Game 25 Preview: Rochester at Lehigh Valley

Saturday, December 10, 2016
Photo: Amanda Statland
Phantoms set to host Rochester for second straight night

Written by: Tony Androckitis, Twitter/Facebook

I'll have full coverage of tonight's Phantoms game against the Rochester Americans. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. ET, but make sure you're following along on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock & Facebook (be sure to like the Facebook page!) for all the latest updates and information.

Stay tuned here online after the game for a recap of the action. Don't forget to subscribe to Highland Park Hockey's YouTube channel for post-game interviews with AHL hockey players.

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (16-7-1) look to finish off the two-game weekend with the Rochester Americans (9-13-1) by completing the two game sweep when they host the Amerks tonight at the PPL Center at 7:05 p.m. ET

Last night, the Phantoms fell behind 2-0 early but a breakaway goal by Travis Sanheim with 12.5 seconds left before the first intermission turned the tides and led the way to a dominating middle frame for Lehigh Valley. The Phantoms stormed back with three goals and a 19-6 shot edge in the second period to take control before ultimately preserving the 4-3 win.

After the jump, a preview full of the latest news and notes to get you ready for tonight's game.

You can help keep me on the road covering the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season by making a donation via GoFundMe or PayPal.

By The Numbers

LV: 24 games played, 16-7-1-0 = 33 points
4th Place Atlantic Division
Streak: 1-0-0-0
Last 10 Games: 6-4-0-0

RCH: 23 games played, 9-13-0-1 = 19 points
6th Place North Division
Streak: 0-2-0-0
Last 10 Games: 2-7-0-1

Special Teams

Power Play

LV - 28-for-114: 24.6% = 4th in AHL
RCH - 21-for-96: 21.9% = 8th in AHL

Penalty Kill

LV - 74-for-89: 83.1% = 14th in AHL
RCH - 85-for-101: 84.2% = 9th in AHL

Leading Scorers

LV: Jordan Weal (22GP, 9G-15A), T.J. Brennan (24GP, 7G-13A) and Greg Carey (24GP, 11G-8A)
RCH: Cal O'Reilly (20GP, 5G-18A), Cole Schneider (18GP, 10G-12A) and Nick Baptiste (15GP, 11G-4A)

Starting Goaltenders

LV: Alex Lyon (15GP. 9-5-1, 2.61 GAA, .914 SV%, 1 SO)
RCH: John Muse (3GP, 1-1-0, 2.82 GAA, .908 SV%, 0 SO)

Season Series

Tonight marks the second of four scheduled meetings in the regular season between the Phantoms and Americans. Last night, the Phantoms came from behind with strong effort in the second period to defeat Rochester 4-3. The Phantoms visit Rochester later this month for a similar two-game set.

Season Series Schedule

Friday, December 9th: Rochester -3 at Lehigh Valley - 4
Saturday, December 10th: Rochester at Lehigh Valley - 7:05 p.m. ET
Wednesday, December 28th: Lehigh Valley at Rochester - 7:05 p.m. ET
Friday, December 30th: Lehigh Valley at Rochester - 7:05 p.m. ET

Lehigh Valley Phantoms

Roster Notes 

Alex Lyon is expected to get the start in net tonight against Rochester.

Defenseman Max Lamarche and forward Steven Swavely were reassigned to Reading (ECHL) after participating in the Phantoms' game day skate at PPL Center Friday morning. With Lehigh Valley's ECHL affiliate close by and also at home, it's a chance to keep guys fresh and get them playing.

AHL transactions also has forward Kevin Sundher joining the Phantoms from ECHL Reading. In 19 games with the Royals this season, Sundher has registered four goals and nine assists.

Mark Alt is skating at practice with the Phantoms in a red no-contact jersey. While he's not expected back until the end of the month, it's always a good sign to see a guy get back on the ice with the team after an extended absence. Alt's shoulder injury in the September 28th NHL preseason game against the New Jersey Devils required surgery and he hasn't played in a game yet this year.

Expected Scratches: Kevin Sundher (healthy)

Expected Lines 

Greg Carey - Scott Laughton - Colin McDonald (C)
Danick Martel - Jordan Weal - Chris Conner
Cole Bardreau - Andy Miele - Mark Zengerle
Corban Knight - Radel Fazleev - Nicolas Aube-Kubel

T.J. Brennan - Reece Willcox
Sam Morin - Travis Sanheim
Will O'Neill (A) - Robert Hagg

Alex Lyon - Martin Ouellette

Recent Transactions

12/9: ADD - F Kevin Sundher returned from loan to Reading (ECHL)
12/9: DEL - D Max Lamarche returned on loan to Reading (ECHL)
12/9: DEL - F Steven Swavely returned on loan to Reading (ECHL)
12/5: ADD - C Scott Laughton loaned from Philadelphia (NHL)
12/5: DEL - F Taylor Leier recalled from loan by Philadelphia (NHL)

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