Backlund Returns, ADK Point Streak to 6

Published on January 8, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


Johan Backlund returned to action for the first time since November 28th and was stellar in his return in saving 28 of 30 Abbotsford shots while the Phantoms extended their point streak to six games in a 3-2 shootout loss at the Heat.

Adirondack has gone 4-0-2 in their last six games and now stands at 7-2-2 in their last 11.

Michael Ryan stretched his goal scoring streak to five games with a power play lamplighter, the longest such streak for a Phantom this year. Ryan's goal came as he split the defense on a nice tip forward by Ben Holmstrom. Ryan converted on the breakaway for his 9th of year, his 8th since joining the Adirondack Phantoms. Erik Gustafsson started the rush and earned his team leading 27th point of the season on his 23rd assist.

Mike Testwuide scored his second of the season a few minutes later on a blast from the right wing beating Leland Irving to the far post. The Colorado College product gave the Phantoms a 2-0 lead at the 6:30 mark of the 2nd. But the Heat surged back after replacing goalie Leland Irving with recent ECHL call-up J.P. Lamoureux right after Testwuide had staked the Phantoms to the 2-0 advantage at 6:30 into the second period.

Ryan Stone got the Heat on the board late in the 2nd period with his 2nd goal of the year and Matt Keith knocked in his team leading 13th goal of the season early in the 3rd period to tie the game at 2-2.

Abbotsford kept charging at Backlund throughout the third with a 15-5 shots advantage through the frame but Backlund somehow found ways to keep them out of the net earning the Phantoms the standings point.

Backlund went down after some contact in the crease in the middle of the third period and appeared to be hurt in his right leg but eventually was able to shake it off and stay in the game.

Matt Keith scored the lone goal in the shootout for either side and Abbotsford won 3-2 in a shootout final for the second game in a row.

Abbotsford outshot the Phantoms 31-21. Adirondack went 1-for-4 on the power play while the Heat were 0-for-4.

The Phantoms finished the regular season series with the Heat with a record of 1-1-2. Abbotsford was 3-1-0 against the Phantoms.

Adirondack has a long travel day in store for them on Sunday and likely a day off from practice on Monday.

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American Hockey League Stories from January 8, 2011


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