The Lehigh Valley Phantoms were dealt their worst loss of 2015-16 on Wednesday, falling 7-1 to the Utica Comets, courtesy of a four-goal second period.
To make matters worse, they were without the services of second-year pro Anthony Stolarz for a majority of the game. Stolarz left after the first period (where he turned away eight of nine shots) with an undisclosed injury, giving way to Martin Ouellette for his first action of the season.
Playing in his first AHL game since Feb. 21, Ouellette was torched with six goals allowed on 24 shots faced. The seven goals allowed by the Phantoms (8-10-1-0) were the most they allowed since Jan. 21, a 7-2 loss to the Hershey Bears.
Ex-Phantom Blair Jones led the way in scoring, with two goals. Alex Biega, Alex Friesen, Taylor Fedun and Wacey Hamilton all recorded multiple points as well, each with a goal and an assist.
Friesen opened the scoring just 2:33 into the game. Biega, Hamilton and Jones (his first) all scored in a 3:24 span towards the end of the second stanza, giving the Comets (7-8-1-1) a healthy 5-0 lead heading into the dressing room.
After Jones opened the third period with his sixth of the season, Aaron Palushaj put a small dent in the lead with his fifth of the season at 9:11, but Joseph LaBate scored five minutes later to wrap up the scoring.
Joe Cannata made 27 saves on 28 shots in his fifth win of the season, while Fedun scored his third goal of the season.
In a moment of frustration, Samuel Morin dropped the gloves with LaBate at 17:18 of the second period. LaBate was on the wrong end of several Morin right-handed shots, and Morin handily took the decision — leaving a bloodied LaBate in his wake.
#Flyers prospect Sam Morin goes to town on #Comets Joseph LaBate. And he's fired up. Oh boy. pic.twitter.com/4nSSznv4ms
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) November 26, 2015
Undisciplined and unruly play also presented doom for the Phantoms, as they were shorthanded a total of six times — killing all but one of their penalties. They were also held scoreless on three power plays.
Stolarz' injury presents a unique dilemma for the Phantoms in goal, as backup Jason LaBarbera is out day-to-day as well. Depending on when he can return to the lineup, Ouelette will be their de facto starter.
The Phantoms will have Thanksgiving off, and are set to return to PPL Center for matchups against the Bears and Providence Bruins, respectively. Wednesday's game was their first meeting of a four-game season series with the Comets, which will resume on Dec. 2.
[Box score]Rob Riches is a contributor to Flyerdelphia and Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Riches61
