Americans Stifle Adirondack 3-1

January 24, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


ROCHESTER, NY - Michal Repik scored two goals and All-Star rookie goaltender Alexander Salak made 24 saves as the Rochester Americans downed the Adirondack Phantoms 3-1 Sunday afternoon at Blue Cross Arena.

Playing their third game in less than 48 hours, the Phantoms had a good start against the Amerks in the first period. Adirondack created multiple quality scoring chances; Jason Ward had a good look from the right wing, Stefan Legein rang his shot off the left goal post on a three-on-two rush and Joey Mormina had a far-side one-timer go wide as rookie AHL All-Star goalie Alexander Salak was able to keep a clean sheet. At the other end of the ice Johan Backlund had a relatively quiet first period, but had to make two very strong saves to keep Rochester off the scoreboard.

Adirondack took two penalties in the first eight minutes of the second period and thus spent most of the early part of the frame defending against the Rochester attack. But just after killing off the Americans fourth power play of the game, the Phantoms caught their hosts on a quick transition and grabbed the lead. Jon Kalinski led the odd-man rush up the ice, fed the puck to Andreas Nodl, who then made a nice cross-ice pass to Jason Ward for a one-timer into the net at 10:14 for Ward's seventh goal of the season. The lead would last all of 24 seconds as Rochester capitalized on a Phantoms defensive zone turnover to tie the game. Jamie Johnson stole the puck behind the Adirondack cage and fired a quick centering pass to Graham Mink who stretched to his left around a stranded Backlund and backhanded the puck off the post and in at 10:38.

The Amerks grabbed the lead early in the third period as David Brine sent Michal Repik away on a shorthanded breakaway and Repik beat Backlund to the blocker side for a 2-1 lead at 2:42. Midway through the frame Legein had a great chance to tie the game as he single-handedly stole the puck from Rochester defenseman Clay Wilson and raced off on a shorthanded breakaway, but he was denied by a strong save from Salak. Backlund then made his best save of the night when he denied a two-on-none Amerks rush with a risky poke-check to keep Adirondack in the game. In the final minute of play the Phantoms pulled Backlund for the extra attacker, but Repik fired in his second goal of the night, shooting from his own zone into the empty net as time expired for a 3-1 final score.

Alexander Salak stopped 24-of-25 shots to record his 21st win of the season as Rochester improved to 27-16-2-0. Johan Backlund made 26 saves on 28 shots, but took the loss as the Phantoms dropped to 20-20-2-1 on the year. The Americans out-shot Adirondack 29-25 in the game and went 0-for-5 on the power play; the Phantoms were 0-for-3 with the man-advantage.

Beginning Week 18 of the 2009-2010 regular season, Adirondack will head back down to Binghamton for a 7:05 pm face off on Wednesday, January 27th at Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. The Phantoms return home on Friday, January 29th as they host the Binghamton Senators for a 7:30 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 visit www.phantomshockey.com.



American Hockey League Stories from January 24, 2010


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