“You ever heard the story, of Mister Faded Glory?
Say he who rides a pony must someday fall.”
-Andrew Wood, Bruce Ian Fairweather
After the Phantoms summarily dismissed the pretend penguins in the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs, they drew the mighty Bears of Hershey in the second round. Rested and ready the brown machine was able to eek out a close win at home to open the five-game series. The next game went their way as well, despite the Phantoms looking like the team that wanted it more, at times. Don’t let the blowout score fool you, the Phantoms had some chances in that game 2.
Down 2-0 and on the brink of elimination, the Phantoms regroup at their home rink, the PPL Center, at 7th and Hamilton, and try to figure out a way to score some darn goals.
All season, defense and goaltending has been Hershey’s secret sauce. Oh, they’ll score goals too–but many times it’s a counter-punch when their opponent just cannot get anything going.
Lines in Game 1:
28 Lycksell 9 Laczynski 23 Brink
24 Brooks 22 Gardner 20 Marody
17 Wilson 56 Gaucher 13 Furry
10 Polei 16 Avon
37 Ginning 12 Attard
6 Andrae 7 Belpedio
19 McDonald 2 Grans
98 Mete
40 Petersen (Backup: 35 Kolosov)
Lines in Game 2:
28 Lycksell 9 Laczynski 23 Brink
24 Brooks 22 Gardner 20 Marody
17 Wilson 56 Gaucher 13 Furry
16 Avon 14 Wisdom
37 Ginning 12 Attard
6 Andrae 7 Belpedio
19 McDonald 2 Grans
98 Mete
40 Petersen (Backup: 35 Kolosov)
Discussion: Phantoms have gone 11/7 with the lineup all the way through the playoffs. My hope for the return of the injured Samu Tuomaala has not come to fruition. The feeling must be that none of the scratched forwards would make that much difference and Coach Lappy wants the freshest legs on defense. Petersen has grabbed the starting job in net.
GAME DAY!
The PPL Center faithful will be charged with willing the guys in orange and black to win the game, and earn another home playoff game in the process. This is the second and final of the Premier Member games in the playoffs, so tickets should be around if you don’t aready have them–and the sales push will be on in earnest for Saturday, should we win.
I’ve heard tell of a happy hour scenario with beer specials before the game. The last time we had the happy hour they decreased the cup size so be on the lookout for that pleasant detail,–if we even do have the happy hour. I have seen little promotion for it so it could be a nice treat.
OFFICIALS
Referee Riley Brace (#49)
Referee Jake Kamrass (#3)
Linesperson Ryan Jackson (#84)
Linesperson Shawn Oliver (#56)
MEDIA KIT
Hershey Playoff 3 (playoff version)
What To Watch
- Reports from Hershey suggest the Phantoms have come out with a good jump in each of the first two games, so I’d expect the same.
- I’d expect Petersen in net as per usual
- Watch to see if they try anything different with the lines and lineup to try to get some goal scoring.
- Watch to see if we can find a better way to get pucks to the net. We’re getting shots, but the quality isn’t there and their defense and goalie have been able to shut us down. More long-range shots and follow them up? Park a big body in front of the net?
- Watch to see if the Phantoms can capitalize on power play opportunities and/or 4-on-4 when there’s a little more space out on the ice and more chance to get quality looks at the net.
- Watch to see if the crew at the west end of the arena can get to their goalie. It worked one time–let him hear it!
- If you purchase a beverage, watch to see if they give you the correct size cup. I got short-changed the last game but didn’t have time to fight about it.
- Watch to see if the Phantoms can get a lead. I think the way the Bears play might not work quite as well if they’re not front-running.
Up Next
Win, and we can do this thing again on Saturday.
Lose, and head for the golf course.
See you at the arena tonight, and again soon hopefully,
@Kram207
PS:
One more time (NSFW: Language):
