Phantoms lose 2-1 in OT at Utah
November 20, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release
(WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, Nov. 20, 2002) - After controlling the game for over 57 minutes, the Philadelphia Phantoms allowed a tying goal to Eric Chouinard with 2:46 left in regulation and the game-winner to Jon Sim 3:01 into overtime as the Utah Grizzlies posted a 2-1 victory tonight at the E-Center.
The Phantoms took a 1-0 lead into the third period thanks to rookie defenseman Wade Skolney's first career goal. After Philadelphia failed to widen the gap during a 5-on-3 situation early in the period and on a power play late in the stanza, Utah evened the score on Chouinard's first goal of the season. Sim and Greg Hawgood assisted on the equalizer at the 17:14 mark.
Philadelphia went into overtime for the fourth time this season, and gave the Grizzlies a 4-on-3 advantage when Peter Vandermeer was called for tripping Steve Gainey at the 1:42 mark. Just over a minute later, Phantoms goaltender Neil Little wound up flat on his back fending off the Utah attack, and Sim took capitalized by netting his fifth goal of the year.
Little finished with 31 saves for Philadelphia, which went 0-2-0-1 on its three-game road trip, including Monday's 3-2 setback to the Grizzlies. The Phantoms dropped their fifth straight road game and lost for the first time in seven tries when leading a game after two periods of play.
Mike Smith stopped 37 shots in his AHL debut for the Grizzlies, who completed their eight-game homestand at 4-3-0-1.
After over 30 minutes of scoreless action, Philadelphia took a 1-0 lead on the power play. Moments after Skolney exited the penalty box, fellow defenseman Brad Tiley found the rookie alone for a successful breakaway at the 10:33 mark of the second period. Skolney, 21, had compiled four assists in his first 16 games as a professional.
Philadelphia returns to the First Union Spectrum this Friday, Nov. 22 at 7:05 p.m. vs. the Milwaukee Admirals. The game will be televised live on CN8. The Phantoms then head back on the road to face the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday.
Phantoms Notes: Earlier today, Phantoms right wing Kirby Law and Grizzlies defenseman John Erskine were each suspended three games for their actions during a benches-clearing brawl at the end of Monday's game. Law will be eligible to return to the lineup next Wednesday, Nov. 27 vs. Rochester ... Utah will make its first-ever visits to Philadelphia on Jan. 22 & 26.
American Hockey League Stories from November 20, 2002
- Phantoms lose 2-1 in OT at Utah - Adirondack Phantoms
- Monarchs Return to Their Winning Ways With A 6-1 Victory Over Lowell - Manchester Monarchs
- Bulldogs Win Shootout Against Leafs - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Griffins Keep Streak Alive with 2-2 Tie - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Ducks and Griffins fit to be tied - Cincinnati RailRaiders
- Big Night This Saturday At The Arena At Harbor Yard - Bridgeport Islanders
- Wolves Feed Fans for Funds - Chicago Wolves
- Aeros Receive Winger Pavlikovsky from Minnesota - Houston Aeros
- Flames Introduce School Attendance Program - Saint John Flames
- Szuper Kids Introduced - Saint John Flames
- Lion's Play - Week-in-Review - Manchester Monarchs
- Cincinnati Mighty Ducks Tonight - Cincinnati RailRaiders
- Falcons Weekly - Springfield Falcons
- AHL Quick Hits - AHL
- Darby reassigned to Columbia - Manitoba Moose
- Griffins Lamothe Making Save of Life - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Trent Tawney to Appear on Team Sports Radio - Norfolk Admirals
- Rampage and Road Trip up Next - Milwaukee Admirals
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.
