Potulny Gives Philly 2-1 Win Over Pirates
Published on March 16, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release
PHILADELPHIA - Ryan Potulny scored with 6:15 to play in the third period and the Philadelphia Phantoms held on to take a 2-1 win over the Portland Pirates on Sunday evening at the Wachovia Spectrum. Martin Houle was solid in his first start of the season for Philadelphia, making 24 saves to pick up his first win and allow the Phantoms to remain in first place in the East Division, two points ahead of the red-hot Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Portland hopped on the board first just 3:23 into the game. Simon Ferguson cut into the slot and picked up a centering pass from Drew Miller, who was stationed to the rear of the net. Ferguson fired it past Houle's outstretched left leg for the 1-0 lead, which would stand for nearly two full periods.
With 7:58 to play in the first period, Pete Zingoni was hauled down while on a breakaway and was awarded a penalty shot. Zingoni brought the puck down center ice and looked left side with the shot, but Jean-Sebastien Aubin got his right pad on the bid.
The Phantoms knotted it up with 12.4 seconds remaining in the second period. Chad Anderson made a nice play to keep in a clearing attempt and then closed in from the high slot to about 40 feet. He hammered one in on Aubin, who made the save, but Kyle Greentree crashed from the right-wing circle and tucked the rebound through the netminder's legs.
That set the stage for Potulny's game-winner. It was a deflection of a point blast by Oskars Bartulis, which changed the direction enough to beat relief goaltender Mike McKenna.
Among Houle's 24 saves were several of the spectacular variety. Houle, who joined the team on February 26 after spending most of the season in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers, made his fourth appearance but first start of the season for Philadelphia.
Philadelphia recorded its 40th win of the season, reaching that plateau for the first time since March 25, 2005. The Phantoms now have a record of 40-23-2-3 for 85 points through 67 games, giving them a two-point advantage over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, which has won eight in a row to reach 83 points on the season.
The Phantoms now embark on a home-and-home series with the Hartford Wolf Pack that begins Wednesday night in the Nutmeg State and continues on Friday at the Wachovia Spectrum at 7:05 for Green Night, a tribute to the environment. There will be several special environmental themes, and Lori Wilson from the 10! Show on NBC-10 will be on hand to greet fans. Tickets are available at the Wachovia Complex box office, online at ComcastTIX.com or phantomshockey.com, or by phone at 1-800-298-4200.
American Hockey League Stories from March 16, 2008
- Admirals Sink Rivermen 5-2 - Milwaukee Admirals
- Falcons Fall To Rampage 3-2 - Springfield Falcons
- Potulny Gives Philly 2-1 Win Over Pirates - Adirondack Phantoms
- Rampage soar over Falcons, 3-2 - San Antonio Rampage
- Moose Beat Bears To Extend Streak To Six - Manitoba Moose
- Admirals Power Play Sinks Rivermen 5-2 - Peoria Rivermen
- P-Bruins Fall to Penguins in Shootout 2-1 - Providence Bruins
- New Ice, Old Story for Sharks in 4-1 Loss - Worcester Sharks
- Devils Edged Out by Monarchs, 1-0 - Albany Devils
- Marlies Hold Off Griffins' Rally Bid, 3-2 - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Quick Win For The Monarchs - Manchester Monarchs
- Wolves Bring Back Painchaud - Chicago Wolves
- Worcester Sharks sign center Oren Eizenman to PTO - Worcester Sharks
- Marlies to Hold Equipment Sale on Saturday - Toronto Marlies
- Falcons Host The Rampage On Sunday - Springfield Falcons
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