Fiercely Fought Game Previews Intense Playoff Series

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Denis Gauthier's goal midway through the third period broke a 2-2 tie and gave the Philadelphia Phantoms a slim 3-2 win over the Albany River Rats Sunday night at the Wachovia Spectrum.

The Phantoms jumped out to an energetic start against the River Rats as both teams were looking to leave their mark before next week’s playoff series. Rookie Jonathan Matsumoto opened the scoring at 4:38 of the first period with a power play goal off the first face off of the advantage. It took just six seconds from the start of the power play for Matsumoto to collect the puck at the top of the right face off circle and hammer a slap shot into the net for his 20th goal of the season. Rookie defenseman Michael Ratchuk, a native of Buffalo, NY, gave the Phantoms a 2-0 lead when scored his first career professional goal. Ratchuk used his speed to slip through Albany’s defense and tuck his shot past goaltender Justin Peters for a power play strike at 11:59.

But in typical River Rats fashion, the visitors chipped away at Philadelphia’s lead in the second period to work themselves back in the game. Mike Angelidis scored an acrobatic goal at 5:58, his 11th goal of the season, just managing to slip his shot through the pads of goaltender Scott Munroe as he was been hauled down by a Phantoms’ defender; rookie Joel Rechlicz recorded his first career AHL point with an assist on Angelidis’ goal. Late in the period Jakub Petruzalek tied the game at 2-2 when he tipped a Steve Ward shot past Munroe at 17:54 for his 14th goal of the season.

The Phantoms nosed in front midway through the third period when a Denis Gauthier shot rolled behind Justin Peters and referee David Banfield ruled that the puck crossed the goal line before Peters grabbed it with his catching glove. Albany battled for the tying goal and with just under three minutes left several players raised their arms in celebration, but the referee was in position and waved off the Rats pleas for a goal. Albany pulled their goaltender for the final minute of play, but could not score the equalizer, falling to the Phantoms 3-2.

Scott Munroe recorded the victory in his first game action since March 22, stopping 28-of-30 shots to help Philadelphia improve to 46-27-4-3. Justin Peters took the loss in goal for Albany, making 18 saves on 21 shots as the River Rats dropped to 43-30-3-4. Albany went 0-for-7 on the power play, while the Phantoms were 2-for-7 with the man-advantage.

With the 2007-08 regular season in the books, the River Rats are now preparing for the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs. Albany will face Philadelphia in the first round, the East Division Semifinals, with Game 1 on Wednesday, April 16th at 7:00 pm at the Times Union Center in Albany.

River Rats playoff ticket packages and individual game tickets for the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs are on sale now, with special pricing available for children and seniors. For more information please contact the Albany River Rats at (518) 487-2244 or online at www.albanyriverrats.com.

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