on •

“Do, or do not. There is no try.”

–Yoda

The Phantoms have lost two straight following an outstanding road trip. It’s time to do something. May the force be with us.

Looking Back

The Phantoms lost at home Friday night–but at least scored some goals at home vs the Penguins for once. The final tally was 4-3 with all the scoring happening in a wild first period. Anthony Stolarz was knocked out of the game by the goal-scoring onslaught; perhaps the All Star didn’t have it that night, but I felt the goals were a bit fluky from my vantage point. I was visiting in section 103, and much closer to the ice than I normally sit.

Last night the Phantoms trucked it up to Albany, where they lost once more. Joe Rehkamp and Davis Drewiske each scored their first of the season in the 4-2 loss. Jason LaBarbera–who finished the game strongly Friday night–played in net.

Team Report

The two straight losses have knocked the Hamilton Street Heroes back below .500 at 17-18-2-1. That’s good enough for 12th out of 15 in the Eastern Conference–not nearly good enough to make the playoffs. The team is 7-10-1 at home and 10-8-1-1 on the road.

As I wrote the other day, it’s way too early for such talk. We need to stack wins and gather points. It’s preferable to do it in regulation time so that the other team doesn’t get any points.

The Penalty Kill unit, which had been playing so well of late, allowed two Power Play goals in the second period last night. It broke a long streak dating back to last year.

Player Report

Andrew MacDonald, still nursing an injury which had been described as ‘mild,’ did not make the trip to Albany. He didn’t go to Philly to be the 7th d-man, either, as far as I know. The exact nature an severity of his injury is not known.

Petr Straka, no longer the league’s scoring leader now that Scranton is back on track, returned to action last night in Albany

Cole Bardreau and Evan Rankin were healthy scratches last night; Matt Lashoff and Jay Rosehill were veteran scratches.

Lines from last night in Albany:

24 Straka – 37 Brent – 13 McDonald

23 Leier – 25 Cousins – 16 Palushaj

18 Martel – 89 Gagner – 22 Conner

12 Goulbourne – 17 Goumas – 44 Rehkamp

3 Morin – 2 Alt

4 Hagg – 20 Lamarche

5 Drewiske – 8 Pettersson

30 LaBarbera

GAME DAY!

The last place Binghamton Senators come back to town and still hold the worst record in the American Hockey League. However, they always play us super-tough–or we play them super soft. One of those. Anyway, it’s Star Wars day at the arena, and if the force is with us we’ll have a chance in this one.

Puck Drop: 5:05PM

Doors: 4:00PM

Tickets and Parking: This might be another “sell out.” Limited seats remain, and this game may be at “SRO” status by the time you read this. Pre-purchase a pass for the Arena/Linden deck via the PPL Center website, or use Parking Authority facilities. Follow @AtownParking on Twitter for updates on full lots and the like, as game time approaches.

Media Kit: Senators January 10 2016

Printable Rosters: See pages 11 and 12 of the Media Kit

Broadcast Information: Watch the game on Service Electric TV-2 or online via AHL-Live (pay); Radio today will be AM-790 insteas of 1470. In the arena tune to FM 89.9 for the “real time” call.

Promotion: Star Wars Day! No giveaway, but there will be characters from the films available around the concourse for pictures and such. Bring the kiddos! However, there is no truth to the rumor that Stortini will be playing Chewbacca.

Pregame: With playoff football on TV, Chickie’s may be a bit crowded. I’d recommend arriving early to get a table. Occasionally, they have drink specials on football Sundays–but I can’t be certain for today.

We had our pregame meal at Bell Hall once again on Friday. This time it wasn’t my choice (Ironically, I had been lobbying for Shula’s before the news came down.) But we had fabulous service and good food–as per usual. Post-game we dropped by the bar inside the Dime. It was a bit crowded at first, but some decent music and talented bartenders made it a good time.

Today? I’ll likely forgo the pregame for a possible post-game. Chickie’s? Perhaps. I’ve got a grain. gift card burning a hole in my pocket, as well.

What To Watch

I expect Stolie to get the start in goal. Watch to see how he bounces back from a bad start on Friday. As I said, I thought a couple of the goals were really fluky, so I expect he’ll play well.

Watch how the lines shake out. If you look above, there’s really no reason all four lines can’t contribute to the scoring at this point. But, if production isn’t there, perhaps some of the scratched/veteran guys need to be worked in. This is the third game in three days, so substituting to rest players isn’t a horrible idea–they’ve gotta sit three vets regardless.

Watch to see energy and effort: This is the B-Sens third game in three days as well, and their fourth this week, so there should be no significant advantage for either team

Watch to see how folks respond to the new goal horn, brought to us by the folks at Mack Trucks. Hopefully we hear it a bunch today!

There is no “try.” So let’s see if the Phantoms “do” or if they “do not” get the win today.

Watch to see how the lines go for the Season Ticket Holder gift: We’re to pick up our special pint glasses in the main lobby are by the Tim Horton’s gate. Friday night the lines were a bit long and the process a bit disorganized; however, things smoothed out and they should be prepared today. You’ve to until the end of February to pick them up–one per seat as long as you have the tickets with you.

Looking Ahead

The Phantoms stay home this week, and will face Hershey and Hartford Friday and Saturday respectively, at the PPL Center. Sunday they’ll be in Bridgeport as it’s another 3/3 weekend for the fellas.

Friday night is another T-Shirt night. Saturday will be Girl Scout night. If I win the Powerball, you might not get a preview blog–but you will all be invited to my arena for the games.

See you at the arena,

@Kram209

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Categories: Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Phantoms Hockey