LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa – The Phantoms returned to Allentown looking to continue the momentum of a road trip that saw them take 8 of a possible 10 points, including 4 in a row. The Albany Devils had other ideas, though. Stefan Matteau had a goal and an assist, and NHL veteran Scott Clemmensen had 32 saves, as Albany won 3-2 in front of 8,701 fans at PPL Center Friday Night.
In the first period, there was no scoring. Given the fact that Albany plays a trap style very similar to that of the parent club New Jersey, they did a very good job at locking the Phantoms down defensively. Albany had 3 power plays in succession from the 10 minute mark to the 16 mark, but could not capitalize. Shots in the period favored the home team 10-5.
In the middle frame, there was more of the same until 6:29. Nick Cousins streaked down the far wing, and laced a slapshot top shelf over the glove of Devilsâ netminder Scott Clemmensen. Assists went to Oliver Lauridsen and Andrew Gordon. The only excitement came after the horn for the end of period when the Phantomsâ Ryan White and the Devilsâ Darcy Zajac scrapped in a spirited battle that lasted a solid two minutes.
In the 3rd, the penalties increased and so did the scoring. 5:05 into the game, and Alban ties it when Rod Pelley got his fourth of the season. After a shot by Stefan Matteau caused a goalmouth scramble, three Devilsâ kept poking at the puck, and Lehigh Valley goalie Anthony Stolarz couldnât freeze it, Pelley finished it off and the game was knotted at one. The secondary assist went to Dan Kelly.
Paul Thompson gave Albany the lead at 10:12. With Ryan White off for hooking, he slipped behind the Phantomsâ defense and buried a shot low to the glove side of Stolarz. However, the lead would not last as Andrew Gordon collected his 11th of the season for Lehigh Valley just 1:18 later on a simple one-timer from the near side faceoff circle.
With roughly 3 minutes left in the third, Stefan Matteau nabbed the game winner for the Devils. With Austin Fyten off for hooking Matteau took a blind backhand pass from the corner by David Wohlberg and slid a snapshot through the five-hole of Stolarz. The Phantoms had a 6 on 5 late, but could not tie the game.
Notes: Phantomsâ Head Coach Terry Murray declined to speak to the media after the game. The Phantomsâ Andrew Gordon on mistakes and costly penalties: âThereâs two minutes left in the game and you tackle a guy 200 feet from the puck. It just isnât smart hockey. The good thing is everything is correctable. Guys just need to look in the mirror and ask: âWhat the hell am I doing?ââ Gordon on the warm reception he received in St. Johnâs last weekend, after playing there last season: âIt was wonderful, Itâs a town thatâs close to my home and close to my heart. Itâs great to be in a town where you can walk down the street and people remember you and say hello. We did some great things andâŠto get that kind of ovation on the road was really special.â The Phantoms were o-9 with the power play, while Albany was 2-10. 3 Stars: 3) LV-Andrew Gordon (Goal and an assist) 2) ALB-Scott Clemmensen (32 Saves) 1) ALB-Stefan Matteau (GWG and an assist)
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