According to coach Tom Rowe, Conboy was coming out on the ice on a line change for defenseman Brett Carson when the melee broke out. Carson stayed out, and the Rats were left with six skaters on the ice to Philly's five.

Conboy, whose only previous suspension came earlier this year, one game for an accumulation of fighting instigators, was surprised at the length of his sentence.

"I didn't know what to expect, but I didn't expect that, that's for sure," he said. "I'm going to serve my time and do whatever I need to do to get back and be able to play."

The entire incident was started with 28.7 seconds left when Phantoms forward Triston Grant nailed new Rats defenseman David Cornacchia from behind into the glass between the players' benches. Cornacchia had just dumped the puck in and was a step away from the bench when Grant finished his check.

The Rats took exception and immediately challenged Grant, and suddenly there were gloves and sticks and helmets and fists flying everywhere, very atypical of playoff hockey. Considering the score and the fact that the series goes back to Philly for games Friday and Sunday, the Phantoms were trying to send a message.

"We've just got to put it behind us and play hockey the rest of the series," captain Pat Dwyer said.

I'm jumping in the car soon for the drive down to Philly, so if I can think of anything worthwhile on the way, you'll be he first to know.