Taffe Lifts Rochester To 2-1 Win Over Phantoms
Published on January 31, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release
ROCHESTER, NY - Jeff Taffe broke a 1-1 tie with his 17th goal of the season in the third period as the Rochester Americans edged the Adirondack Phantoms 2-1 Sunday afternoon at Blue Cross Arena.
Rochester grabbed an early lead just 2:43 into the game when a defensive zone turnover allowed Jordan Henry to throw a wrist shot on goal from the right point. The puck eluded a screened Johan Backlund as it hit off his catching glove and rolled agonizingly behind him and into the net. Backlund was very sharp in the period, including making a three-save sequence on defenseman Clay Wilson from close range with two minutes left in the period.
The Phantoms wasted little time at the start of the second period as they scored in the first minute of play. Off a counterattack Patrick Maroon sent Joonas Lehtivuori down the left wing and the rookie defenseman ripped a shot on goal that rebounded right to David Laliberte who swept the puck into the net a mere 29 seconds into the frame. The goal was Laliberte's 11th of the season and extended his goal streak to four straight games. Adirondack had the better of offensive chances the rest of the stanza, including the game's first power play, but Amerks goaltender Alexander Salak kept the game tied at 1-1, denying a Mika Pyorala breakaway and several one-timers from close range. The Phantoms out-shot the Americans 20-4 in the second period, but the score remained tied going in the third period.
Neither team had a lot of zip in the third period as the fatigue from their third game in three nights started to show on both sides. The game-winning goal came from a turnover at the defensive blue line that evolved into a three-on-one rush for the Amerks. Backlund made a great save on the initial shot from Jamie Johnson, but Jeff Taffe was there for the rebound and slotted it home at 13:51, his 17th goal of the season, giving the Americans a 2-1 lead. Adirondack was out-shot 12-7 in the frame and looked to rally by pulling Backlund in the final minute, but could not create any more chances.
Alexander Salak stopped 37-of-38 shots for his 22nd win of the year as Rochester improved to 29-17-2-0 on the season. Johan Backlund finished with 26 saves on 28 shots as Adirondack dropped to 22-22-2-1. The Phantoms out-shot the Americans 38-28 and went 0-for-1 on the power play; Rochester did not have a man-advantage in the game.
Adirondack returns to action on Wednesday, February 3rd as they travel to Pennsylvania for a 7:05 pm face off with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. The Phantoms next home game is on Friday, February 5th as they host the Manchester Monarchs for a 7:00 pm face off at the Civic Center.
There is no better way to watch Phantoms Hockey than by sharing it with a group of your family and friends. Bring a group of 15 or more people to the Glens Falls Civic Center and qualify for incredible discounted ticket prices off the regular box office rates. For more information about group tickets, contact the Phantoms at (518) 480-3355 or online at www.phantomshockey.com.
American Hockey League Stories from January 31, 2010
- Stars Sneak Past Peoria 2-1 In A Shootout - Peoria Rivermen
- Texas Takes Over First Place With A 2-1 Shootout Win In Peoria - Texas Stars
- Admirals Can't Tame Bulldogs - Milwaukee Admirals
- Taffe Lifts Rochester To 2-1 Win Over Phantoms - Adirondack Phantoms
- Bulldogs End Road Trip With 3-2 Win Over Admirals - Hamilton Bulldogs
- P-Bruins Shutout Falcons 6-0 - Providence Bruins
- Amerks Sneak By Phantoms For 2-1 Win - Rochester Americans
- Norfolk Wins 13 Round Shootout To Edge Sound Tigers - Bridgeport Islanders
- Montreal Recalls Matt D'Agostini From Hamilton - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Victory Gives Admirals Most Successful Trip In Seven Years - Norfolk Admirals
- Keith Aulie Traded To The Toronto Maple Leafs - Abbotsford Heat
- Devils Clip Sharks In Overtime, 4-3 - Worcester Sharks
- Ducks Re-Assign Sexton To Moose - Manitoba Moose
- Moose Edged By Penguins, 3-1 - Manitoba Moose
- Minnesota Wild, Houston Aeros Announce Roster Moves - Houston Aeros
- Szczechura Assigned To Admirals For Conditioning - Norfolk Admirals
- Predators Reassign Spaling To Admirals - Milwaukee Admirals
- Amerks Host Phantoms At Blue Cross Arena - Rochester Americans
- Adam McQuaid Back From Boston - Providence Bruins
- Houston Aeros Storm Back, Defeat Peoria Rivermen 5-4 In Shootout - Houston Aeros
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
