Phantoms Narrow Playoff Race With 4-1 Win Over Senators

February 14, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


BINGHAMTON, NY - Nate Raduns had a hand in two goals and J.S. Aubin made 37 saves to help the Philadelphia Phantoms to a 4-1 win over the Binghamton Senators on Saturday night at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. The victory pulled the Phantoms within four points of Binghamton in the East Division playoff race.

Binghamton got on the board first with 6:06 left in the first period. Mattias Karlsson took a shot from the top of the left circle that Aubin stopped, but the rebound came right to Denis Hamel. Hamel patiently waited for an opportunity before just tucking a backhander past Aubin's outstretched glove for the 1-0 advantage.

But the Phantoms answered with a rush later in the period. Raduns put a puck on net that Martin Gerber stopped, but it sat right on the line and Matt Clackson swooped in to push it home with 2:21 left in the period. That sent the game to the intermission tied at 1-1.

The Phantoms extended their lead with two goals in the second period. The first came shortly after the end of a Binghamton power play on a tremendous effort by Raduns. He hustled down the right wing to beat out an icing call, then brought the puck around behind the net and fed a pass to Boyd Kane, who had snuck down the right side. He fired the cross past Gerber 5:47 into the period to give Philadelphia a 2-1 lead.

Then with just under seven minutes to play, Jonathan Matsumoto gave the Phantoms a 3-1 advantage with a shorthanded goal. He jumped on an intended D-to-D pass at the Phantoms blue line and went in on a breakaway, beating Gerber to the stick side at the 13:13 mark.

The Phantoms were able to hold off the Senators the rest of the way, including killing off a four-minute Binghamton power play in the third period, and David Laliberte iced the game with a late empty-netter. Philadelphia killed off a total of six Senator power plays on the evening.

Aubin picked up first star honors with his 37 saves, while Gerber stopped 24 in the loss.

The Phantoms return to Philadelphia on Monday to host the Hamilton Bulldogs in a special 5:05 President's Day start at the Wachovia Center. Adult tickets are just $10 and kids tickets just $5 for the remainder of the 2008-09 season. Tickets are available through ComcastTIX at 1-800-298-4200, at the Wachovia Complex box office or online at Phantomshockey.com.



American Hockey League Stories from February 14, 2009


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