Glens Falls, NY-Phantoms goaltender Michael Leighton made 25 saves in a solid performance and the Bears withstood a late Adirondack flurry to defeat the Phantoms 3-0 at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Friday night. It was Leighton’s second start since returning to the Phantoms on January 4.

The result snapped Adirondack’s point streak at six games. Hershey avenged their most recent result in Glens Falls with the win. On their last trip to the North Country they lost a 3-1 decision to Adirondack on December 17.

Adirondack outshot Hershey 15-8 in the final frame but Adirondack was unable to get it by Bears goaltender Danny Sabourin who made 25 saves to earn his tenth win of the season and his second shutout of the year. The Phantoms had their opportunities including three power plays in the period but could not get it past the Bears netminder.

The Bears opened the scoring with 35 seconds remaining in the first period. On the Bears’ third power play of the period, Zach Miskovic f rom the center point beat Phantoms goaltender Michael Leighton to give Hershey a 1-0 lead. It was Miskovic’s sixth goal of the year assisted by Dmitri Kugryshev and ex-Phantom captain Boyd Kane. Michael Leighton was stellar in the opening period though making six of his seven saves on the power play.

The Bears extended their lead 4:22 into the second period. Steve Pinizzotto sent a cross-ice pass to Brian Willsie who put one into an open net as Leighton was caught to the far side of the goal. It was Willsie’s thirteenth goal of the season to give Hershey the 2-0 lead.

Adirondack had their best chances throughout a frenzied attack in the third period which included a late 6-on-4 power play with Leighton pulled for an extra attacker.

Steve Pinizzotto sealed the game for the Bears as he scored his ninth goal of the season into an empty net with 15 seconds remaining.

Jon Kalinski created some good opportunities and also blocked several shots and passes on the penalty kill for one of the stronger Adirondack performances on the evening.

Adirondack travels to Hershey next Sunday afternoon for the final time this season while Hershey does not return to the Glens Falls Civic Center until March 12.

Adirondack finished 0-for 6 on the power play while Hershey went 1-for-4. The Bears outshot the Phantoms 28-25.

Notes: Marc-Andre Bourdon, Joonas Lehtivuori, Andrew Rowe and Stefan Legein were scratches for the Phantoms. Denis Hamel returned to the lineup after missing the previous three games. J.P. Testwuide played wing for the second game in a row. Michael Ryan’s five-game goal scoring streak was snapped. Zac Rinaldo accumulated nine penalty minutes in the game and now has 155 total minutes on the season to rate third in the AHL and first among rookies. His 19 majors is tied for the most in the AHL with Connecticut’s Devin Didomete.

Upcoming Phantoms Games:

Saturday, January 15, 7:00pm - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at Adirondack Phantoms - Phlex Retirement Party and UniFirst Youth Backpack Giveaway (first 1000 fans 14 and younger)
Sunday, January 16, 4:00pm - Adirondack Phantoms at Syracuse Crunch
Friday, January 21, 7:00pm - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins vs. Adirondack Phantoms (at Philadelphia)

Saturday, January 22, 7:00pm - Hamilton Bulldogs at Adirondack Phantoms

Don't be left out! Tickets for all Phantoms games are on sale now. Discount rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Save off the individual ticket price by asking the Phantoms about their great group rate packages.

The AHL is celebrating their 75th anniversary season and is the top development league for the NHL. More than 85 percent of today's NHL players are American Hockey League graduates and more than 6 million fans attend AHL games every year.

Come watch future NHL stars and up-and-coming Flyers prospects with exciting Adirondack Phantoms hockey! A variety of ticket packages for all the fast-paced action are on sale now. The Phantoms selection of discount ticket packages includes 3-packs, 6-packs, 12 and 22 Select Plans, full season plans and Flex Packs. Choose the plan that works best for you! Get your tickets at the Phantoms office inside the Glens Falls Civic Center, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling the Phantoms at 518-480-3355.