Voce Goal Makes Point, Phantoms Tumble in Shootout to Chicago 2-1

PHILADELPHIA -- In a rematch of the 2005 Calder Cup Finals, the Philadelphia Phantoms welcomed the Chicago Wolves on Friday night at the Wachovia Spectrum. Not true to the script, however, the Wolves took a 2-1 shootout decision, as Tony Voce bagged the only Phantoms goal.

A two-referee system was in effect and the game was littered with minor penalties, with most favoring the Wolves. It was officially the first of 12 man-up chances when Chicago scored a 5-3 power play goal. Camped to the right of Phantoms netminder Jamie Storr, Scott Barney's initial play was a centering pass. The bid was deflected back to him, so he shelved the puck short side for the lead.

Despite the mounting power play chances for the Wolves, it was Philadelphia that took advantage with a 5-3 goal of their own. Tony Voce, fresh off a team-record four goal effort last weekend in the City of Big Shoulders, tied the game at the 6:22 mark of the third. Voce waited for a cross-crease feed at the back post and shoveled in his 14th. Stefan Ruzicka and Matt Ellison added the assists.

In the shootout, Storr allowed the first three shooters to cash in and then shut the door on the final two. Tuomas Tarkki granted goals to Jim Campbell and Tony Voce, but denied the fifth and final shooter John Slaney.