Leighton Grounds the Falcons

Published on March 13, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


Michael Leighton made 28 saves for his third shutout of the season and 32nd all-time in his AHL career leading the way to a 3-0 victory at the Spring Falcons Sunday afternoon. Mike Testwuide scored his 11th and 12th goals of the season to pace the offense while Denis Hamel's empty-netter at the end for his 21st of the year closed things out.

Adirondack swept the season series from the Falcons two games to nothing. It was the first matchup between the two teams since a trade two weeks ago sent Tom Sestito to Adirondack in exchange for Greg Moore. Both players had scoring chances against their former teams but were unable to capitalize. For Springfield it was their 7th consecutive loss, 6 of which have some since they dealt Sestito to the Flyers organization on Monday, February 28.

The Phantoms had the early jump in the game and Mike Testwuide would get a tip on a Marc-Andre Bourdon slapshot from the left point four minutes into the game for a 1-0 advantage. Denis Hamel also assisted on the play winning the puck in the corner.

Springfield came charging back especially in the second period and outshot the Phantoms 15-5 in the middle frame. But Michael Leighton made several good stops including a couple impressive glove saves and also using his trademark left-leg kick stops on drives aiming for the low right-wing corner.

It almost appeared that Hamel had extended the Phantoms lead to 2-0 in the 2nd period when his blast from the right-wing circle hit off the metal. The goal-judge lit the lamp but neither referee ruled that it had gone in. After play was whistled down, the Phantoms appeared to believe the puck had gone in but the no goal decision was upheld after the officials conferenced.

Testwuide would strike again early in the third period in the opening minute. Kevin Marshall's slapshot from the right point handcuffed Springfield goalie David LeNeveau. Testwuide was all alone on the left-wing side of the crease to bounce on he rebound and easily tap it in.

Denis Hamel stole the puck in the Falcons zone and spun on the left-wing wall to fire it dead-center into the empty net with 42 seconds remaining to seal the win.

It was Mike Testwuide's second career multi-goal game both of which have come on the road. He also had a two goal performance January 29 at Syracuse. Testwuide had five goals in his last six games. After waiting until December 10 to record his first pro goal, Testwuide had now scored 12 this season. He has 10 goals in his last 17 games since January 29.

Michael Leighton's three shutouts this season have all come on the road. His first two shutouts were February 5 at Hamilton (4-0) and February 12 at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (1-0). Leighton had a career high seven shutouts in a season two different times; with Albany in 2007-08 and with Norfolk in 2004-05.

Adirondack has taken three out of four points in their last two games. The Phantoms have only three regulation losses in their last 15 games (7-3-5). Joe Paterson's record as Head Coach of the Phantoms improves to 16-10-8.

The Phantoms return to action Wednesday night at the Glens Falls Civic Center taking on the Binghamton Senators. Adirondack will wear their special AHL 75th Anniversary Commemorative jerseys during the game. The fans auction for those jerseys is currently taking place on ebay and runs through Tuesday. Fans need to place their bids before Tuesday to win their favorite Phantoms' special Red, White and Blue AHL 75th Anniversary jersey.

Phantoms Notes: Matt Walker, Logan Stephenson. Zac Rinaldo. Matt Clackson and Luke Pither were scratches for the Phantoms.

UPCOMING GAMES

Wednesday, March 16, 7:00 p.m. - Binghamton Senators at Adirondack Phantoms - Phantoms wearing AHL 75th Anniversary Commemorative jerseys. Check it Out Night. Ticket Discounts with your library card.

Saturday, March 19th, 3:00 p.m. - Adirondack Phantoms at Toronto Marlies

Tuesday. March 22nd, 7:00 p.m. - Adirondack Phantoms at Charlotte Checkers

Wednesday, March 23rd, 7:15 p.m. - Adirondack Phantoms at Norfolk Admirals

Friday, March 25, 7:30 p.m. - Hershey Bears at Adirondack Phantoms - The return of SuperFan Cameron Hughes firing up the crowd. Make some noise and get some T-Shirts!

Saturday, March 26, 7:00 p.m. - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at Adirondack Phantoms - The return of SuperFan Cameron Hughes firing up the crowd. Make some noise and get some T-Shirts! Post-game concert with Isaiah 6.

Join us at the Glens Falls Civic Center for exciting Adirondack Phantoms hockey, the top affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Discount rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Save off the individual ticket price by asking the Phantoms about their great group rate packages and flex-packs.

Come watch future NHL stars and up-and-coming Flyers prospects. Get your tickets at the Phantoms office inside the Glens Falls Civic Center, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling the Phantoms at 518-480-3355.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 13, 2011


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