Phantoms top Norfolk in shootout

Published on October 21, 2005 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


Goaltender Rejean Beauchemin turned in his second stellar outing in as many games in a Phantoms uniform and center R.J. Umberger continued his hot start to the season as the Philadelphia Phantoms came from behind to take a 3-2 shootout win over the Norfolk Admirals before 3,324 at Norfolk Scope on Friday night.

Beauchemin made 42 saves in regulation and the overtime period, and then shut out the Admirals in the shootout. Meanwhile, Umberger had a hand in all the Phantoms scoring for the evening, picking up a goal and an assist before scoring the lone shootout goal. Beauchemin and Umberger earned the game's No. 1 and No. 2 stars, respectively.

Norfolk led much of the contest, taking a 1-0 lead just under five minutes into the game when Anton Babchuk scored his first of the year off assists from Quintin Lang and Mark Cullen.

The Phantoms evened the score at the 15:03 mark of the opening frame. While killing off a Norfolk power play, Umberger forced a turnover in the neutral zone and skated in on a breakaway, firing the puck past Admirals goaltender Adam Munro. But just under two minutes later, while continuing to operate on the power play at the 16:48 mark, Norfolk regained the lead when Nick Kuiper knocked home the rebound of a blue-line drive from Michal Barinka.

After a scoreless second period, Philadelphia tied the game up 3:10 into the third on Tony Voce's third goal of the year. Ben Eager forced a giveaway in the Norfolk zone and pushed the puck to Umberger, who threw a shot on net from the left circle. Munro made the save, but Voce was able to pounce on the rebound in the slot and snap it home while heading down to one knee.

Both goaltenders stood strong through the rest of the third period and the overtime session. Umberger was the first shooter in the shootout, and was able to convert high on Munro. He was the only successful shooter on either side.

The Phantoms struggled offensively, registering just six shots on net in each of the three regulation periods and in overtime. But they were boosted by Beauchemin, a rookie playing in just his second game for the Phantoms. Beauchemin put together another outstanding evening after turning aside 37 of 39 Albany shots in Philadelphia's last win, a 4-2 decision over the River Rats on Oct. 9.

Umberger's two-point night extended his scoring streak to four games. His two goals and five assists give him a team-high seven points in the young season.

The game was a physical affair in the beginning. There were five first-period fights, four of which happened simultaneously in a span of just 17 seconds on the game clock. The Phantoms finished with 18 penalties for 57 minutes, and Norfolk was whistled for 12 penalties for 49 minutes. Philadelphia was scoreless on four power play opportunities, while the Admirals were 1-for-10.

A PDF boxscore is attached.

The two teams will meet again Saturday night in Norfolk, with face-off slated for 7:15 pm. The game will be available for online viewing via the Phantoms website, www.phantomshockey.com . After tomorrow's affair, the Phantoms will briefly return to Philadelphia before starting a four-game swing through New England next week which will cap a season long seven- game road trip. The Phantoms next home game is Fri., Nov. 4 at 7:05 PM against the Hershey Bears. That night at the Wachovia Spectrum, banners will be raised to the rafters to celebrate the 2005 Eastern Conference and Calder Cup championships.

All kids tickets for all Phantoms games are just $8. To purchase your tickets, go to phantomshockey.com and click tickets. To charge by phone, call (215) 336-2000, (856) 338-9000 or (302) 984-2000.

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American Hockey League Stories from October 21, 2005


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