Phantoms Top Senators 3-2

December 26, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


BINGHAMTON, NY - Matt Clackson completed a three-goal third period comeback by scoring the game-winning goal as the Adirondack Phantoms beat the Binghamton Senators 3-2 Saturday night at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.

Adirondack came into the game looking to shrug off two one-sided losses to Binghamton so far this season. It was an intense, hard-hitting first period, but the Senators continued their scoring run against the Phantoms by cashing in twice on specials teams. First defenseman Drew Bannister scored a shorthanded goal at 9:36 on a wrist short from just above the right face off dot. Then Erik Condra doubled the Senators lead as he redirected a centering pass from Tomas Kudelka into the net for a power play goal at 13:51.

The Phantoms responded with a strong start to the second period, but failed to find the net. At the other end, Adirondack starter Johan Backlund had a strong period, making some big saves to keep the game within reach.

It was Backlund's play in the second period that set the table for a remarkable third period comeback. Ryan Dingle scored his second goal of the season with a backhand shot that beat Brodeur to the short side at 3:32. The goal was Adirondack's first of the year against Senators and it snapped a scoreless streak for the Phantom of 198:15 against Binghamton dating back to March 25, 2009. Then at 8:19 Patrick Maroon tied the game at 2-2 when he took a drop pass from Jared Ross and fired a lethal wrist shot from the slot that beat Brodeur to the glove side and hit off the inside of both posts before settling into the net. Adirondack got the game-winner from an unlikely source as the team's leader in penalty minutes Matt Clackson intercepted a pass in the offensive zone and unleashed a shot from between the circles off the inside of the left post and in at 12:10 for an unassisted goal and a 3-2 lead. Backlund held down the fort over the last eight minutes as the Phantoms secured their second straight third period comeback win on the road.

Johan Backlund recorded his eighth win of the season by stopping 32-of-34 shots to help Adirondack improve to 14-13-2-0 on the year. Mike Brodeur took the loss in goal for Binghamton, making 19 saves on 22 shots as the Senators fell to 14-12-3-1. The B-Sens out-shot the Phantoms 34-22 in the game and went 1-for-4 on the power play; Adirondack was 0-for-3 with the man-advantage.

The Phantoms continue their four-game road trip down in Pennsylvania as they prepare to face the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Monday, December 28th at 7:05 pm at Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza. Adirondack's next home game is on Thursday, December 31st for a special 3:00 pm face off against the Albany River Rats in another Time Warner Cable Cup clash at the Glens Falls Civic Center.

There is no better way to watch Phantoms Hockey than by sharing it with a group of your family and friends. Bring a group of 15 or more people to the Glens Falls Civic Center and qualify for incredible discounted ticket prices off the regular box office rates. For more information about group tickets, contact the Phantoms at 518-480-3355 or visit www.phantomshockey.com.



American Hockey League Stories from December 26, 2009


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.

OurSports Central