After a devastating 5-4 loss to the Phantoms the previous night, the IceCaps didn’t fare much better on Wednesday. For the second night in a row, the St. John’s IceCaps allowed a late third period goal that cost them the game.
The night got off to a head-scratching start when it was announced that Nikita Scherbak was out of the lineup. Originally thought to be a healthy scratch, the team reported he was injured.
Even though the Russian is goal-less in six games, he’s had great chemistry with both Charles Hudon and Chris Terry on the top line. Markus Eisenschmid took his place in the lineup.
🔵⚪️🔴 Here are your @MaryBrowns lineups for tonight’s rematch 🆚 the @LVPhantoms:#GoIceCapsGo pic.twitter.com/zHXPgvvH1B
— St. John’s IceCaps (@IceCapsAHL) March 22, 2017
Although the IceCaps had a good first period, outshooting the Phantoms 21-6, they found themselves down 1-0 heading into the intermission. Scott Laughton converted on a shorthanded breakaway, giving the visitors the lead.
During the middle frame, a great second effort from Daniel Carr levelled things up at 1-1. It was Carr’s first goal since February 15, and his sixth of the season.
Daniel Carr scores a goal from his stomach and the game is tied! pic.twitter.com/iIDEtaLuH5
— Scott Matla (@scottmatla) March 22, 2017
After not scoring in 29 straight games, Daniel Audette made it back-to-back goal nights when, on the power-play, he tapped in his ninth of the season.
Daniel Audette scores on the power play and the IceCaps lead 2-1! pic.twitter.com/DTNFhF4AZD
— Scott Matla (@scottmatla) March 23, 2017
Then, with under two minutes remaining, Taylor Leier tied things up at 2-2. For the second night in a row, the IceCaps had blown a late third period lead, and headed into overtime.
During the extra frame, the IceCaps outshot their opponents 5-1, but were unable to beat Anthony Stolarz so the game went to a shootout.
Audette, Hudon, Terry and Carr all missed for St. John’s, setting the scene for the Phantoms’ Corbin Knight. Knight beat Yann Danis, giving Lehigh Valley the series sweep, though the IceCaps did pick up two points.
Goaltenders:
LV: Antony Stolarz (W) 42/44
STJ: Yann Danis (SOL) 25/27
Three Stars:
- Daniel Audette | 1G 1A
- Anthony Stolarz | 42 SVS
- Yann Danis | 25 SVS
Highlights:
The IceCaps continue their home stand with games on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, against the Hershey Bears.
St. John’s is still holding on to the final playoff spot in the North Division, with a .546 PTS %. The Utica Comets, however, have a game in hand, and posses a .539 PTS %.
Due to the uneven schedules, the AHL uses points percentage and not total points to decide which teams make the playoffs.
