Backlund Steers Phantoms To Victory Over Norfolk

Published on February 26, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


GLENS FALLS, NY - Johan Backlund turned in another masterful performance by making 36 saves and Jason Ward had a goal and the game-winning assist as the Adirondack Phantoms knocked off the Norfolk Admirals 3-2 Friday night at the Glens Falls Civic Center.

The Phantoms came out wearing a special ADK jersey designed to mimic the sweaters worn by the 1980 gold-medal winning USA Men's Olympic hockey team. Looking sharp it did not take long for the Adirondack power play to cash in as David Laliberte scored on a rebound at 3:03, his 14th goal of the season assisted by Jared Ross and Mika Pyorala for a 1-0 Phantoms lead. The Admirals responded by tying the game four and a half minutes later on a goal by Dana Tyrell at 7:38, tipping a Vladimir Mihalek pass up under the crossbar at a sharp angle from just outside the crease.

Norfolk turned up the pressure in the second period, out-shooting Adirondack 16-7, but it was the Phantoms who cashed in on their scoring chances. Jonathon Kalinski found Jason Ward in the slot and Ward made a pretty play to shoot against his momentum to tuck his wrister off the under side of the bar and in at 4:37 for his 11th goal, assisted by Kalinski and Andreas Nodl. Ten minutes later during a five-on-three power play, Ward made a clever pass from the left point to pick out Jon Matsumoto at the right side of the net and Matsumoto snapped the puck in at 14:17 to give Adirondack a 3-1 lead; it was the fifth power play goal scored by the Phantoms in their last two games.

The Admirals kept coming in the third period, out-shooting their hosts 14-6, and after a series of penalties ended up with a four-on-three advantage. During the power play Ty Wishart muffed his shot attempt at the right point, but the puck trickled down to Mitch Fadden who quickly fired the biscuit in the net at 12:58. Late in the game Norfolk pulled Dustin Tokarski for the extra attacker, but Adirondack held on for a slim 3-2 win, snapping a three-game losing streak.

Johan Backlund was the first star of the game, stopping 36-of-38 shots for his 19th win of the season, lifting Adirondack to 27-28-2-2 this season. Dustin Tokarski made 18 saves on 21 shots in the loss as Norfolk fell to 31-26-3-1. The Admirals out-shot the Phantoms 38-21 in the game and went 1-for-4 on the power play; Adirondack was 2-for-7 with the man-advantage.

Adirondack will complete its three-game home stand on Saturday, February 27th as they host the Lowell Devils at 7:00 pm at the Glens Falls Civic Center. As they did on Friday night, the Phantoms will be wearing the special ADK jerseys that celebrate the Olympics and the 30th anniversary of the 1980 U.S. Men's Hockey Gold Medal Team.

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. Don't miss a minute of the exciting action of the Adirondack Phantoms 2009-2010 Season presented by Bud Light.

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American Hockey League Stories from February 26, 2010


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