Recap: Phantoms 3, Islanders 2
Apr 2, 2023The Bridgeport Islanders (31-27-7-1), American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, generated multiple high-quality scoring opportunities in the final period but were unable to crack the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (35-26-3-3) in a 3-2 loss on Sunday.
Chris Terry and Grant Hutton found the back of the net for the Islanders, while Cory Schneider (18-10-3) made 21 saves. Bridgeport went 0-for-3 on the man advantage and allowed a goal on its only penalty kill.
Lehigh Valley brought the pressure early, leading to the game’s first goal from Artem Anisimov when he buried a loose puck while falling to the ice, barely sneaking the jam-shot past a fully extended Schneider.
The Phantoms extended their lead to 2-0 just 3:25 into the second period with a power-play goal from Olle Lycksell after some tic-tac-toe passing from Tyson Foerster and Emil Andrae.
Terry cut Bridgeport’s deficit in half 7:08 into the middle frame with a signature one-time goal that came on a slick passing play from Arnaud Durandeau and Vincent Sevigny who were credited with the assists.
Lehigh Valley responded quickly with a Garrett Wilson goal just 2:35 after Terry’s score, giving the Phantoms a 3-1 lead.
The Islanders got back within a goal when Hutton ripped a shot while falling to his knees that beat a screened Nolan Maier. Cole Bardreau and Blade Jenkins found the scoresheet with the helpers.
Schneider was pulled in the final two minutes, giving the Islanders a lengthy 6-on-5 advantage that was thwarted by Maier in the dying seconds of the contest.
Next Time Out: The Islanders host the Springfield Thunderbirds for the second and final Healthy Habits School-Day event on Tuesday morning. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Fans can watch all the action via AHLTV or listen to the broadcast through the Bridgeport Islanders Radio Network.