Phantoms vs. Hartford Wolfpack, 10-23-09, Third Period

I missed the first few minutes of the period, this time because Hubby's computer connection was acting up. I got back in time to see the Phantoms go shorthanded. Halfway through the PK, Backlund takes a puck off the mask but it stayed out (and play continued, so it's fortunate he's OK). We have killed the rest of the infraction. The score remains 3-2, Phantoms.

BACKLUND! What a stop! :) Great save! Make that TWO great saves, actually. NICE work by the backstop!

We spent a lot of the earlier part of the period in the Hartford end, but now the WolfPack seem to be getting their act together and they're finding ways to get some rushes going. BACKLUND! NICE glove save! Fortunately, we have been able to keep Hartford from getting lengthy stays in our end, but even in their brief visits to our zonoe, they've generated some dangerous opportunities in this period and Backlund has had to be alert.

Locke has drawn a penalty against Lehtivuori, so we're on the PK. OK, Phantoms, play for blood on this penalty kill, because we don't need to spot Hartford the tying goal. Matsumoto, Laliberte, Marshall, and Curry are out for us. We're back at even strength now, but Hartford keeps finding ways to duump it into our end and chase it. We need to match, or preferably exceed, the WolfPack's desperation.

3:05 left in the third now, and Matsumoto is out with Laliberte and -- whoa, wait, Mormina is hauled down and crashes into the Hartford net. A PP for the Phantoms will ensue. Lehtivuori and Curry are out with Matsumoto, Laliberte, and Maroon. We actually spent the latter half of that PP in our own zone, and the man advantage comes to an end.

Hartford is playing with more and more intensity as the game progresses, and now we're in the final minute of the game. Hartford has pulled their goaltender, and as Backlund freezes the puck, Hartford calls a T/O. The WolfPack will have an offensive-zone draw, so the two head coaches are plotting strategy with their respective teams. Kalinski and Matsumoto are out with Laliberte (two centers). Hartford has 5 forwards and one D. Matsy wins the draw and we clear the puck. Hartford dumps it back in deep and it's ICING, holy cow. 1.7 seconds remain, and the faceoff will be in the WolfPack end.

The puck drops, and the Phantoms win the game shortly thereafter, 3-2! The Phantoms are in first place in the East Division! NICE. Our next game is tomorrow night in Albany at 7 PM.