Sens vs. Phantoms 3/30/05 Articles: Spezza reaches 100 points as Sens regain first...
March 31, 2005

Posted by: Bob Howard
Credit: Binghamton Senators.com

SPEZZA REACHES 100 POINTS AS SENS REGAIN FIRST PLACE IN THE EAST

The Binghamton Senators took two important points from the Philadelphia Phantoms on Wednesday night with a decisive 7-4 victory before the 11th sellout crowd of the season at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. The win puts the Sens in first place in the East Division with 90 points. Philadelphia fell to second with 89 points.

Binghamton struck first with a goal at the 18:34 mark of the first period when Antoine Vermette put home his 25th tally of the season. Andy Hedlund and Jason Spezza were credited with the assists on the goal. With the assist Spezza became the first player since the 2000-01 season to record 100 points in the AHL.

The Phantoms tied the game 1-1 just 1:31 into the middle frame thanks to Ben Eager’s sixth goal of the season.

Binghamton then pulled out to a 3-1 lead as rookie Brandon Bochenski and tough guy Chris Neil each picked up goals.

However, Philadelphia would end the second period on a high note with Patrick Sharp picking up a goal and Eager putting home his second of the evening. The teams headed to their dressing rooms deadlocked 3-3 after two periods of play.

The Sens took control of the game in the third period and were able to score four consecutive goals to close out the night with a 7-4 win.

Pat Kavanagh, Chris Neil, Jason Spezza and Josh Langfeld all scored in the first 13 minutes of the period as the Sens cruised to the victory and first place in the division.

Defenseman Anton Volchenkov assisted on three of the third period goals to notch his first four-point game with the B-Sens. Volchenkov earned first star honors for his efforts.

The Senators return to action on Friday evening with the Worcester IceCats in town. Tickets are available and can be purchased by calling (607) 722-SENS.