Binghamton Senators Host Lehigh Valley Phantoms: Game Preview
By Jeff Ulmer
An important meeting between two division teams jockeying for position as the Lehigh Valley Phantoms make their second appearance in the Southern Tier taking on the Binghamton Senators tonight.
(11-9-2-1, 25 pts) 3rd in East Division
VS
(10-9-2-1, 23 pts) 4th in East Division
7:05 PM
Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena
RADIO: 96.9 FM, 680 AM. AHL Live
MATCH-UP HISTORY
Binghamton and Lehigh Valley faceoff for the first time ever on Oct 25th on home ice in a Phantoms’ 5-4 OT win as the Senators came back late in the third scoring two goals in the last 15 seconds to send it to the extra session, as they gained a point for their effort’s.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Andrew Gordon, LV – Gordon’s been bouncing around the league lately playing for his fifth AHL team as the 28-year-old veteran was a property of the Washington Capitals having been drafted in the seventh round in 2004 being a juggernaut for the Hershey Bears. He’s scored 6 goals and 6 assists in 22 games with a -5 this season for the Phantoms.
Cole Schneider, BNG – Had a late start offensively but has turned the corner lately scoring 9 goals and having 9 assists in 22 games in total, being second best scoring on 14.8 % of his shots on net behind Shane Prince’s team leading 17.3%.
THREE KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Andrew Hammond – With Hammond fresh off his recall up in Ottawa, he hasn’t seen any game action since his 7-0 shutout over the Albany Devils on Nov 22nd, as he suffered a practice injury. Chris Driedger was brought up and Scott Greenham filled in. I would doubt Hammond starts both games this weekend but should get the nod tonight.
2. Phantoms Penalty Leaders– With the league leading 24.86 PIM per game, this club will be fighting their way through tonight’s contest as they also lead in 10-minute misconduct’s with 10. Look for the Senators to counter with defenseman Mike Sdao and pesky Darren Kramer in the line-up.
3. Senators Surging – The club leads the league in averaging 3.43 goals per game and is third best on the power play with a 22.8% having scored 18 times on 79 advantages. The penalty kill sits 16th at 82.7%. Both factors will come into play as Lehigh Valley is 11th on the PP, 21st on the PK and averages 2.59 goals for 23rd place.
B-SENS TWEET OF THE GAME
*Cover Pic Courtesy of SenShot’s Photographer Alicia Strauch