Nick Paul's first-ever AHL goal came at quite the convenient time for the Binghamton Senators on Saturday, as it lifted them to a tight-checking 2-1 win over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Paul's goal came with 4:20 to play, and the Phantoms (14-15-1) were not able to force a tie. The goal came just 4:17 after Colin McDonald scored the Phantoms' first and only goal of the night — his first of the season as well. The Phantoms were not able to get too many opportunities on Matt O'Connor, as they mustered a total of 23 shots. They scored no more than nine shots in each period, and recorded a lowly five shots in the second period alone.
Jason LaBarbera made 30 saves on 32 shots, yet continued what's been a tough year for him. His record falls now to 1-7 this season, and he has not earned a win since Nov. 1 — a 5-4 win over Hershey.
Both teams were scoreless on the power-play, as each failed to capitalize on three man-advantages.
In the eight-game season series between the Phantoms and Senators (7-17-2), the Phantoms fall now to 1-2-0-0. Their last win came on Nov. 11, and the series resumes in Binghamton on Dec. 29.
The Phantoms will have the rest of the week off for the holidays, and will return to the ice next Saturday for a matchup with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at PPL Center.
Rob Riches is a contributor to Flyerdelphia and Sports Talk Philly, and wishes all the best to you and your family this holiday season. Follow him on Twitter @Riches61
