PENS ELIMINATE PHANTOMS

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Takes East Division Finals With 3-1 Win

WILKES-BARRE, PA – Three different Penguins scored and Kurtis McLean had two assists to lead the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins past the Philadelphia Phantoms 3-1 in Game 5 of the East Division Finals. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton wins the series four games to one and advances to the Eastern Conference Finals to take on the winner of the Portland/Providence Atlantic Division Finals series.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton scored first on the evening. The Penguins snuffed out a Philadelphia scoring chance and were able to break out on a 4-on-2 rush. Scott Munroe made the initial stop on a shot by Mark Ardelan, but Dustin Jeffrey was able to reach the rebound and put it home for the 1-0 lead.

The Phantoms drew even early in the second period. Jon Kalinski carried a puck down center ice between the defensemen and pushed a shot in on John Curry, who made the save. But Darren Reid was there to knock home the rebound, knotting the score at 1-1.

Wilkes-Barre pulled back ahead at the 12:20 mark. Chris Minard was available and unbothered in the slot when he took a feed from Tim Brent, which he one-timed past Munroe for the 2-1 lead.

The Penguins added an insurance goal 4:01 into the third period. Kurtis McLean took a bad-angle shot from the right side that Munroe stopped, and Tim Wallace was in front to bury the rebound for the 3-1 advantage.

Munroe took the loss with 20 saves on 23 shots. Curry won his fourth consecutive game with 22 saves on 23 Phantoms bids.

The loss brings the 2007-08 season to an end for the Phantoms. Season tickets for the 2008-09 season are now on sale, with information available at Phantomshockey.com or by calling the Phantoms at 215-465-4522.

Friday, May 09, 2008