Rookie Makes 37 Saves; Phantoms Win Third Straight
Published on February 25, 2006 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release
HERSHEY, PA - Phantoms rookie goaltender Martin Houle made 37 saves in regulation and overtime before shutting the door on four Hershey snipers in the shootout to lead Philadelphia to a 2-1 shootout victory before 10,131 at the GIANT Center, the third win in a row for the Purple.
Hershey held serve throughout most of the game after scoring on the power play at 8:53 of the opening period. The Bears were on a rush down the ice and had just come into the Philadelphia zone when Joey Tenute floated a pass that sprung Jakub Klepis beyond the Phantoms lines of defense. Klepis walked in and deked before lifting a backhand over Houle's right shoulder.
The game progressed without additional scoring until the 14:07 mark of the third period. With the teams digging for the puck in the right-wing corner, Phantoms centerman Pat Kavanagh was left all alone at the top of the crease with sufficient time to prepare a cup of coffee and a light snack. Brent Kelly finally pried the puck free from the crowd and served it up to Kavanagh, who beat Maxime Daigneault for his team-leading 17th goal of the season, tying the game at 1-1.
Both teams found themselves shorthanded at separate points in the overtime session, with Philadelphia's Ryan Ready whistled for goaltender interference with 14 seconds left in regulation followed by a Boyd Kane holding infraction at 2:37 of extra time. Defense prevailed, sending the game to Philadelphia's third shootout in their last five contests.
Tony Voce scored the first goal of the shootout in the third round, followed by a tally from Matt Ellison in round four. Hershey, meanwhile, was unsuccessful in each of its four attempts. Houle's 37 saves established his season and career highs and earned him first star honors, while Daigneault, playing in his first game with Hershey, was named the third star with 26 stops. Philadelphia's three-game winning streak is its longest since a season-high four-game success story that ran from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2.
The Phantoms return home on Wednesday night to host the Springfield Falcons at the Wachovia Center at 7:05 in a game that was originally scheduled for Feb. 12 but postponed due to weather-related issues. All tickets for the Feb. 12 date will be honored at the door on Wednesday. Feb. 12 tickets may also be refunded or exchanged for any other game this season at the original point of purchase, but this must be done by Wednesday. Fans may call the Phantoms at 215-465-4522 with any questions.
As always, kids tickets for all Phantoms games are just $8.00. Tickets are available online at www.phantomshockey.com or by phone at (215) 336-2000, (856) 338-9000 or (302) 984-2000.
American Hockey League Stories from February 25, 2006
- Aeros Top Admirals 3-1 - Milwaukee Admirals
- Harding's 40 stops push Houston's first-place lead to four points - Houston Aeros
- Barons Winning Streak Ends at Two - Cleveland Barons
- Griffins defeat Crunch - Grand Rapids Griffins
- P-Bruins Fall in Shootout to Monarchs 4-3 - Providence Bruins
- Phantoms score late, down Bears in a shootout 2-1 - Hershey Bears
- 'Dogs Down Sens in Shootout - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Manchester Prevails In Shootout At Providence - Manchester Monarchs
- Rookie Makes 37 Saves; Phantoms Win Third Straight - Adirondack Phantoms
- Admirals Prey on Springfield Penalties - Norfolk Admirals
- First-place showdown in Milwaukee - Houston Aeros
- Falcons Host Norfolk Tonight - Springfield Falcons
- Knights Sneak Past Americans, 3-2 - Abbotsford Heat
- Barons fly away from Rivermen with 4-2 win - Peoria Rivermen
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