Articles / Takeaways: Phantoms fall back to earth in 4-1 loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Sunday afternoon

Takeaways: Phantoms fall back to earth in 4-1 loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Sunday afternoon

B
Broad Street Hockey
Oct 12, 2025 11:38 PM

Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by Broad Street Hockey. Read the full original article here →

The Phantoms faced a disappointing defeat against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, losing 4-1 in a contest that showcased both strong defensive play and missed opportunities for the home team. The game, held on a busy Sunday afternoon, saw the Phantoms struggle to maintain possession and find the back of the net, despite several promising shifts. Veteran forward Cal O'Reilly was among the few who consistently pressured the Penguins' defense, yet his efforts went unrewarded.

Throughout the match, the Penguins capitalized on the Phantoms' mistakes, converting two power-play opportunities into goals. The Phantoms' penalty kill has been a point of concern all season, and this game highlighted those lingering issues. Coach Ian Laperriere lamented the team's inability to execute effectively while shorthanded, emphasizing the need for improvement in discipline and focus moving forward.

Despite the scoreline, there were moments that stood out for the Phantoms, particularly the impressive play of goaltender Sam Ersson who made numerous crucial saves to keep the game within reach. His performance provided a glimmer of hope in what was otherwise a challenging outing. As the Phantoms look ahead, the need for a stronger offensive strategy and tighter defensive play is evident to regain their prior momentum in the season.

Overall, this game serves as a reminder of the tough competition in the AHL and the importance of capitalizing on opportunities. The Phantoms will need to regroup quickly, as they are eager to bounce back in their upcoming matchup, aiming to reclaim some of their early-season form.