THIRD PERIOD

J.S. Aubin took over in net for the Flyers to start the third period.

The Phantoms took a 2-1 lead on a shift where the Jared Ross line kept the Mike Richards line (with Sbisa and Eminger on D) pinned in the defensive zone for almost a minute. Finally, a Nate Guenin shot in from the right point was blocked down in front. The puck was claimed by Patrick Maroon, who tucked the puck in the net .

The Phantoms made it 3-1 at the expiration of a penalty. Jonathan Matsumoto came out of the box, creating a three-on-one rush. The chance was stopped but the Flyers failed to clear. G Jonathan Matsumoto showed quick acceleration to cut across in front, and get a shot on net. He then followed up his own rebound.

At 15:08, Scottie Upshall batted a Lasse Kukkonen rebound out of the air past Niittymaki.

In the closing minute of regulation, a would-be game tying goals was disallowed after Jeff Carter directed the puck into the net with his glove. At 19:42, Andreas Nodl hustled to a loose puck and, falling to the ice, shot in the empty net.


SECOND PERIOD

Antero Niittymaki was the story of the second period, making several outstanding saves, including moving laterally to stop a 3-on-1. The goalie's hip looks fine.

Jared Ross ties the game on the powerplay at 17:12. He beat Randy Jones to a loose puck near the crease and put it home. Assists went to Curry and Maroon.

Shots were 15 for Phantoms (22 through two periods), 10 for the Flyers (24 through two periods).


FIRST PERIOD

As expected, there's a lot of stick checking and plenty of open ice.

On the lone goal of the period, Simon Gagne got loose in the slot and received a pass from Danny Briere. He put the puck upstairs at 12:11. Mike Richards drew the other helper.

There was also a breakaway by Arron Asham that fizzled out as he hit the blueline. It turned into a routine save on a long-range shot.

Shots were 14 for the Flyers and 7 for the Phantoms.

***

The pregame ceremonies were wonderful. In a very real way, those guys out there on the ice represent a piece of my childhood. I don't know how many more times such a large group of players from the Cup teams will be together in the same place.

It was a very nice touch to bring the sons of the late Barry Ashbee and the gravely ill Wayne Stephenson onto the ice with the players from the team. The biggest cheers went to the LCB line, Bernie Parent and Dave Schultz.

Rest in peace, Ashcan and Cowboy, and get well, Wayne Stephenson.

****

FLYERS

Gagne - Richards - Briere
Upshall - Carter - Knuble
Hartnell - Metropolit - Lupul
Cote - Powe - Asham

Timonen - Coburn
Vaananen - Sbisa
Jones/Kukkonen - Eminger

Biron
[Aubin]

PHANTOMS

Nodl - Ross - Giroux
Lukacevic - Matsumoto - Maroon
Kalinski - Raduns - Bellamy
Szwez - Cabana - Clackson

Syvret - Guenin
Bartulis - Curry
Ramholt - Ratchuk

Niittymaki
[Munroe]


***
n Europe, preseason games are rather humorously dubbed "friendlies." Personally, I've never seen a friendly hockey game, but if any one qualifies, it's tonight's Spectrum finale between the Flyers and Phantoms.

The highlight of the night, in all likelihood, will be the pregame ceremonies honoring the living members of the Flyers' 1974 and 1975 Stanley Cup championship clubs. As for the game itself, if there are no injuries and a few entertaining sequences, it's a successful night.

I'll blog some postgame thoughts late tonight.

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