DEUCES WILD

Phantoms Knot Eastern Conference Semis With 2-1 Win

PHILADELPHIA – Kyle Greentree scored the game-winning goal during a second-period power play and Scott Munroe made 30 saves to give the Philadelphia Phantoms a 2-1 win over the Albany River Rats in Game 4 of the East Division Semifinals. The series now stands at two games apiece entering Thursday’s Game 5 at the Times Union Center.

The teams traded goals in the game’s early stages. After a boarding penalty to Ryan Potulny just 30 seconds into the contest, the River Rats opened the scoring with a power play marker exactly two minutes in. Jakub Petruzalek grabbed the rebound of a David Cornacchia shot and beat Munroe for the one and only time on the evening.

But the Phantoms answered just 20 seconds later. Rory Fitzpatrick took a shot from the point that pinballed off bodies, the last being that of Jonathan Matsumoto, and then past Albany goaltender Michael Leighton, leveling the score at 1-1.

It stayed that way until the 5:20 mark of the second period. Greentree was to the right post and put home the rebound of Denis Gauthier’s bid from the point.

The Phantoms were outshot 15-3 in the third period, but Munroe stood strong throughout the stanza. Leighton took the loss with 24 saves on the night.

With the win, the Phantoms assure of returning the series to Philadelphia for a Game 6 on Saturday night at 7:05. Before that, however, the teams will meet on Thursday night in Game 5 at Albany’s Times Union Center at 7:00. Tickets for Game 6 are available at the Wachovia Complex box office, online at ComcastTIX.com or phantomshockey.com, or by phone at 1-800-298-4200.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008