Phantoms Shutout for First Time Despite 34 Shots

December 6, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


The Adirondack Phantoms blasted away for 34 shots on goal including 24 in just the third period and overtime combined but were still unable to break Nathan Lawson in a 1-0 overtime loss against the Hamilton Bulldogs on Tuesday night at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton.

It was the first time the Phantoms have been shutout this season. Nathan Lawson turned in a 34 save performance to somehow keep Adirondack out of the net.

Aaron Palushaj returned from Montreal for his game back with Hamilton and generated the Bulldogs' best scoring chances all night long including the game winner with 45 seconds remaining in the extra period. His blast from the slot beat Leighton over his glove-hand on a play eerily similar to a second period drive he had in which Leighton made one of his best saves of the night. But Palushaj went top-shelf on Leighton's glove side again and this time was able to find the mesh just on the other side of the cross-bar for the only goal of the night.

Michael Leighton took the overtime loss for Adirondack despite a terrific 26 save effort. The one standings point gives Adirondack 28 on the year with a record of 13-8-2 and moves them into sole possession of second place in the Northeast Division ahead of idle Albany. The Phantoms now trail first place Connecticut by just three points in the divisional race.

It was the second heartbreaking defeat in a row for Adirondack who surrendered a late 1-0 lead at Norfolk on Saturday night in a 2-1 regulation loss with the game winner coming with just 30 seconds left on the clock in that one.

Adirondack finishes their long three-game road trip with a mark of 1-1-1 and their overall record on the road moves to 6-6-1.

During many stretches in the third and the overtime it appeared as though the Phantoms would escape from Hamilton with the win. Jon Kalinski, who had scored the Phantoms overtime winner last Saturday, had a terrific opportunity again in this OT but appeared to chip the centering feed high.

After only 10 shots on goal in the first two periods of the game, the Phantoms offense awoke with a jolt and blasted away with 20 shots in just the third period and then another four in the overtime.

Late in the third there was a rebound left just outside the crease with Tye McGinn bearing down for a glorious scoring chance with goaltender Nathan Lawson in front and to the other side. But defenseman Joe Callahan was there to block the shot of McGinn to keep the game 0-0.

The game was Adirondack's only game at Hamilton this year. The Bulldogs will travel to Glens Falls on January 12.

The Phantoms outshot Hamilton 34-28. The Phantoms were 0-for-3 on the power play while Hamilton was 0-for-4. Adirondack's penalty kill maintained their incredible streak and have now turned away the last 31 consecutive opposing power play opportunities. The last power play goal surrendered by Adirondack was on Thanksgiving, November 24 at Hamilton. The Phantoms have vaulted up to 5th in the league on the penalty kill with their continued, recent success.

Scratches for the game included Eric Wellwood, Oskars Bartulis and Johan Backlund.

Adirondack returns to home-sweet-home Friday and Saturday nights against Portland and Rochester. The Phantoms have a four-game home-ice win streak and are 7-2-1 at the GFCC this year. Adirondack is 14-2-1 on home-ice dating back to mid-March of last season.

The Friday night game features $2 draft-beer specials through the first intermission. On Saturday, the first 2,500 fans receive free t-shirts courtesy of Papa John's and fans get to throw their teddy bear donations onto the ice after Adirondack scores their first goal to benefit the Salvation Army on the annual Teddy Bear Toss Night.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, December 6, 7:30 - Phantoms at Hamilton Bulldogs

Friday, December 9, 7:00 - Portland Pirates at Adirondack Phantoms. $2 draft beer specials through first intermission; Bud Light and Labatt Blue Light.

Saturday, December 10, 7:00 - Rochester Americans at Adirondack Phantoms. Phantoms T-Shirts for the first 2,500 fans courtesy of Papa John's. First Goal Teddy Bear Toss to benefit the Salvation Army and needy children in the North Country.

Monday, December 12, 7:00 - Phantoms Power Hour LIVE from McGinny's Tavern in Glens Falls and on Q101.7 Special guests, Tom Sestito and Cullen Eddy.

Phantoms Holiday Socks are on sale now. $49 package for 4 tickets to a premium Phantoms game, an autographed puck, a program, all in a game-worn Phantoms hockey sock. $59 for an autographed stick with the 4 premium game tickets and game-worn Phantoms hockey sock.

Catch all the action of Phantoms hockey all season long on the team's flagship station, Classic Hits Q101.7 and on phantomshockey.com. Bob Rotruck has the broadcast coverage 30 minutes prior to game-time with Countdown to Faceoff.



American Hockey League Stories from December 6, 2011


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