Phantoms lose 3-2 in OT at Norfolk
November 7, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release
(NORFOLK, Va., Nov. 7, 2002) - Mike Peluso assisted on Norfolk's first two goals and netted the game-winner 1:56 into overtime as the Admirals posted a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phantoms tonight at the Norfolk Scope.
Philadelphia overcame a 2-0 first-period deficit thanks to goals by Ian MacNeil and Mark Greig, but entered the overtime period shorthanded after Bruno St. Jacques was sent off for elbowing with six seconds remaining in regulation. The Admirals did not threaten until the end of their power play, when they put together a string of nice passes between Marty Wilford, Brett McLean and Peluso, who tallied his sixth goal of the year two seconds after St. Jacques left the penalty box.
Goaltender Antero Niittymaki, playing in consecutive games for the first time this season, made 24 saves for Philadelphia, which was coming off Wednesday's 7-2 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The Phantoms fell to 0-3 vs. the Admirals this season, with all three losses being decided by one goal.
Michael Leighton finished with 29 saves for Norfolk, which kept its streak alive of gaining a point in every game this season (9-0-1-2).
After nearly 15 minutes of scoreless action to begin the game, Norfolk took command with a pair of power-play goals against the league's third-best penalty-killing unit. McLean set up the first goal with a pass into the middle to Peluso, whose shot deflected off a Phantoms defenseman. The puck bounced to Casey Hankinson and the right winger netted his seventh goal at the 14:57 mark.
Norfolk doubled its lead with 1:47 remaining in the first period on former Phantom Peter White's sixth marker of the season. Niittymaki stopped Hankinson's initial shot, but couldn't hold on as White was there to tap it in.
The Phantoms got on the board 4:13 into the second period during a Norfolk power play. After Admirals defenseman Burke Henry turned the puck over at his own blue line, MacNeil swooped in alone and placed it through Leighton's legs for his second goal of the year. MacNeil has tallied both of Philadelphia's shorthanded goals this season - each against Norfolk.
Greig evened the score 6:05 into the third period with his eighth goal and fourth power-play tally. Greig now has 14 points (8G, 6A) in 11 games this year and is currently riding a five-game point streak during which he has collected four goals and four assists. Brad Tiley received the assist - the 200th of his AHL career.
The Phantoms and Admirals will meet up again at 7:05 p.m. on Friday at the First Union Spectrum in a game televised live on CN8. Philadelphia will play its fourth game in five days on Sunday, when it entertains the Hamilton Bulldogs at 6:05 p.m.
Phantoms Notes: John Slaney played in his 100th game as a Phantom ... Philadelphia is playing four games over a five-day span this week for the first time this season. The Phantoms will be accomplishing the feat a total of 10 times in 2002-03 ... Philadelphia is also playing on three consecutive days for the second time this year. The team will be doing that 11 times this season.
American Hockey League Stories from November 7, 2002
- Griffins Tie in 500th Contest - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Three-goal first period powers Rampage past Ducks - Cincinnati RailRaiders
- Phantoms lose 3-2 in OT at Norfolk - Adirondack Phantoms
- IceCats Loan Two from St. Louis - Worcester IceCats
- Moose players visit Wal-Mart to raise funds for Yearling Foundation - Manitoba Moose
- Benefit Game Postponed - Cincinnati RailRaiders
- Columbus Recalls Right Wing Matt Davidson - Syracuse Crunch
- Predators Recall One of Admirals Top Scorers - Milwaukee Admirals
- MacDonald Recalled to Detroit - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Falcons Make Roster Changes - Springfield Falcons
- Rivermen Get Defensemen - Peoria Rivermen
- First Place P-Bruins Host Hartford - Providence Bruins
- Cammalleri Earns Call-up, Kelly Back With Monarchs - Manchester Monarchs
- Sound Tigers Roster Shuffle Continues - Bridgeport Islanders
- It's A Friday Night Sellout For The Sens - Binghamton Senators
- Cincinnati Mighty Ducks Tonight - Cincinnati RailRaiders
- Admirals Merchandise Now Available Online - Norfolk Admirals
- Pirates, Ferraro Send Thanks - Portland Pirates
- Allen reassigned to Moose for the weekend - Manitoba Moose
- Mike Souza Assigned to Bridgeport - Norfolk 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.
