
The Carter Hart assault charges will have the organization down a goalie indefinitely. Felix Sandstrom did have a decent night on Wednesday I thought, despite the loss. He was more active than he’s been thus far this season and seemed to be seeing the puck well in most cases.
Lines on Wednesday:
23 Brink 22 Gardner 27 Tuomaala
16 Avon 91 Desnoyers 19 Allison
13 Furry 56 Gaucher 20 Marody
10 Polei 24 Brooks 48 Kile
6 Andrae 2 Grans
37 Ginning 12 Attard
98 Mete 5 Samson
32 Sandstrom (31 Gahagen)
Scratches: 3 Karashik, 7 Belpedio, 9 Laczynski, 14 Wisdom, 17 Wilson (C) Injuries to Belpedio, Laczynski and Wilson are notable. No updates available.
How To Beat Hershey
OK, so it’s kinda like we’re doing the same game all over again. We know Hershey is a veritable machine, but what can we do to compete better? We only get unlimited chances against this team.
- Keep them spread out. Both goals scored by the Phantoms on Wednesday were 4-on-4 chances. And, they didn’t look very difficult to convert. Even on the power play, need to make that team leave some space.
- Don’t try to ram it down the slot. This goes along with the previous point, and the next. The Bears are really quick to collapse into the lower slot. Twice on Wednesday I noticed all five of their players within three feet of the front of the net.
- “Pass!” Don’t yell ‘shoot’ yell ‘pass.’ Early on Wednesday we had guys holding the puck for too long and/or trying to just drive to the front of the net. That’s not going to work. As above, spread them out and keep the puck moving. Maybe drive to the posts or set up in the circles.
- Maybe rattle to goalie. They do score goals, but the more noticeable fact is that they just don’t allow many goals. Two per game over 44 games. That’s it. We know they have two of the top five goalies in the entire league, but how much of that is because of this collapsing defense? Don’t back down–try to get in their heads a little bit.
Tenth Anniversary In The Valley
It’s 10 years this year, in the Lehigh Valley. Even if the 2019-2020 season was cut short and the 2021 mini-season was inconclusive. It’s a notable milestone. This weekend we let some of the memories come flooding back. Tonight and tomorrow represent Anniversary Weekend.
Friday: Premier Member Appreciation: prizes will be given out randomly starting at 5:45PM when season ticket holder gates open. Some of the prizes already announced include: 10-Year Gift Basket, Sam Errson Game Worn Jersey, PPL Center Event Tickets, and Tickets to the Flyers. Remember to show your Premier Member ticket at the Phan Shop for 20% off team merch. Finally, Food Specials of sodas, fries, pretzels, popcorn and hot dogs are also available at select outlets by showing your Premier Member badge on your ticket. One thing current premier members will not receive: Free tickets for the rest of the season. That’s only for the new people.
Saturday: More details in tomorrow’s post, but show up early for a special reception with Phantoms Alumni, if you are a season ticket member.
Photo: Jack Mitroka
GAME DAY!
We repeat ourselves all over again as the Hershey Bears return for a rematch (repeat?) of Wednesday’s game. It’s Dollar Dog night through the first period for the First Friday game.
Good seats still remain for tonight’s contest. Expect the bars and restaurants to be busy for Friday night happy hours and folks celebrating the goundhog or perhaps an early valentine’s day. Parking and traffic should be moderately busy.
OFFICIALS
Referee Riley Brace (#49)
Referee Mathieu Menniti (#30)
Linesperson Brandon Grillo (#79)
Linesperson Dylan Pitera (#97)
MEDIA KIT
What To Watch
- Watch to see who starts in net. They’ve been alternating, but Sandstrom seemed to have a good feel for Hershey on Wednesday, despite the loss, maybe go back to him and give Gahagen to Scranton tomorrow?
- Watch for passing. Skating around with the puck will not work. They seemed to adjust somewhat in the second and third periods on Wednesday, but see if they can do it from the jump today.
- Injured players. We saw Wade Allison and Victor Mete get nicked during the game Wednesday–both continued to play. But see if they’re still out there tonight or the return of Wilson, Belpedio and/or Laczynski.
- Watch for peanut butter on the ice. Evan Polei skates like there’s an inch of peanut butter on the ice. Maybe I’m just missing something. Watch to see if he can move his feet tonight.
- Watch to see if the Phantoms can find a way to get out early. Getting down early is not a formula for success for this year’s team. Try to get an early lead, eh?
Up Next
The hated penguins return tomorrow for the second half of anniversary weekend. See tomorrow’s post for updates on alumni appearances and the like.
Then Samu will be off to San Jose, while the other players get a break for the All Star Classic. We’ll be right back here for the Penguins (yes, again) a week from tonight.
See you a the arena,
@Kram207
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While every night at the Phantoms is special, this night is extra special! Make sure to get to the arena by 5:45PM as giveaways and prizes will begin the minute you walk through the door!