Pirates' Comeback Stuns Phantoms

Published on November 15, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


The Phantoms stormed out of the gates and took a 2-0 first-period lead, however, the Pirates mounted a comeback and won 4-2 on Tuesday night in Portland.

Adirondack's goals both came during 5-on-3 power plays, and were scored by Ben Holmstrom and Jason Akeson. Holmstrom (1g, 1a), Akeson (1g, 1a) and Garrett Roe (2a) all recorded points on both of the Phantoms' markers.

The pair of power-play goals give the Phantoms at least one power-play strike in 11-of-14 games this season. Adirondack is now 18-of-82 (22%) on the man advantage.

Despite the Phantoms' great start; Marc-Antoine Pouliot, Tyler Eckford, Andy Miele and Jordan Szwarz scored unanswered goals to carry the Pirates to their 4-2 win.

All of Portland's offense came against Michael Leighton, who finished with 26 saves. Leighton, who now has a 6-4-0 record, had shut out the Pirates in the teams' first meeting on October 21.

Marc Cheverie stopped all 17 shots he faced in 51:07, after relieving Curtis McElhinney midway through the first period. McElhinney started for the Pirates and allowed two goals on seven shots.

Adirondack (8-5-1) remains in a three-way tie with the Connecticut Whale and Bridgeport Sound Tigers for second place in the Northeast Division, just one point back of the first-place Albany Devils.

The Pirates improve to 6-7-1 and jump into fourth place in the Atlantic Division, by passing the idle Worcester Sharks.

Portland's win evens the season series at one win apiece, with both remaining head-to-head matchups to be played at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Those games will be played on December 9 and December 30.

Prior to the Pirates' comeback, the Phantoms jumped out to a 2-0 lead and chased Curtis McElhinney from the game, before the first period's midway point.

First, Ben Holmstrom scored between McElhinney's legs at the 8:15 mark, during a 5-on-3 power play which was created by Michael Stone and Dean Arsene penalties taken four seconds apart.

Jason Akeson squeezed a shot between McElhinney's body and blocker 38 seconds later, shortly after Portland took its third minor penalty in a 42-second span.

Following the removal of McElhinney and the insertion of Marc Cheverie; the Pirates erupted for four straight goals to get the win.

Marc-Antoine Pouliot started the comeback and scored Portland's first goal in 74:01 of the season series, when the former first-round draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers beat Michael Leighton with just under four minutes left in the first period.

Tyler Eckford drew Portland even by scoring a power-play goal midway through the second period, following a four-minute high-sticking double-minor by Dan Jancevski.

Andy Miele knocked the puck into the net off of Leighton to score Portland's third straight goal, at 5:57 of the third period, for what proved to be the game-winning goal.

Szwarz' first professional goal, the final score of the night, came on a quick shot off a faceoff, with just under seven minutes to play in the third period.

Once ahead, the Pirates limited the Phantoms to four third-period shots en route to their 4-2 win.

Adirondack continues its four-game road trip in Syracuse on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. The Phantoms will visit Bridgeport on Sunday, and Binghamton on Thanksgiving, before returning home for a Black Friday showdown with the Springfield Falcons.

The shots in Tuesday's game were 30 for the Pirates and 24 for the Phantoms.

The Phantoms were 2-of-6 on the power play. The Pirates were 1-of-7.

Adirondack's scratches were Tye McGinn and Mike Testwuide.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, November 17, 7:00-9:00 - Celebrity Guest Bartenders at J.P. Bruno's on South Street in Glens Falls. Come meet Denis Hamel and Jason Bacashihua serving them up for charity!

Saturday, November 19, 7:30 - Phantoms at Syracuse Crunch

Sunday, November 20, 1:00 - Dax appears at South Glens Falls parade

Sunday, November 20, 3:00 - Phantoms at Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Monday, November 21, 7:00 - Phantoms Power Hour LIVE from McGinny's Tavern, 193 Glen Street. Player guests, #18 Tyler Brown and #38 Jason Akeson. Ticket and t-shirt giveaways for fans live at the show. Live broadcast on Q101.7.

Upcoming Home Games and Promotions

Friday, November 25, 7:00 - Springfield Falcons at Phantoms. Annual Black Friday game. '80s Night. $2 draft beer specials through first intermission, Bud Light and Labatt Blue Light.

Saturday, November 26, 7:00 - Albany Devils at Phantoms. Time Warner Cable Cup Rivalry Game #2. Phantoms Snow Cap Giveaway for first 1,000 kids (age 14 and younger) courtesy of UniFirst.

Get great savings and have fun with your friends, family or co-workers by bringing your group of 15 or more fans to enjoy fast-paced, hard-hitting Phantoms hockey. Call the Phantoms to find out more at 518-480-3355 and check the team's website at phantomshockey.com.

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.

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American Hockey League Stories from November 15, 2011


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