The Adirondack Phantoms (22-26-0-3) will look to use a big crowd at the home of the Philadelphia Flyers, Wells Fargo Center, to end a seven game losing skid (0-6-0-1) game skid and make a push toward the Eastern Conference playoff race.
To do so they'll need a victory tonight over division rival Bridgeport Sound Tigers (23-24-1-4), who enters tonight's 7:30 p.m. EST contest four points ahead of the Phantoms in the Northeast Division.
For all the latest on tonight's AHL action from Philadelphia, follow along on Twitter (@H_P_Hockey) and check back here shortly after for a recap of the game. A closer look at the two teams after the jump.
Frustrated Phantoms Penalized With Suspensions
The Phantoms (ADK) have played several close games during their recent losing streak, falling by a one-goal decision three times in a row in the middle part of the last seven game games. On Sunday, the frustration appeared to finally boil over in a line brawl in the final minutes of a 2-0 loss to the Portland Pirates.
Five players were suspended from the Phantoms in the melee that ensued in Maine. Forwards Ben Holmstrom and Tye McGinn each served their one game suspensions in last night's 4-2 loss to the Albany Devils. Forward Zach Fitzgerald still has one game to serve, which means he won't play tonight. Goaltender Cal Heeter, who twice left the bench to fight last Sunday against Portland, still has two more games left on his suspension. Forward Kris Newbury has three games left on his four-game suspension.
Now is as good a time as ever to right the ship and try to get back in the Eastern Conference playoff race for the Phantoms, who are currently 15 points out of a playoff spot in 13th in the East.
Sound Tigers Pushing Towards Playoff Race
While the Phantoms are trending down, the Sound Tigers come into tonight's game winners of four straight and five of their last six. Rookie forwards Ryan Strome and Anders Lee lead the way offensively for Bridgeport, with Strome leading all rookies in scoring 48 points in 35 games and Lee ranking second among first year players in goals scored with 21.
The Sound Tigers trail 9th place Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins by 11 points, but can keep the pressure on with a win tonight. The Sound Tigers also have a game in hand on the Penguins that will play tomorrow night and home, with the potential to cut the deficit in the standings to seven points.
By The Numbers
ADK: 22-26-0-3 = 47 points, Fourth Place Northeast Division (13th - East)
Last Ten Games: 1-8-0-1
BST: 23-24-1-4 = 51 points, Third Place Northeast Division (10th - East)
Last Ten Games: 8-2-0-0
ADK Leading Scorers: Jason Akeson (18G-29A), Tye McGinn (14G-11A), Ben Holmstrom (10G-14A)
BST Leading Scorers: Ryan Strome (13G-35A), Anders Lee (21G-19A), Mike Halmo (17G-19A)
Starting Goaltenders
ADK - Carsen Chubak (1-0-0, 1.15 GAA, .966 SV%, 0 SO)
BST - Anders Nilsson (10-14-2, 2.88 GAA, .898 SV%, 2 SO)
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