Binghamton Rallies To Beat Adirondack In Shootout 3-2

Published on January 22, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


BINGHAMTON, NY - Jason Ward had three assists and Johan Backlund made a career-high 43 saves, but the Adirondack Phantoms gave up a late lead and fell short to the Binghamton Senators 3-2 in a shootout Friday night at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.

Fans were still finding their seats when All-Star center Jon Matsumoto put the Phantoms in the lead when he scored on the game's first shot, sending a backhand off the inside of the blocker of goaltender Chris Holt just 22 seconds into the game. The goal was Matsumoto's 18th of the season and was assisted by David Laliberte and Jason Ward. Later in the period Ward was involved in Adirondack's second goal of the night as his diving poke-check in the neutral zone sparked a breakaway for Jon Kalinski, who raced in and calmly fired the puck through the legs of Holt at 15:53 for his third goal of the year and a 2-0 lead.

The Senators turned up the heat in the second period, out-shooting the Phantoms 16-7 and getting on the score board with a power play goal. 14 seconds after Adirondack was called for too-many men on the ice, Kaspars Daugavins scored on a wrist shot from the left circle into the top right corner of the net over the glove of goaltender Johan Backlund at 16:09. In spite of the goal, Backlund had a strong period, making 15 saves in the frame to keep the Phantoms ahead 2-1 going into the third period.

Adirondack held the lead until the 12:48 mark of the third frame when Zack Smith tied the game at 2-2. Ryan Dingle put the Phantoms back in front at 16:36 with what looked like it might be the game-winning goal. Dingle took a drop pass from Ward and sent a howitzer into the top left corner of the net for his fourth goal of the year and 3-2 lead. But with the net empty and six attackers on the ice, Binghamton tied the game at 19:04 as Ryan Keller was credited with the goal after a wild pileup in the crease saw the puck cross the goal line after Backlund made the first three saves in the exchange.

The Phantoms dominated the four-on-four overtime session, out-shooting Binghamton 7-1, but Holt kept the Senators in the game with some outstanding saves; he robbed Joonas Lehtivuori on a breakaway, denied Matsumoto from close range and kept out two attempts from Stefan Legein.

Binghamton shot first in the shootout and never trailed as Denis Hamel and Ryan Keller scored in the first two rounds for the Senators. Matsumoto scored on Adirondack's first shot, but their next three shooters failed to find the net and Martin St. Pierre scored in the fifth round to clinch the win for Binghamton.

Chris Holt made 33 saves on 36 shots through regulation and overtime and then blocked 3-of-4 in the shootout to record the win and held Binghamton improve 18-18-3-1. Johan Backlund made a career-high 43 saves on 46 shots in 65 minutes of action and denied 2-of-5 in the shootout as the Phantoms (20-18-2-1) earned a point, but lost their first shootout of the year. Binghamton out-shot Adirondack 47-36 in the game and went 1-for-3 on the power play; the Phantoms were 0-for-1 with the man-advantage.

The Phantoms now return home for Round Eight of the Time Warner Cable Cup series with the Albany River Rats on Saturday, January 23rd at 7:00 pm at the Civic Center. Saturday is Bash The Rats Night, presented by Adirondack Broadcasting, Jerry Brown's Auto Parts and Warren Tire. Prior to the game fans can pay $1 to "Bash" a Ratmobile with a sledgehammer outside the main entrance to the Civic Center, with all proceeds being donated to the Tri-County United Way.

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

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American Hockey League Stories from January 22, 2010


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