Introducing Phantoms' Post-Game Portal 2/2/19
EDITOR'S NOTE: Introducing Phantoms Post-Game Portal, where all of Inside AHL Hockey's coverage of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms road games - post-game press conferences, audio and video interviews - will be stored and available exclusively to our subscribers at no additional cost to our $3 monthly subscription! If you're not currently signed up, subscribe today for full access to our in-depth coverage of the American Hockey League (AHL) with over a dozen AHL-credentialed reporters and photographers across the U.S. and Canada reporting live from the rink!
Support original journalism and keep this small independent media outlet out at the rink providing exclusive insight into hockey's future stars in the NHL.
A simple $3 minimum monthly donation via our Patreon page gets you access to the entire site - in-depth player features, prospect reports, team and league coverage from coast to coast all at your disposal 24/7/365!
To show your support and take it one step further, you can upgrade to a one-year subscription with a one-time payment via PayPal.
HERSHEY, PA -- The Lehigh Valley Phantoms came into Hershey looking to put a halt to the Bears' recent seven-game unbeaten streak, but the Atlantic Division rival was well-rested after a rare Friday night off and the fresher legs made a difference - at least in the first period - setting the tone for the evening.
The Phantoms fell behind 2-0 on a first period goal from Nathan Walker and a bad-angle behind-the-net goal from Ryan Sproul early in the second period, but were able to battle their way through and make it a one-goal hockey game heading to the third thanks to Carsen Twarynski's sixth of the season. Ultimately, after failing to convert on an extended two-man advantage late in the third period, the Phantoms dropped a 2-1 decision to the Bears in regulation - further tightening up the Atlantic Division Standings.
Saturday night's GAME STORY -> http://insideahlhockey.com/article/gameday-game-47-lehigh-valley-25-16-5-at-hershey-21-20-3-705-pm-et
POST-GAME REACTION
Head Coach Kerry Huffman
On Saturday night's game:
I thought they were obviously rested and ready to play. We weathered the storm there at the start of the game and hung in there. It became one of those grind it out one goal games. Both power plays struggled and that was the story of the night.
On Branden Komm playing in Hershey after allowing 3 goals on 4 shots last time here:
Yeah, absolutely. He did his job. Like I said, we weren't as crisp and sharp as we were last night. And sometimes that happens in this league.
On late third period power plays, and the calls evening out:
I wasn't really sure. It was kind of one of those games. I think we had maybe taken some penalties (in the 1st) because we were playing a little bit slower than they were. They had some real good pace to their game. Like I said, they were ready for us. I think sometimes when that happens, you start to chase the game a little bit and you start taking some more penalties. So I wasn't sure it was going to balance out, but we had an opportunity there at the end and we didn't capitalize.
On the road ahead:
We'll take a look at it, there's some thing we have to do better. We'll get some guys back here over the next little bit. Have a good week of practice, we haven't had a whole lot of practice time the last three weeks either. Which we'll be nice, to really spend some time and break some things down and get working on some things. We had a 5-on-3 with some guys that hadn't played together on a 5-on-3 yet so it's a little challenging that way for us, but we'll get through it.
On the Atlantic Division tightening up:
We've been seeing this coming for a month and a half. Everybody knew Providence would be better too. And these guys are playing some good hockey. So, it's going to be a tough last 25 games. That's for sure.
Carsen Twarynski
Lehigh Valley Phantoms forward Carsen Twarynski caught up with Inside AHL Hockey following Saturday's 2-1 loss to Hershey.
