The Lehigh Valley Phantoms closed out the preseason Wednesday night at the PPL Center against the Hershey Bears. Most of the Phantoms starters sat out this game. Felix Sandstrom started in goal.
In the first period, the Phantoms initially took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Isaac Ratcliffe. However, after video review, the goal was waved off due to the puck not completely crossing the goal line. The game remained scoreless in the first period. The shots were 6-5 in favor of the Phantoms.
Early in the second period, Bears left winger Ryan Dmowski (2) scored, putting Hershey up 1-0. Mason Morelli (1) and Tobias Geisser (1) assisted Dmowski’s goal. The Phantoms had a couple of chances to score on the power play but couldn’t capitalize on them. The Bears led 1-0 after the second period. The shots were 11-3 Bears.
Midway through the third period, the Bears added another goal 2-0 by center Aliaksei Protas (1). With three minutes left, Phantoms coach Ian Laperriere pulled Sandstrom for a man advantage. However, that backfired, and the Bears put the game away with an empty-net goal by center Shane Gersich (1). The assists went to Axel Jonsson-Fjallby (1) and Kody Clark (1). The shots were five apiece for both teams.
The Phantoms were shut out 3-0 in the final preseason game. The shots were 21-14 for the Bears. Phantoms goaltender Felix Sandstrom made 18 of 20 saves.
The Phantoms will open the regular season on Saturday, October 16th, from the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at 6:05 pm on watchtheahl.com. AHL TV is offering a free preview from October 15th through the 17th.
