Hartford tops Phantoms 4-3 in OT

March 19, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


HARTFORD - Despite two goals from Triston Grant and a 3-1 lead going into the third period, the Phantoms lost an overtime affair to the Hartford Wolf Pack on Wednesday night in Connecticut, 5-4. The Pack scored three times in the last seven minutes of regulation, including the tying goal with 15 seconds remaining.

Grant bagged his first of the night and seventh of the season just 60 seconds into the game. Table-setter Pete Zingoni fished behind the Hartford net and sent the disc in front to Grant. His initial attempt was stopped, but after a scrum he managed to swing free behind the goal and then step in front again to score.

Hartford drew even with only 25.7 seconds remaining in the frame. Lauri Korpikoski knew what to do with a found rebound in the right wing circle and beat Martin Houle.

Grant again showed his early period stripes to give the Phantoms their lead back at 1:59 of middle stanza. For his second of the game, he followed a Zingoni break into the Hartford zone. After the Connecticut-born forward was denied on his bid, he followed his own rebound and dished it in front. Grant made good with a blast from short range.

Boyd Kane's clever stick put the visiting team up 3-1. Operating on their first power play of the night, Lars Jonsson let fly with a high-slot slapper. The Phantoms Captain changed the track of the puck so it would find the cage behind Wolf Pack goaltender Miika Wiikman at 5:35 of the second.

In the third, Pierre Parenteau piloted the comeback and made it a one-goal game on the power play at 13:05. His team leading 27th made it 3-2

Then, Hugh Jessiman led the rush for the tying goal just over three minutes later. At 16:22 Dane Byers scored his 20th of the season on a rebound.

Jonsson was again the triggerman for a Philadelphia power play goal. This time, however, he was given credit for the marker. The blueliner sent a 40-foot heater by the ear of Wiikman and into the net for what was suspected to be the 4-3 game-winner. The Phantoms, however, could not make it stand. With the Hartford net empty in favor of an extra skater and just 15 seconds showing in regulation, Greg Moore zipped a backhander by Houle from 20 feet.

In the extra session, Hartford was given the courtesy of a power play and it was again Parenteau that lit the lamp. Just 37 seconds in, a slapshot from the left wing circle completed the Hartford comeback.

Houle was sacked with the overtime loss. He made 26 saves. Wiikman stopped eight of nine in the third and 35 overall for the win.

With a 40-23-3-3 record and 86 points, the Phantoms remain in first place in the AHL's East Division with a slim one-point lead over the Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Penguins and four points on the Albany River Rats. The Pens won their ninth straight on Wednesday, while the Rats staged a huge comeback win over Hershey.

The Phantoms welcome the Pack to the Wachovia Spectrum at 7:05 for Green Night, a tribute to the environment. There will be several special environmental themes, including a Kyle Greentree auction, and Lori Wilson from the 10! Show on NBC-10 will be on hand to greet fans. Tickets are available at the Wachovia Complex box office, online at ComcastTIX.com or phantomshockey.com, or by phone at 1-800-298-4200.



American Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2008


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