Justin Bailey Hat-trick Leads Utica over Phantoms, 5-2

The struggling Lehigh Valley Phantoms (13-19-1-4), currently sitting in 7th place in the Atlantic Division, went into to Utica to take on the first in the North, Comets (22-12-2-2) in a Friday evening battle.

A free-wheeling first period revealed a quick three goals two of which were supplied by Justin Bailey on the man advantage, beating Phantoms netminder, JF Berube with just 1:41 played.

Bailey added his second just 1:24 later and the Comets were streaking, 2-0.

The wide-open pace continued but this time it was Lehigh Valley lighting the lamp when Connor Bunnamon got it to 2-1 at 4:21.

Things would settle down until Reid Boucher and a shorthanded tally from Phantom Mikael Vorobyev closed the scoring on the 3-2 first period Comets lead.

That would be as close as Lehigh Valley would get and Jonah Gadlovich At the :23 mark and Bailey’s third closed out the scoring on the Utica 5-2 win.

Blue Lines: Shots had Utica with a slight edge, 29-28.

Michael DiPietro turned aside 26 Lehigh Valley shots and JF Berube stopped 23 for LV before giving way to Alex Lyon who made 3 saves in the final 3:05.

By: Kevin Neibauer

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Kevin Neibauer

Kevin has followed and promoted the game of lacrosse since May 19, 1974.
The same day the Philadelphia Flyers won the Cup, the Philadelphia Wings were introduced to Neibauer and Philadelphia.

Kevin has covered many sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and.. lacrosse. A former licensed football referee and baseball umpire, Kevin brings a unique insight to his game coverage.

A published writer in JustHockey Magazine, Kevin covered the American Hockey League as well as a monthly story on a pugilist where Kevin used the pen name, The Rink Rat. Neibauer turned his attentions to lacrosse for a few years and does his part, whether podcasting or writing to grow the game. Kevin branched out to his roots and currently provides insight for all Philadelphia teams for Edge of Philly as well as his full-time duties with LaxPhilly.