WILKES-BARRE, Pa – The Penguins and Phantoms squared off at Wachovia Arena in the first meeting of the former in-state rivals since the Phantoms moved from Philadelphia to Adirondack. And the Penguins wound up outlasting the Phantoms to take the first game of the season series, 3-1.
Photo by Angie Merchlinsky
The first period was fast-paced, with two evenly matched teams going back-and-forth and each generating good scoring chances. The Penguins outshot the Phantoms, 10-6.
The second period saw the Penguins on a power play as a result of a penalty to the Phantoms’ Josh Beaulieu for boarding which sparked a fight at the end of the first frame. Aggressive play by the Penguins resulted in a power play goal, short handed goal and an even strength goal.
Luca Caputi started the scoring at 7:28 with his seventh of the year while the Penguins had a man advantage. In the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton end, John Curry was on fire, making a sprawling cross goal save to deny the Phantoms their best chance of the game.
The Penguins’ Eric Tangradi scored his third of the year at the 11:42 mark of the period with the teams at even strength. The Penguins capped their scoring with a short-handed goal from Wyatt Smith at 18:36 — his third marker of the season.
Photo by Angie Merchlinsky
Dustin Jeffrey assisted on all three goals bringing his team leading point total to 19. The Phantoms had some of their best chances in the second period but were unable to capitalize on them.
The third period would see the Phantoms come out firing on all cylinders, firing 21 shots on net and pinning the Penguins in their zone most of the period.
The Phantoms scored their only goal of the night on a rebound shot by Kevin Marshall, who netted his second goal of the year. Adirodack pulled itsr goalie with 1:47 left in the game, and the Penguins were whistled for a penalty shortly thereafter to make the final 1:20 seconds a 6-on-4. However, Adirondack was unable to capitalize.
Photo by Angie Merchlinsky
Game Notes: The attendance was 6,637. The Penguins outshot the Phantoms, 36-30, and went 1-5 on the power play. The Phantoms failed to score on six man-advantage situations. Curry who saved 29 of 30 shots he faced; Johan Backlund was credited with the loss, saving33 of 36 shots. The three stars of the night were: 1. Dustin Jeffrey 2. Wyatt Smith 3. Luca Caputi. The win stopped the Penguins two-game losing streak. Phantoms will be at Binghamton on Nov. 26, and the Penguins will be home taking on Norfolk on Nov. 25.
Contact john.merchlinsky@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at angie.merchlinsky@prohockeynews.com
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