Phantoms Rout Penguins, 7-2

by David W. Unkle
November 6, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA --- In a scheduling quirk, the Philadelphia Phantoms took on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for the third time in their opening ten games. The way they manhandled their opponents in the early afternoon contest, the Phantoms just might petition the American Hockey League schedulers to ensure that they see more of the Penguins and less of the Norfolk Admirals.

As they did in the first meeting between the two teams this season, Andre Savage and Mark Greig came up big as the Phantoms crushed the Penguins 7-2 in front of 9,137 fans in a late morning School Day Game. While Savage is leaving his mark on the Penguins this season (2G, 6A in three games), Greig is the Phantoms all-time leading scorer against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton with 39 points (16G, 23A) in 31 games.

"They've had chemistry working together from day one, and I thought they were accountable away from the puck which is important," said Phantoms Head Coach John Stevens.

Savage tallied four points (2G, 2A) and Greig added a goal and two assists while rookie goalie Antero Niittymaki stopped 23 shots as the Phantoms snapped a two-game losing streak, bringing their record to 4-5-1 while the Penguins dropped to 4-6-1.

"It is a real good game for [Niittymaki]," said Phantoms' defenseman Brad Tiley. "I know he didn't start out the way he wanted to. A lot had to do with the way we played in front of him so today was a big boost for him. It will go a long way for his confidence."

Savage snapped the 0-0 tie late in the first period followed by a Mike Siklenka goal with six seconds left in the period putting the Phantoms up 2-0.

After Konstantin Koltsov ruined Niittymaki's shutout bid, a power play goal by Greig gave Philadelphia back its two-goal cushion and it was easy sailing from then on.

Philadelphia put the game away early in the third period with goals by Savage, Patrick Sharp, and Ben Stafford. Penguins' Center Michal Sivek cut the lead to 6-2 with the Phantoms on the power play. Kirby Law finished the day's scoring less than two minutes later as the Phantoms displayed a season-high offensive output.

"Our special teams play was excellent," said Stevens. "Obviously early in the season with the amount of penalties being called, it is a huge factor in every game. The penalty killers did a great job today, and our power play came through with some big goals for us."

Added Tiley, "It was a huge boost for us. We came off a tough road trip, and we got back to basics and worked hard in our own end."

The Phantoms hit the road to take on the Norfolk Admirals on Thursday and return home to the First Union Spectrum on Friday as the two teams meet up again.

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American Hockey League Stories from November 6, 2002

• Phantoms Rout Penguins, 7-2 - OSC Original by David W. Unkle
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