The Phantoms not only operated with a full bench for the first time this season on Sunday, but it appeared that the Yellow and Black were operating on all cylinders as the defending champions absolutely demolished Rogue River by the final of 9-1. Was the high octane display a result of a Friday Night in which several players went out to the Griffins game? Or was the display the result of the team party at Gordie's on Saturday. Personally, it may have been the entertainment at the Party that got me out of my goaltending slump. Either way, the Phantoms played by far the best game of the season and were able to capture their fourth straight victory against Rogue River. Moreover, the single goal scored by Rogue River during the contest marks the lowest scoring total against the Phantoms that Rogue River has scored during all five lifetime meetings. The Phantom defense would play a huge role during the clash between the two arch-rivals, as the blue line brigade would force Rogue River shots from the outside, limited the amount of pressure deep inside the defensive zone. The Phantom penalty killing unit would be outstanding, as despite 12 minutes in penalty killing time, Rogue River would come up empty on the power play. On the offensive side, the Phantoms received four first-period-goals, three second-period-goals and a pair in the final-period. Casey Rosenberg led the team in points with four goals and one assist. Gordie Anderson and Trent Kik knocked home a pair of goals, while Brad Zehr staged a singleton. Rouge River outshot the Phantoms 28-25. The Phantoms combined to take 12 minutes in penalties, including Trent Kik's three minors that sent him to the locker room during the middle stanza. As for Rouge River, they were called for 8 minutes in penalties. The victory was a huge win for the Phantoms in the standings race in the Silver division. Entering Sunday action, the Phantoms were in fifth place. Following the final game of the night, the Phantoms with their two points in hand climbed above Team Shortbus and Rogue River for third place in the six team alliance. Phantom Hockey...We Are The Phantoms!
