What started out as an offensive duel featuring four first-period goals culminated in a lackluster effort, as the Phantoms on Sunday fell 3-1 to the Toronto Marlies at PPL Center.
The Marlies (5-2-0-0) jumped out to a 2-0 lead just 8:25 into the first period, thanks to even-strength goals from Frederik Gauthier and Nikita Soshnikov. Taylor Leier got the Phantoms (2-4-0-0) on the board at 12:02 of the period with the team's first shorthanded goal of the season, but Soshnikov restored order just 1:02 later — which would ultimately stand as the game's last goal.
From there, the Marlies played a sound, defensive game, limiting any and all opportunities for the Phantoms. They took just three shots in the third period, opting instead to focus on defensive play. Antoine Babineau faced just 22 shots, turning away all but one of them.
The Phantoms were unable to capitalize on four power plays, including two at critical moments of the third period. Brendan Leipsic took a delay of game penalty at 1:47 of the third period, while Matt Frattin sat for hooking with just 22 seconds to play.
While the power play could not generate any offense for the Phantoms, they received help from their penalty kill unit, which killed off all four Marlies power plays. Making his second-consecutive start, Anthony Stolarz turned away 22 of 25 shots faced.
Richard Clune also posted a multi-point effort, as he assisted on the Marlies' first two goals.
The Phantoms are off until Wednesday, when they welcome the St. John's IceCaps for the first of two-consecutive PPL Center meetings.
Rob Riches is a contributor to Flyerdelphia and Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Riches61
