Photo: Nina Weiss/Flyerdelphia
Thanks to a pair of goals in a 47-second span in the second period from Mark Alt and Aaron Palushaj on Saturday, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms were able to dig themselves out of a 3-1 hole against the Portland Pirates. They could not get the job done, however, as Kyle Rau's second goal of the night won it for the Pirates just 1:46 into overtime.
Petr Straka opened the scoring just 15 seconds in with his league-leading 17th of the season, but from there, the Pirates (18-12-1-0) assumed a 3-1 lead thanks to Rob Schremp, Brett Olson and Rau. Schremp and Rau were the only two skaters to finish with multiple points.
Statistically, the game was about as even as games come. Both teams finished with 32 shots apiece, and each killed just one penalty all night.
Anthony Stolarz finished with a steady 28 saves for the Phantoms (16-16-2-1), while Mike McKenna made 29 saves for the Pirates.
With eight goals now this season, Palushaj is tied for second-most on the Phantoms. He shares that distinction with Taylor Leier and Nick Cousins.
Saturday's matchup was, somehow, the first of a four-game season series between the Phantoms and Pirates. Considering that the American League teams only play within their same conference, it's not often two teams will wait for January to play eachother, let alone two teams from the same division. Of the 14 other Eastern Conference opponents, the Phantoms have yet to face the Toronto Marlies.
With 37 points, the Pirates hold second place in the Atlantic Division, while the Phantoms sit in fifth place with 35. The Phantoms get a quick opportunity to redeem on Sunday, as they face the Pirates for another matchup at Cross Insurance Arena on Sunday.
Rob Riches is a contributor to Flyerdelphia and Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Riches61
