On Friday night, the Phantoms lost to the worst team in the North division (utica). By shutout.
Last night, the Phantoms lost to the worst AHL team in the entire country. Only scored one goal.
Today, the Phantoms face the best AHL team in the entire country.
meLVin deserves better.
“Tonight, we skate with ’em. Tonight, we stay with ’em, and we shut them down because we can!”
-From Miracle On Ice
Updates
My speculation that Desnoyers could have been benched was off base. Sources close to the team told me that he was under the weather. Official announcement was that all of the scratched players from last night are injured.
Utica also beat Hershey last night 1-0, so take that for what it’s worth. Don’t poke the bear, maybe? Hershey finally arrives at double-digit losses. In March. The Phantoms are finishing a 3-in-3 this afternoon, while Hershey is only on 2-in-2. Hershey only has to travel from Hershey, not Utica.
But, it’s why they play the games. I believe the Phantoms are the only team to beat Hershey twice in regulation this season. Their goalies don’t seem to enjoy playing in downtown Allentown, for some reason. (H/T to my fellow fans at the west end of the arena)
Lines from last night:
17 Wilson – 22 Gardner – 27 Tuomaala
16 Avon – 56 Gacuher – 20 Marody
13 Furry – 24 Brooks – 19 Allison
14 Wisdom – 48 Kile – 3 Karashik
6 Andrae – 2 Grans
37 Ginning – 7 Belpedio
98 Mete – 5 Samson
31 Gahagen (40 Petersen)
Discussion: Karashik listed with forwards again. From my observation it is where he was playing. Wisdom got some chances from that line last night. With the scratches (Tanner Laczynski, Evan Polei, Matt Brown, and Elliot Desnoyers) all injured, I’d expect a similar lineup tonight with Peterson in net–unless a medical miracle happens or something of that nature.
In Flyers prospect news, reports surfaced late yesterday that RW Denver Barkey had signed his entry-level contract with the team. Those reports have not been confirmed. However, fellow prospects D Oliver Bonk and G Carson Bjarnason have also reportedly signed their entry-level deals. Could these players come to the Phantoms? Maybe. They have regular season commitments to fulfill in Juniors, until March 24. Then, as the London Knights (Barkey, Bonk) are in first place and are expected to matriculate through the playoffs that will delay things more. However, a guy like Barkey who has scored 87 points in 56 games sure sounds like something that could be fun to watch with the Phantoms down the stretch–adding the obvious caveats about youth and competition level.
GAME DAY!
Happy Birthday meLVin! Yes, it usually happens during a weekend in February, but this year the Pladotte-lian calendar lined up for a late birthday on our own calendar. We play against Hershey, so Coco could be in tow. Wilkes-Barre doesn’t have a game today so we could see Tux. Ferrous and FeFe could be here from the east side of town. And, of course, other college and corporate mascots aplenty. It’s always a fun time. I have heard that Gritty will likely not be in attendance, but I do not know for sure.
It’s a ‘white out’ game today, and you can skate with the players afterwards. (Probably just what they wanna do after three games in less than three days, but I digress). Bring your skates. Complete the waiver ahead of time; it has been posted online. Or, get one from guest services before the game.
It was a big crowd last night and I’d expect another this afternoon. Tickets are limited and this thing might sell out–so grab your seats before heading downtown. No deals on the secondary market for today, either. Parking isn’t enforced on Sundays–except near the arena on an event day. Keep that in mind as you search out a spot for today. Some of your favorite restaurants and bars may be closed or not-yet open for the day, prior to the game. In some ways it’s a good chance to go out for something to eat after the game.
The Parking Authority was in the news today because they are over budget. Look for rates to go up over the summer. Although it wasn’t mentioned, I’d expect event rates (read: hockey) to go up for next season. Hopefully the Phantoms and the PPL Center can bargain on our behalf to keep things reasonable. My own personal crusade versus the unregulated parking overlords notwithstanding. Oh, and for some reason we never get to hear what they’re spending all their money on. Unregulated parking authorities are problematic. And it happens in many cities.
OFFICIALS
Referee Liam Maaskant (#62)
Referee Tanner Doiron (#1)
Linesperson Kirsten Welsh (#10)
Linesperson Patrick Dapuzzo (#57)
*Maaskant and Welsh were part of the crew last night.
MEDIA KIT (rosters, team info, game info)
What To Watch
- Watch to see how Peterson does as his “redemption tour” continues. I expect him in net today.
- Some speculation in the stands last night that Brinker could get sent back from the Flyers. Watch for last-minute roster moves I guess. But I’m unsure if the Flyers need him in Philadelphia for the Blues game tomorrow so I’m not holding my breath.
- Keen observers tell me that the Phantoms are having a lot of trouble winning face-offs. Watch to see if the Phantoms can maintain possession after the puck drops.
- Hershey is good at everything. Watch to see if the Phantoms can start capitalizing on opportunities, get more pucks to the net, and keep the crowd into it. That and rattling their goalie is the best way to beat the defending champions.
- Watch out for plenty of traffic on the concourses as mascots and photo opportunities clog the ingress and egress.
Up Next
Right back here on Friday for the Penguins as the final game of this three-game home stand. Then they’ll head out to Wilkes-Barre on Saturday and Bridgeport on Sunday for another 3-in-3 weekend and the start of a run of five straight road games.
See you at the arena,
@Kram207
PS: Special thanks to Jack for the photos from last night. He got them ready early so that we’d have them for today’s early column.