Phantoms Fall In Hershey 3-1; Division Lead Back To One Point

Published on March 22, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


HERSHEY, PA - The Hershey Bears jumped out to a 3-0 lead and did not look back in a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Phantoms on Saturday night at the GIANT Center. Jonathan Matsumoto scored the only goal for the Phantoms, who saw two of their newest players make their professional debuts in the contest.

Andrew Joudrey opened the scoring 7:22 into the first period during a four-on-four situation. He was skating down the slot at full speed when he put his stick on a centering pass from Chris Bourque and tipped the puck past Scott Munroe for the 1-0 lead. Munroe had to leave the game later in the period due to injury and was replaced by Michael Teslak, who joined the Phantoms from Michigan Tech earlier this week.

The Bears reeled off two goals in the second period. First off was Andrew Gordon, who went to the back door to knock home a feed from Shawn Collymore on the power play at 6:58. Then at 8:46 Danny Syvret and Tyler Wilson were part of a rush on the Phantoms net. Syvret's initial shot was stopped by Teslak, but Wilson jumped on the rebound and fired it in for the three-goal advantage.

Matsumoto's goal came on the power play at 9:44. He was persistent in his efforts around the Hershey crease and was able to finally jam the puck past Frederic Cassivi to bring the Phantoms back within a pair, but there would be no more scoring.

Teslak absorbed the loss with 13 saves on 15 shots in relief, while Munroe stopped five of six. Cassivi denied 25 of 26 in taking the win. Along with Teslak, defenseman Jason DeSantis also played his first professional game. He joined the Phantoms last week after finishing his career at Ohio State.

The Phantoms now hold a record of 41-25-3-3 for 88 points. They got no help elsewhere in the league, as both Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Albany were victorious on the evening. The weekend closes with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton at 42-26-0-3 for 87 points and Albany at 40-26-2-4 for 86 points. The Phantoms have nine games remaining, while Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has 10 and Albany has eight.

Philadelphia's magic number to clinch a playoff spot remains nine points over idle Bridgeport. Any combination of points gained by the Phantoms and lost by the Sound Tigers adding up to nine would clinch a playoff spot for Philadelphia.

The Phantoms are off until next Friday, March 28 when they host the Binghamton Senators at the Wachovia Spectrum at 7:05. Kids 14 and under who bring their skates to the game will be able to skate with the Phantoms afterwards. Tickets are available at the Wachovia Complex box office, online at ComcastTIX.com or phantomshockey.com, or by phone at 1-800-298-4200.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 22, 2008


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