Since the Phantoms began playing at Lazerskate over a year ago, the team
has been involved in only a single shoot-out. On Sunday, the Phantoms were
a mere two seconds from advancing to their second lifetime shootout, which
ironically would have taken place against the same team, but a defensive
blunder that failed to ice the puck with just seconds remaining ruined the
shoot-out hopes for the Phantoms. Despite plenty of time to just clear the
puck, the defensive error would result in Howie's gaining control of the puck on
the Phantom right-wing boards and skating from behind the goal line in front as
Howie's Star Max Seplinga would complete the hat-trick by inching the puck
across the goal line and into the Phantom net. The Max strike would occur with
just two seconds remaining on the clock, as the Phantoms suffer their third
consecutive loss of the season, falling to a bleak record of 1-3. Despite a
much improved team from one week ago, the Phantoms began to run into
problems in the second period, as four undisciplined penalties would result in
Howie's recording three power-play goals in the second period that would put
the defending champs on top at 3-2. In the third period, the Phantoms would
tally two goals, including a game-tying goal with 3:08 remaining. Yet, as was
displayed during the Phantom vs. Ghostbuster game two weeks ago, the
Phantoms continue to experience chaos and blunders late in games, as this
most recent error again cost the Phantoms at least a single point in the
standings. On the game, the Phantom offense managed to record only 15
shots on goal. Though two straight games, the Yellow Shirts have managed to
make the opposing goaltender's duties very light, as the Phantoms have
recorded only 28 shots on goal in two games. One week ago, Phantom
netminder Kevin Wootton was very outraged and upset at his performance
against the GVSU A-team. Tonight, the netminder was completely outstanding
and rebounded from that game as well as anyone could have asked for. The
Phantom net detective was peppered with 39 shots on goal and as short-term
Muskegon Fury announcer Terry Ficorelli would stay he sprouted rubber limbs
on demand. The netminder has faced a total of 80 shots in the team's last two
outings. (I'm thinking he needs a raise, or at least a beer or two!) The
Phantoms will take on the Red Devils next Sunday at 3:00pm. The Phantoms
will hope to end the team's three-game-losing-skid against the Devils in a game
that could see a different looking Phantom team.
Phantom Hockey...We Are The Phantom!