Devils Go Down In Pennsylvania

Phantoms Take 3-2 Win Over Albany

PHILADELPHIA ? Brian Boucher made 35 saves, including a penalty shot denial, and Pete Zingoni scored twice to push the Philadelphia Phantoms past the Lowell Devils 3-2 on Friday night at the Wachovia Spectrum. Eric Lawrence of Haddonfield, NJ joined in the winning, taking home a team-autographed Butterfly Optura ping-pong table valued at $1,300.

Zingoni initiated the scoring 8:28 into the affair. Ryan Potulny had carried the puck down the right-wing boards, but had it poked away. It came to Jared Ross, who continued Potulny?s course and then threw it in front from the corner. Zingoni was able to poke it past Doyle for the 1-0 advantage.

The Phantoms made it 2-0 with 7:22 remaining in the period. Darroll Powe was in the slot and altered the flight plan of a slapshot by Oskars Bartulis from the left point. The puck stayed glued to the ice and slid through Doyle?s legs, doubling the Philadelphia lead.

Albany got on the board 7:44 into the second period by participating in the evening?s ping-pong theme. A puck came around behind the Phantoms net and was tossed out in front, where it proceeded to bounce off of Boucher and several others before sliding over the line. Ryan Murphy was adjudged to be the last Devil to touch the puck, and the goal made it a 2-1 game.

With 31 seconds left in the second period, Noah Clarke was taken down by Denis Gauthier on a breakaway, resulting in a penalty shot. Boucher used his right leg to deny Clarke?s bid to tie the game, preserving the 2-1 advantage.

Philadelphia cultivated its lead to 3-1 early in the third period, finally breaking a long 0-for-18 dry spell on the power play. Potulny wrestled the puck from the right wing corner and threw it on goal into Doyle?s equipment. It fell to the ice for Zingoni, who poked it home for the eventual game-winner.

The Devils pulled within a goal when they capitalized on a two-minute 5-on-3 advantage that spanned the midpoint of the third period. The goal came off a Clarke slapshot from the top of the left circle that traveled through traffic and past Boucher?s outstretched glove with 9:44 remaining. But the Phantoms buckled down the rest of the way.

Boucher earned the win and first star honors for his efforts, while Doyle, who made 21 saves, earned third star honors.

Lawrence?s ping-pong table win came as part of a concourse exhibition featuring competitors in next week?s USA Table Tennis Olympic Trials, which are being held at Drexel University. The table was signed by the Phantoms roster yesterday.

Phantoms bus driver George Lebednikas is piloting the team northward this evening towards Albany, where they?ll take on the River Rats tomorrow night at 7:00. Philadelphia returns home on Sunday to host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at 5:05 on Super Hero Night at the Wachovia Spectrum. Kids can meet their favorite super heroes throughout the evening, with the likes of Batman, Superman, Batgirl and Supergirl joining Phlex for the game. Tickets are available at the Wachovia Complex box office, online at ComcastTIX.com or phantomshockey.com, or by phone at 1-800-298-4200.

Friday, January 04, 2008