VERSUS
The Philadelphia Phantoms hope to sneak into Hartford tonight and “scare” the Wolf Pack out of two points at the XL Center in the fr0nt-end of back-to-back games.
The East Division first-place Phantoms (40-23-2-3 85 points) have a connection to the second place Atlantic Division Wolf Pack (40-19-2-6 88 points). Among the roster of Phantoms are former NY Ranger prospect “Nasty” Nate Guenin (3G, 11A 14pts +4) and one-time Pack tough-guy Martin Grenier (1G, 2A 3pts +3).
The top offensive threat is center, Jared Ross. The 5’9″ 171lb Huntsville, AL native in 57 games has potted 18 goals, 33 assists for 51 points and has a plus-11 for the season. On the left wing is Kyle Greentree. His 60 game totals are 20 goals, 22 assists for 42 points and a minus-5. Meanwhile on the right side is Stefan Ruzicka has seen action in 48 games and posted 16 goals, 22 assists and 38 points and even. Centers Jonathan Matsumoto (18G, 22A, 40pts), and Ryan Potulny (16, 22 38 points minus-14) round out the top front end players on the roster. On the blueline, the Phantoms have Oskars Bartulis (1, 20, 21 points plus-10) and Guenin.
In the net, Scott Munroe is the Phantoms’ top goaltender posting a 16-8-2 record with a 2.25GAA and a .919%. The Phantom back-up is Martin Houle and his 1-1-0 record with a 1.13 GAA and a .948%.
Philadelphia is being chased by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins who trail the Phantoms by 2 points and have a game in hand. The team has been mediocre in their last 10 going 4-5-0-1 over the span. This is a game the Phantoms need and will bring it in both games against the Pack.
The Pack are in their own battle themselves. They are tied with the Portland Pirates in points at 88 with the Pack in second by virtue of the game in hand they have. The team has gone 5-4-0-1 in their last ten and played exceptionally well in their last game against Worcester winning 4-1.
Expected back is Dane Byers after serving his three game suspension and the team is hopeful that Brodie Dupont has recovered from the flu and will be back in the line-up. Jordan Owens has his first two-game scoring streak and has three goals and an assist over his last three games. Andrew Hutchinson returned from his hip injury and has a trio of assists and is clearly the Pack’s MVP and given how solid a year he’s had will get serious consideration for the AHL’s MVP.
In the net, will be either David LeNeveu (11-10-3 2.41GAA, .916% overall and despite a hard luck record of 2-3-0 but since coming to the Pack has a blazing 1.42GAA and a .940%. The Pack could also put in Miika Wiikman who was sensational in his return to the net against Worcester. He’s posted a 17-7-3 2.28GAA and a .918%.
Bruce Berlet highlights the Pack’s ability to overcome the adversity of injury in the Hartford Courant.
To listen to the Bob Crawford broadcast, start with the pre-game show at 6:30 on ESPN 1410AM or view the game starting at 7pm on B2Livetv.com.
Don’t forget that the Pack, along with Kiss 95.7FM, are welcoming Latin R & B artist Kat DeLuna. She’ll be taking pictures and signing autographs at 6pm and will then sing the national anthem and perform in between the first and second period. Here’s a sample:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIkDx3ZS7TU&hl=en]
