Final score: Penguins 3, Phantoms 1

Oliver Lauridsen makes it 3-1, very late in the third period. Good job! Assist: Holmstrom.

With 14.7 seconds remaining in the third period, the Phantoms go on the PP.

But the Phantoms are unable to score with a 5 on 3 advantage in the final seconds of the period. Final score: Penguins 3, Phantoms 1.

Click here for the Phantoms' official game recap.

Phantoms' losing streak reaches nine, sets a franchise record

I don't know what's more depressing: the way the Phantoms are playing right now, or the negative, sometimes hostile response of the fans online (as represented by the people who post comments on The Post-Star's news coverage and blog posts). But honestly, the team has performed so poorly this season, that the fans are within their rights to rant.

The Phantoms have set a franchise record with their ninth consecutive loss. They haven't earned a point since October 16, an OTL vs. Albany. That's more than ten percent of the season we've burned up in this losing streak, folks. I'm detecting another playoff-free season unless we start turning things around, and I mean NOW.

Gilbert's in the tough position of having an extremely young team with a lot of newly-minted pros, plus the loss of one top guy (Maroon) and the presence of two other top guys who've been "served notice" that if they don't straighten up and fly right, they'll be the next ones gone (Kalinski and Legein). We got a new veteran (Denis Hamel), and he's scored three times for us in two games, but it'll take a lot more than one guy to get this team on the right track.

My instinct says, "Get Gilbert out of there, and tell Assistant GM (and former Phantoms coach) John Paddock he's going back behind the bench for the remainder of the season." Paddock's Phantoms didn't exactly dominate the league in 2008-09, but at least we made the freaking playoffs. We got steamrolled by the Hershey powerhouse in the first round, but at least we freaking got to the first round.

It's a mess in Glens Falls. As much as I miss my team and wish I could see them in person, there's a part of me that's thinking, "I don't want these health issues that are keeping me from a road trip, but at least I can't travel NOW while the team can't seem to win its way out of a paper bag." Maybe the team's play will improve by the time my health does.

Back-to-back 5-1 losses. Ouch. Also, game recaps, podcasts and weekly report updates

I haven't had the chance to listen to/watch the last couple of Phantoms games. The stream for their radio station has been down-and-out for over a week, and I haven't been home to watch the games online.

However, I can say that we lost to the Charlotte Checkers (former Albany River Ratw) at home on Friday night, 5-1. Jon Matsumoto, who was traded to Carolina over the summer, had a goal and two assists, and was the second star. I still can't figure out why the Flyers never even gave him a cup of coffee in the NHL. Then we played in Hershey on Saturday night, and lost 5-1 again. Ouch. Without having seen the past couple of games, I can't vouch for what we did well or poorly, but the scoresheets suggest that there are at least some things that we'll do well to work on in our next practices.

Sorry for the delay in posting... my health has not been ideal lately, and it's been getting in my way at times. The good news is, when I have surgery next month, it'll be all over but the recovery, but until then, I'll keep plugging away the best I can.

I have a couple of podcast links, courtesy of The Post-Star:

Phantoms Podcast, Episode 3
Phantoms Podcast, Episode 4

Here is the Phantoms Weekly Release, Week 2 from the Phantoms website.

Recaps of games that were played between the previous post and now:

October 12: Phantoms @ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton; Penguins 2, Phantoms 1
October 15: Syracuse @ Phantoms; Phantoms 3, Crunch 2
October 16: Albany @ Phantoms; Devils 4, Phantoms 3, OT
October 17: Phantoms @ Rochester; Americans 5, Phantoms 2
October 22: Charlotte @ Phantoms; Checkers 5, Phantoms 1
October 23: Phantoms @ Hershey; Bears 5, Phantoms 1
October 24: Phantoms @ Hershey; Bears 4, Phantoms 2

10-9-10 Phantoms @ Albany: Phantoms 5, Devils 3, plus weekend wrap-up

I wasn't able to watch the Phantoms/Albany tilt live. However, I was pleased to see that we've earned the first win of the season, defeating Albany 5-3.

Here is the coverage of Saturday's games in The Post-Star:

Phantoms' efforts pay off in victory
Phantoms Forum: Phantoms 5, Devils 3 (FINAL)
Phantoms Forum: Postgame: Phantoms 5, Albany 3

Here is the box score from the AHL's site.

10-08-10 Phantoms at Binghamtom: Senators 5, Phantoms 1

From the Phantoms Facebook page:

Phantoms fall at Binghamton 5-1 in season opener. Great game for Johan Backlund in goal. Patrick Maroon scores first Adirondack goal of the year on the power play easily slamming in the nice cross-ice feed from Dan Jancevski. Next up: At the Albany Devils Saturday night at 7. Just 7 days away until the Phantoms Home Opener!

I did get to watch the entire game online; however, the audio was glitched for both the Adirondack and Binghamton feeds. So all of the fans who were logged in to AHL Live watched the game sans play-by-play until a little while after the midpoint of the game.

I haven't yet seen the box score, nor the stars of the game. However, I can say that Johan Backlund should have had a star, five goals-against notwithstanding. The Phantoms' teamwide youth (average age 22.8 years) really showed itself tonight, as there were lengthy stretches when the only Phantom touching the puck was the goaltender. We were massively outshot, and there were some parts of the game when even though the teams were even strength, the appearance was that the Senators were on the power play.

Though we did give up three PP goals, I can say that I was pleased to see the Phantoms kill off a full two-minute 5-on-3 PK. So that, and Backlund's performance in the game, were bright spots.

I am still concerned that Backlund's hip is still not quite in top form yet. The Senators got a wraparound goal, going around behind the net after Backlund made an excellent save on one post, and firing it in the open side of the net. Backlund just couldn't make the lateral move quickly enough. Mind you, a lot of goalies might have had a challenge going post-to-post on that particular goal. But the way Backlund moved made me think that his hip was among the reasons he couldn't get over there as quickly as he'd have liked. One thing's for sure -- his hip, and everything else, got quite the workout during this game. He'll be able to make a long report to the trainer on how the hip felt when he put it through its paces.

CLICK HERE for the box score from tonight's game.
CLICK HERE for The Post-Star's Phantoms blog post for the game.
CLICK HERE for The Post-Star's postgame blog post.
CLICK HERE for the game article from The Post-Star.


The Phantoms play in Albany on Saturday at 7 PM.

Phantoms at Binghamton Senators, 11-26-09: Postgame

Um, OUCH. Wow, the Phantoms had a rough go of it in Bingo, losing 7-0 to the Senators on Thanksgiving night.

I'll get the postgame coverage in here during the weekend.

In the meantime, in Friday afternoon's Flyers game, Jared Ross was injured because of a check from behind. Jonathon Kalinski was recalled from the Phantoms. He'll join the Flyers in Atlanta on Saturday.

The Phantoms have the second of a 3-games-in-3-nights on Friday night at home vs. the Hershey Bears, followed by a game on Saturday vs. the Bears in Hershey.

Phantoms at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins: Postgame

Neither the Flyers nor the Phantoms had a good day, as they both came out on the wrong end of 3-1 scores on the road. In the Phantoms' case, the opposing team was the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

HERE is the box score from the AHL's site.

There aren't Post-Star blog posts about the game but HERE is the game article from the Post-Star.

HERE is the game recap from the Phantoms site.

Phantoms @ Albany River Rats, 11-7-09: Postgame

HERE is the box score on the AHL's site.

HERE is the game article from the Post-Star.

HERE is the post on the Post-Star Phantoms blog.

HERE is the game recap on the Phantoms website.

Phantoms @ Albany River Rats, 11-7-09: Pregame

The Phantoms are in Albany, with the intent of gaining some ground in the Time Warner Cup race, not to mention that wee detail of benefiting in the standings from defeating a divisional rival.

We've gotten out offense untracked in the past couple of games, and that has been nice to see. Here's to seeing us keep the win streak going!

I can't live blog the game tonight, but you can follow its audio/video online at ahllive.com, or via the link to WNYQ on the sidebar. Also check the Twitter feed on the sidebar for updates.

Go Phantoms!

Phantoms @ Bridgeport Sound Tigers, 11-04-09: Postgame

Well, THAT turned into a nice comeback win. The Phantoms scored three unanswered goals in the third period to take a 4-2 victory. :)

HERE is the box score on the AHL's site.

HERE and HERE are game articles from the Post-Star.

HERE is the post on the Post-Star Phantoms blog.

HERE is the game recap on the Phantoms website.

Phantoms @ Bridgeport Sound Tigers, 11-04-09: Pregame

I won't be able to watch the entire game online, so I will post comments afterward.

Phantoms defenseman Logan Stephenson is suspended for 1 game because of his late-game-fight in Sunday's contest. That's why David Sloane was recalled from K-zoo.

Go, Phantoms!

Phantoms @ Toronto Marlies 10-30-09: Postgame

(This post will be brought up-to-date as the content I plan to link to becomes available.)

HERE is the box score for this game from the AHL's site.

HERE is the game article from the Post-Star site.

HERE and HERE are the game coverage from the Post-Star's Phantoms blog.

HERE is the game recap from the Phantoms website.

Phantoms @ Toronto Marlies 10-30-09: Third Period

I had a slight reboot situation that resulted in my missing a large chunk of the third, including the third Marlies goal. Sounds like Hamilton got his second tally of the night.

I'm noticing the Beaulieu line out there more than I did in the last few games. Partly that's from some regulars' being absent. But I also think that hard work gets rewarded.

Drat. Game over. 3-0, Marlies is the final score. The combination of flu and the shuffling of our best scoring line due to a callup can't have helped our offense.

Hopefully, we'll see more success at home Sunday.

Phantoms @ Toronto Marlies 10-30-09: Second Period

Apparently, we were assessed the first THREE penalties. Fortunately, as we already trail by a pair of goals, we have killed all three infractions.

Beaulieu is on a line with Clackson and Klotz; he makes a nice, if unsuccessful, diving attempt to keep the puck in the TO end.

AGAIN we're shorthanded. Clackson goes. I can't see who Matsumoto is out with. Then Legein and Beaulieu go on the ice with Mormina & Marshall.

As the penalty expires, we get matching minors so we're at 4 on 4.

BAH. Too many men on the ice = SH again. Kaspar sits. We're at 4 on 3 briefly, then we'll go to 5 on 4.

We have yet to get a PP and we're halfway through regulation time.

Finalmente! We get a PP! Maroon comes close to halving the deficlt, but no joy.

Back to even strength and HELLO, EARTH TO REF, Hamilton just slew-footed our goalie! Ref lets it go. :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

At the end of the second period, the score remains 2-0, TO.

Phantoms @ Toronto Marlies 10-30-09: First Period

This game's box score can be found HERE on the AHL's site.

Legein is replacing Laliberte, who has been called up, on the Matsumoto line. Riopel is starting, with the called-up Teslak as backup. Backlund is sick. Flu is hitting both the Phantoms & Marlies

We give up the first goal as the forward Hamilton cashes in his own rebound.

At the time of the second TO goal, we are being outshot 12-3. Not what any of us had in mind, I'm sure. :(

Rob Bellamy is in his first game of the season after being injured in training camp. Logan Stephenson is in the lineup, following the loss of Randy Jones on recall waivers.

We have also been assessed the first two penalties of the game. Dingle got two nice SH scoring chances.

At the end of the first period, TO leads 2-0 and is outshooting the Phantoms 14-4.

Phantoms @ Toronto Marlies 10-30-09: Pregame

I won't be able to live blog the game in depth, as my main computer's hard drive died yesterday. (Again! Third freaking time since April! &*@^#!*&@^#) I will, however, take some in-game notes and post observations later.

For live game streaming, visit the WNYQ link, on the right-hand sidebar, for a free feed from the Phantoms' flagship radio station. Also, you can go to AHL Live for live game audio (free) or video streaming (fee). You can also follow Tim McManus's Twitter feed, which can e accessed via the sidebar on this blog.

GO PHANTOMS!

Phantoms at Albany River Rats, 10-24-09, Postgame

HERE is the box score of this game from the AHL's site.

HERE and HERE are the posts from the Phantoms blog on the Post-Star site.

HERE is the game article from the Post-Star site.

HERE is the game recap from the Phantoms' site.

Here are the video links to the fights during the game:

Phantoms at Albany River Rats, 10-24-09, Pregame

I can't live blog tonight's game, as I'll be away from the computer. Follow Tim McManus's Twitter feed for in-game updates.The link is on the right-hand sidebar.

GO PHANTOMS!!!

Phantoms @ Bridgeport Sound Tigers, 10-18-09, Postgame

HERE is the box score for the game from the AHL's site.

HERE is the article from the Post-Star site.

HERE is the coverage from the Post-Star's Phantoms blog.

HERE is the game recap from the Phantoms website.

And here is a fight between Matt Clackson and Joel Rechlicz, which I apparently missed during those first few minutes when I was trying to establish an internet connection:

Phantoms @ Bridgeport Sound Tigers, 10-18-09, Third Period

Nodl is on the bench, but he has not come out with either the third or the fourth lines. Not sure if that means he's in the Coach's Casa del Cane, or if he's gotten dented. We shall see. And right on cue, there goes Ross out with Clackson and Klotz.

Clackson is going off for slashing, however, so the next thing we'll see is the Phantoms' PK unit.

NICE stop by Boucher. The Phantoms have done well at closing down Bridgeport and limiting their opportunities, but the Sound Tigers just got a nice shot through and Boucher was equal to the task.

We're back to even strength, and we are starting to get some end-to-end play. We're not a team that's built for a river-hockey style, so I hope we can go back to just shutting down the opponent.

Whoops, there goes a delay-of-game penalty against Bartulis. I never did like that infraction. (See: my previous Phantoms blog, where I griped about its existence repeatedy.)

Phooey, and I have even less reason to like that penalty, as the Sound Tigers just scored to make it 3-2. Now all of a sudden Bridgeport and their fans are awake again, insead of just going through the motions. We have 6:25 left in the period, so it's time to buckle down and not let the Sound Tigers back in.

Eee, we get a scramble in front of our net with under two minutes left. The fans get loud, but the puck stays out. We end up icing the puck with 1:04 left, so the Sound Tigers pull their goalie for the faceoff in the Phantoms' end. They also take their timeout.

Ross is out to take the draw. Boooosh! We clear the puck, sending it out slowly enough to avoid another icing. Bridgeport has five forwards and one D out there. Another clear IS called icing, but it was close to not being icing and Gilbert is not pleased.

Yet another faceoff in our end, and this time we carry the puck out and SCOOOORE! Kolanos! 4-2 Phantoms with 19 seconds left!

And the Phantoms win! 4-2 is the final score! I can hear Ross being announced as a star of the game, and I can also hear Phantoms fans who are in attendance cheering. :) The stars are:

#3: MacDonald (BRI)
#2: Boucher
#1 Ross.

We got 5 out of a possible 6 points this weekend, and we have raised our record to 3-2-1-0. Well done, Phantoms!