Two Quick Goals Give Bears 2-1 Win Over Phantoms In 2007 Finale

Published on December 31, 2007 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


HERSHEY, PA - The Hershey Bears brought 2007 to a disappointing end for the Philadelphia Phantoms, jumping ahead faster than any Phantoms opponent ever had before in a 2-1 win on New Year's Eve at the GIANT Center.

Hershey took a 1-0 lead just eight seconds into the contest. Andrew Gordon controlled the puck off the opening faceoff and carried it deep into the Phantoms end before centering for Grant Potulny, who tipped it past Brian Boucher. The goal broke the record for the fastest goal by a Phantoms opponent in franchise history, eclipsing the goal scored 13 seconds into a game at Cincinnati on December 12, 1999.

Just over four minutes later, Kyle Wilson single-handedly gave the Bears a 2-0 lead. He happened upon a loose puck near the Phantoms blue line and walked in on net, snapping a shot from the left side of the slot high to the left corner past Boucher's blocker side. The unassisted tally came at the 4:20 mark.

Philadelphia stemmed the tide by getting on the board at 8:11. Ryan Potulny won a faceoff by pushing the puck past his foe and to a breaking Steve Downie, who in turn beat Daren Machesney to make it a 2-1 game. But the scoring headed for Times Square a little early, as neither team tallied another goal on the evening.

Boucher was perfect after the two goals Hershey scored on its first two shots, but absorbed the loss anyway with a total of 22 saves. Machesney stopped 22 of 23 Philadelphia bids to take the win. The Phantoms remain atop the East Division with a record of 22-10-1-0 for 45 points.

The Phantoms will open up 2008 this Friday, January 4 when they return to the Wachovia Spectrum to host the Lowell Devils at 7:05 PM. 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 December 31, 2007


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