albanyriverrats.com

10/13/2007 10:02 AM - PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia Phantoms overcame a 37-25 shots on goal deficit to shutout the Albany River Rats 3-0 Friday night at the Wachovia Spectrum.

Philadelphia’s Jonathan Matsumoto gave the Phantoms the lead near the halfway lead on a bizarre ricochet off defenseman Tim Conboy. Matsumoto lost control of the puck as he attempted to cut back to the far post and the puck redirected off the leg of Conboy and past a helpless Michael Leighton at 9:01. The River Rats had three power plays, but could not crack the armor of goaltender Brian Boucher.

Ryan Potulny gave the Phantoms a 2-0 lead at 3:52 of the 2nd period, one timing a shot from the slot into the net; assisted by Pete Zingoni and Denis Tolpeko. Mike Angelidis almost put Albany on the scoreboard when his short-handed attempt beat the Philadelphia goalie, but Boucher and the Phantoms were saved when the puck clanged off the post.

In the third period Jared Ross extended Philadelphia’s lead to 3-0 with a power play goal at 12:37 assisted by Stefan Ruzicka and Alexandre Picard.

Brian Boucher made 37 saves to earn the shutout victory in goal for Philadelphia. Michael Leighton took the loss for Albany making 22 saves on 25 shots.

The River Rats return home to play their home opener at the Times Union Center against the Norfolk Admirals on Saturday October 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Full and partial season tickets packages for the 2007-08 River Rats season are on sale now. For more information please contact the Albany River Rats at (518) 487-2244 or online at www.albanyriverrats.com.