Lake Erie knocks off Phantoms 5-1

January 11, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


PHILADELPHIA - The Lake Erie Monsters made the most of their first trip to the Wachovia Spectrum, knocking off the Philadelphia Phantoms 5-1 on Friday night. Brad Richardson led the way for the Monsters with a goal and two assists as they snapped Philadelphia's four-game winning streak.

Lake Erie's first goal snapped the team's 0-for-29 power play skid, which spanned eight games. Ray Macias threw a puck out of the right side circle across the slot, where David Jones almost accidentally tipped it on net and past starter Scott Munroe for the 1-0 lead at 8:50 of the first period.

The Phantoms tied up the game on a fluke goal of their own with 7:13 remaining in the period. Darren Reid, playing in his first game back from injury, pulled a puck off the end wall and walked to the near side of the crease. He fired a puck in front of the net that was tipped straight up in the air, and nobody was aware of its location for a few seconds except for Pete Zingoni, who was coming in from the right side with a line on the puck. He batted it back towards goaltender Tyler Weiman, and Stefan Ruzicka cleaned it up in the crease for the 1-1 score.

But Philadelphia's offense ceased after that goal. Lake Erie took a 3-1 lead with two quick goals early in the second period that chased Munroe from the net. Chris Stewart got behind the Phantoms defense and beat Munroe at 2:17. Mike Vernace then scored on a wrist shot from the left circle to the top left corner at 4:10.

Richardson gave the Monsters a 4-1 lead 49 seconds into the third period, and Jamie Lundmark wrapped up the scoring at 16:39.

Munroe made 12 saves on 15 shots in 24:11 of action before yielding to Boucher, who made 12 saves on 14 shots in 35:40 of relief. Munroe took the loss, while Weiman earned his second win in as many tries against Philadelphia with 31 saves on 32 Phantoms chances. Despite the setback, the Phantoms remain in first place in the AHL's East Division with a record of 26-11-1-0 for 53 points, six ahead of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

The Phantoms will look to rebound on Saturday night when they travel up the Northeast Extension to visit the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at Wachovia Arena. Catch all the action live on Phantomshockey.com with Mike Thornton's play by play.

The Phantoms return home on Sunday to host Manchester at 5:05. 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 January 11, 2008


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