LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa – A PPL Center crowd that had been without Phantoms hockey for almost two weeks got rewarded for their patience Wednesday night as the Phantoms rallied late and beat Hershey 3-2 in overtime. This contest was the fifth of twelve meetings between the two Atlantic Division rivals, and the third of those five to need extra time.
Overtime with its new three on three rules has revitalized the extra session of every regular season contest. The back and forth action that often results in odd man rushes keeps fans on the edge of their seats, and Wednesdays game was no different. Each team got their chances, going end to end with each shot registering a shot on goal while in the offensive zone. The action lasted till there was 1:15 left, as Nick Cousins found the twine to send the PPL Center crowd home happy. Leier again would set up the goal, skimming down the near side boards and dropping a pass back to the blue line for Cousins. Cousins would then go east to west in the Bears end, and fire a shot that beat Ellis and gained his squad the extra point. The Phantoms completed the hat trick of beating Hershey in extra time, and regained the advantage in the season series between the two teams.
The boys in orange and black return to home ice on Friday against division leading Wilkes-Barre, and again on Saturday against Springfield for their annual Teddy Bear Toss game. The Teddy Bear Toss has become a huge hit in minor and junior hockey, helping gather teddy bears at rinks for kids who are less fortunate during the holidays. The Phantoms will look to gain another four points and help brighten the younger population of the Lehigh Valleys holiday this weekend, and look to stay above .500 on the year.
Game report by Tommy.Hendricks@prohockeynews.com
LV Phantoms vs. Hershey Bears 12/09/15
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