Thunderbirds lose to Lehigh Valley

Story By: Matthew Wiernasz

Photo courtesy of the Springfield Thunderbirds

SPRINGFIELD, MA-  The Thunderbirds come back fell short last Friday against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms as they lost 2-1 at the MassMutual Center.  The Phantoms have won two out of three meetings this season.

The Phantoms got on the board right away in the opening period. Artem Anisimov scored 23 seconds into the opening period to make it 1-0.

There was no scoring in the second period.

The Phantoms got their insurance goal in the third period as Cal O’Reilly scored with 7:32 remaining in regulation to extend the lead to 2-0.

The T-Birds would try to start to a comeback.  Keean Washkurak would use the wraparound. Mitchell Hoelscher was able to put back into the net past Phantoms goaltender Pat Nagle to make it 2-1 with 4:34 remaining in regulation  It was Hoelscher’s second goal in two games.

The Thunderbirds would get a power play late in regulation as Jordy Bellerive put the puck over the glass and was called for delay of game. The Phantoms were able to kill off the penalty and win the game.

The Thunderbirds are back in action tonight at the MassMutual Center as they host their I-91rival the Hartford Wolf Pack for a 7:05 p.m. drop of the puck.  The T-Birds will then host the Bridgeport Islanders on Friday at the Thunderdome at the MassMutual Center. Game time will be at 7:05 p.m. The T-Birds will end their 2022 portion of the schedule on Saturday when they head down to the XL Center to take on the Wolf Pack in Hartford. Game time will be at 5:30 p.m.