Falcons Fall to Phantoms, 3-2, in Overtime
January 9, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Springfield, MA â Defenseman John Slaney's power-play goal in overtime provided the winning margin as the Philadelphia Phantoms defeated the Springfield Falcons 3-2 at the Springfield Civic Center on Friday night. The Phantoms stretched the game to an extra session when Kirby Law scored with four seconds remaining in regulation. Falcons goaltender Jean-Marc Pelletier stopped 34 of 37 shots while center Krystofer Kolanos registered a goal and an assist. Law tallied two goals and an assist for Philadelphia. The Falcons are 3-1-0-1 over their last five games.
The Falcons built a 2-1 lead on the strength of a first-period goal by Mike Wilson and a marker by Kolanos in the second. Wilson scored his second goal of the season with a shot from the left point 2:55 into the game to open scoring.
After Law scored during four-on-four play 3:20 into the middle frame, Kolanos tallied his ninth goal of the season at the 7:49 mark. On the goal, Kolanos intercepted a misfired clearing pass by Philadelphia defenseman Kirk Furey and scored unassisted from the slot.
Springfield held the one-goal lead until Law batted a puck out of midair into the net from the edge of the crease to knot the game, 2-2 with four seconds left in the third period. Former Falcon Boyd Kane's centering feed from the right wing corner caromed off a stick and into the air in front of the Springfield goal while the Phantoms skated with an extra attacker.
Falcons right wing Peter Ferraro nearly scored a game-winner for the Falcons from between the face-off circles early in the overtime period, but Philadelphia netminder Antero Niittymaki flashed his left leg pad to make the save. Niittymaki finished the game with 27 saves.
However, Ferraro was whistled for a hooking penalty to give the Phantoms their seventh power play of the game at the 2:04 mark. Ferraro's displeasure for the call also resulted in him being issued a misconduct.
During the man advantage, Slaney snapped a shot from the slot to end the game at 3:43 of overtime. The goal was set up by Law, who backed with the puck along the left side down to the Falcons' goal line, before centering to Slaney moving in from the right point.
Springfield was scoreless in five power-play chances in the game.
The win was Niittymaki's 10th of the season.
With a +1 for the game, Wilson improved his team-leading plus/minus rating to +9.
The Falcons will return to the home ice of the Springfield Civic Center on Saturday evening to challenge the rival Providence Bruins. Game time is 7:35 p.m. To order tickets by phone, please call the Civic Center box office at (413) 787-6600.
• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board...
American Hockey League Stories from January 9, 2004
- Falcons Fall to Phantoms, 3-2, in Overtime - Springfield Falcons
- Kettles gets shutout, but Aeros, IceCats skate to 0-0 tie - Houston Aeros
- Binghamton Outlasts River Rats, 5-4 - Binghamton Senators
- Bulldogs lose in overtime - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Griffins Fit to be Tied after 2-2 Final - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Aeros and IceCats Can't Move Scoreboard - Houston Aeros
- Phantoms rally for 3-2 win in Springfield - Adirondack Phantoms
- Grizzlies Earn Tie in Grand Rapids, 2-2 - Utah Grizzlies
- Brule, Perrin Spark Bears 2-1 Victory over Syracuse - Hershey Bears
- Pirnes Nets OT Game Winner Against Pirates - Manchester Monarchs
- Save a Life, Donate Blood Monday - Binghamton Senators
- Wilm Recalled to Toronto - Toronto Marlies
- Shorthanded Sens Add Another - Binghamton Senators
- Rampage Game Day - San Antonio Rampage
- Loyns Traded to Calgary - Cleveland Barons
- Griffins to Face NHL Veteran Tugnutt Tonight - Grand Rapids Griffins
- P-Bruins announce "Bruin Pride Weekend" - Providence Bruins
- Worcester IceCats Defenseman Recalled - Worcester IceCats
- Syracuse Signs Sylvain Cloutier to P.T.O. - Syracuse Crunch
- Less than 100 Tickets Remain for St. John's Maple Leafs 1000th Game Celebration - Toronto Marlies
- AHL Quick Hits - AHL
- Guns N Hoses Game Set for January 17th - Utah Grizzlies
- Orr returns to Providence; Samuelsson recalled by Boston - Providence Bruins
- Aeros Game Day - Houston Aeros
- Admirals Reassign Gaucher, Release Russell from PTO - Norfolk Admirals
- Bears Head to Syracuse Tonight for Finale of Five-Game Trip - Hershey Bears
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.
