Sunday, January 20, 2008

Devils Downed by Phantoms in OT, 4-3
Lowell hosts Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Wednesday

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Though Patrick Davis’ third-period goal forced overtime for the Lowell Devils, it was Kyle Greentree scoring 35 seconds into the extra session to give the Philadelphia Phantoms the 4-3 victory on Sunday at the Wachovia Spectrum.     

In a game that was dominated by special teams through the first forty minutes, Davis’ even-strength marker at 5:23 of the third tied the score at 3-3.  Davis was right on the doorstep to gather the rebound from Nicklas Bergfors’ shot and tuck it past goalie Brian Boucher.   Neither squad would be able to notch the go-ahead goal, sending the contest into overtime. 

Greentree made sure that it would be short-lived with a quick deke on the far dot and a low wrist shot that beat Frank Doyle through the five-hole.   Doyle finished with 23 saves as the Devils’ winless streak stretched to five games. 

Special teams allowed the Phantoms to go up 3-2 at 5:55 of the second period on a shorthanded goal by Darroll Powe.  The Phantom center had his long drive blocked by Doyle, but was able to snatch his own rebound and fire it home.  

The Devils cashed in on their first power play at 3:33 when Davis skated the puck around the net before feathering a reverse pass to Bergfors on the far post for his sixth of the year.  That would be the only power play goal in the game for Lowell in five opportunities. 

The Phantoms would answer with a pair of goals on the man-advantage to take a 2-1 lead.  Jonathan Matsumoto got enough of a slapshot from the far circle to send it trickling under Doyle at 6:34.  Just under five minutes later, Stefan Ruzicka gave Philadelphia its first lead of the contest, toe-dragging around the defenseman and muscling a stuff shot into the net. 

Lowell would score with 5:21 until the first intermission to make it a tie game once again.  Olivier Magnan-Grenier’s slapshot from the point blew by Brian Boucher for his first tally this season. 

Lowell returns home on Wednesday, January 23 at 7:05 p.m. to battle the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Dollar Dawg Night.  All hot dogs are $1 for all fans in attendance.   Listen to all of the action live on 980AM-WCAP as Ryan Johnston brings you all of the play-by-play.  Call the Devils office at (978) 458-PUCK for more information or visit www.lowelldevilshockey.com.