The Lehigh Valley Phantoms started their 25th season in the AHL Saturday night. Ian Laperriere made his coaching debut against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins from the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Felix Sandstrom started for the Phantoms.
The Phantoms were a bit undisciplined in this game. However, when it comes to defending teammates, Phantoms forward Brennan Saulnier was not afraid to go after taller players. In the first period, Penguins left winger Jamie Devane nailed Mason Millman. Brennan Saulnier took exception and went after Devane, throwing a couple of good punches.
Once the fight was done, Saulnier was issued two minutes for elbowing, two minutes for instigating, five minutes for fighting, and a ten-minute misconduct. Penguins left winger Jamie Devane had two minutes for boarding, two minutes for roughing, and five minutes for fighting. The Penguins were then on the power play.
The Penguins took advantage when right winger Valtteri Puustinen (1) went top-shelf past Felix Sandstrom for the goal that put them up 1-0. Sam Poulin (1) and Juuso Riikola (1) assisted Puustinen’s goal. Despite the Phantoms having a 14-6 shot advantage, they trailed 1-0 after the first period.
The Phantoms, at times, could not keep up with the Penguins. The Penguin’s quickness on the ice created problems for the Phantoms. Even though the Penguins’ right winger Jan Drozg was penalized twice, the Phantoms still could not capitalize and tie the game. Then, right-winger Nathan Legare went to the box for two minutes after being called for hooking.
The Phantoms took advantage of the power play when Cam York made a nice pass to Tyson Foerster, who delivered a rocket shot to the right circle for the goal. The game was tied 1-1. Cam York (1) and Linus Sandin (1) assisted Foerster’s goal. The game remained tied 1-1 after the second period, with the shots even at nine apiece.
The Penguins quickly got the lead back a minute and nine seconds into the third period. Penguins Center Michael Chaput found Niclas Almari, who was alone. Almari (1) sniped the shot to the right circle for the goal and a 2-1 lead. Michael Chaput (1) and Chris Bigras (1) assisted Almari’s goal.
Phantoms coach Ian Laperriere pulled Felix Sandstrom with under four minutes left. They mainly were passing the puck and not taking a shot. They took too much time off the clock, and it cost them as the Penguins won 2-1. The shots were even at eight apiece.
Despite the loss, the shots were in the Phantoms favor 31-23. Felix Sandstrom made 21-of-23 saves. The Phantoms were one-for-five on the power play. The Penguins were one-for-four on the power play, and goaltender Filip Lindberg made 30-of-31 saves.
The Phantoms will play the Hershey Bears at the Giant Center today at 3 pm.
