Still Alive After First Ever Loss to Springfield

April 13, 2012 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


The Adirondack Phantoms are still alive in their aspirations for a Calder Cup playoff spot but were unable to gain ground on their competitors as they took their first ever loss to the Springfield Falcons, 4-2.

The Adirondack Phantoms entered the game with a 7-0 record against Springfield but the Falcons chose an opportune time to break that stretch. Ben Holmstrom (13th) and Mike Testwuide (12th) scored for Adirondack in the last away game of the season.

The Phantoms now need to win both of their home games this weekend on Saturday and Sunday while also hoping for help in the other games involving Manchester and Syracuse whom they are trying to chase down in the standings.

The Playoff Push is still on Phantoms fans and now it's Do-Or-Die time coming up on Fan Appreciation Night against Worcester at 7:00 on Saturday. The drama continues with our two big home games this weekend!

In the Friday night contest, Springfield did a good job of bottling up play early and seemingly slowing the game down. Dane Byers scored on a nice feed from the right-wing by Nick Drazenovic late in the first to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead.

Adirondack would equalize late in the second period on a 5-on-3 power play. Ben Holmstrom cut to the high slot and let 'er rip for a powerful slapshot goal for his 13th of the year to tie the score at 1-1 after two periods. Brandon Manning and Matt Ford assisted on the goal.

Springfield retook the lead 3:34 into the third on the power play when David Savard's slapper from the left-point found it's way through somehow for his fourth of the season.

After more close-calls for the Phantoms, it would be Springfield extending the lead at 12:33 into the third period when Wade McLeod would flip in the rebound of a hard slapshot off the end-wall by David Savard.

But the two-goal margin would last for 64 seconds. Mike Testwuide got it back at 13:37 on a rebound off the pads of Springfield goalie Paul Dainton from an Erik Gustafsson slapshot. Testwuide jumped on the opportunity on the other side of the slot hustling in to blast home the loose puck to make it 3-2.

But that's as close as Adirondack would get. Wade McLeod would add an empty-netter to seal the victory with 1:00 left, his second goal of the game and 10th of the year.

Adirondack went 1-for-4 on the power play while Springfield was 2-for-5. The Phantoms outshot the Falcons 28-22.

Scratches for the game included Blake Kessel, Tyler Brown, Matt Walker, Garrett Klotz, Nick Cousins, Derek Mathers, Luke Pither, Brad Phillips and Campbell Elynuik.

It's a must-win game to keep Adirondack's playoff hopes alive on Saturday night on Fan Appreciation Night at the Glens Falls Civic Center when the Phantoms take on the Worcester Sharks at 7:00.

The Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame inductees will be honored in a pregame ceremony; Dave Casey, Murray Eaves, Pete Mahovlich and Dave Strader. The first 2,500 fans will receive Phantoms T-shirts courtesy of Papa John's and about 100 great prizes including many autographed Phantoms items will be given away to the fans throughout the night.

A post-game jersey auction featuring the orange game-worn uniforms will take place as well live on the ice.

It's all part of our big thank you to you, the fans, for a great season in 2011-12.

The regular season concludes on Sunday at 5:00 against the record-setting Norfolk Admirals who have currently won 26 in a row, the most in professional hockey history. Call the Phantoms for tickets at (518) 480-3355.



American Hockey League Stories from April 13, 2012


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