In search of their fifth-straight win in the middle of a season-high five-game homestand, the Youngstown Phantoms host the first-place Green Bay Gamblers for the first time ever. Youngstown has swept the last two weekends, picking up a pair of wins each against the Fargo Force and the Des Moines Buccaneers.The Phantoms (6-4-113 pts, T-4th in East) improved to 3-0-1 in one-goal games last Thursday and Friday, closing the season series against Des Moines with 4-3 and 5-4 wins. Youngstown is now part of a five-team logjam at the top of the East Division, tied with Indiana for fourth place and one, two and three points behind Cedar Rapids, Chicago and Green Bay, respectively.
The Gamblers (7-3-216 pts, 1st in East) haven't broken stride from last year's outstanding campaign, in which they accumulated 39 wins and 82 points in claiming the Anderson Cup for the USHL's best regular-season record. Green Bay comes into Youngstown for this two-game set as winners of four of its last five, including a home-and-home sweep of Cedar Rapids last weekend.
PHANTOM PHACTS
- Last weekend's positive results were all about team, as eight different Phantoms scored goals, with only Nick Czinder popping in a pair. Brett Gensler (eight goals, two assists) deposited Friday's game-winning tally and added two helpers to climb to within one point of Taylor Holstrom (11 points) for the team scoring lead.
- Both Phantoms goalies were busy last weekend, but in different continents. Jordan Tibbett started both games against Des Moines and made a season-high 46 saves Friday in pushing his personal winning streak to three. Meanwhile, Matt Mahalak was pressed into duty for the United States Under-17 squad in Slovakia for the Four Nations Tournament. Youngstown's first-year netminder denied 40 shots - 20 alone in the third period - in the Red, White and Blue's 7-6 triumph over the host nation.
- Thursday's rally from an early 2-0 deficit gave the Phantoms an impressive 3-3-0 record when their opponent scores first. Youngstown has also collected two wins in three tries when trailing after one period, second to only Sioux Falls' perfect 2-0-0 record in that situation.
Gamblers anonymous
- Just like last season when they boasted 10 double-digit goal scorers, the Gamblers are again relying upon a diverse offensive attack. First-year forward Anders Lee leads the charge with seven goals, but 15 other teammates have turned the red light on at least once, including defenseman David Makowski's four goals and 10 points, second-best for a USHL blueliner.
- Green Bay has only given up 30 goals through 12 games, the fourth-lowest total in the 14-team league and the best such mark in the East Division. Helping the Gamblers to their stout defensive stats is the team's second-ranked penalty-killing unit, which has stymied 50 of 59 power-play chances for an 84.7 percent success rate.
- The Gamblers are in their 16th season of existence and have won two Clark Cups, three regular-season titles and five division crowns. Their colors (black and gold) and logo are tributes to the old Green Bay Bobcats franchise, which was an inaugural member of the USHL before folding in 1981.
Upcoming home games at the covelli Centre...
Wednesday, November 11 at 7:15 p.m. vs. Green Bay - Salute Our Troops on Veterans' Day /$3 from each regularly-priced ticket goes to the USO (United Service Organizations) of Northern Ohio! Sign up at the game to send holiday greetings to overseas troops.
Friday, November 13 at 7:15 p.m. vs. Green Bay - Celebrate Friday the 13th / Meet pop star Joey Fatone (N*SYNC, Dancing with the Stars) and celebrity chef Guy Fieri, both of whom will be in the house! Also, the first 2,000 fans through the Covelli Centre gates receive a free Phantoms T-shirt courtesy of Callos.
Saturday, November 14 at 7:15 p.m. vs. Chicago - Kids Club Night & Luke Holko Fundraiser Night / Join the Kids Club and get a free ticket to Saturday's game, then take part in a special post-game skate with the Phantoms! $3 from each purchased ticket will go directly to the Luke Holko Fund.
CATCH PHANTOMS PHEVER!
Phantoms Phever, presented by House of Speed, is an hour-long weekly talk show that brings you an inside look at your Youngstown Phantoms. Join Voice of the Phantoms Matt Gajtka at Jeremiah Bullfrog's Sports Bar & Grille on US Route 224 in Boardman as he chats with coaches, players and front office staff about northeast Ohio's most exciting team and the great sport of hockey.
This week's featured guests will be Head Coach/GM Bob Mainhardt, first-year forward Rich Young and Steve Halloran from House of Speed. Catch Phantoms Phever Tuesdays at 6 p.m. on Youngstown's ESPN Radio 1240 AM!
FOLLOW THE PHANTOMS ALL SEASON LONG
ESPN 1240 is also the exclusive radio home for the Youngstown Phantoms! Matt Gajtka has the call from all 60 Phantoms regular season games as they roll through their first-ever campaign in the Tier I United States Hockey League. Hockey nuts outside the listening area can log onto www.wbbw.com to utilize the "Listen Live" feature!
Fans may also purchase the Phantoms season pass at www.b2tv.com to watch and listen via the B2 Networks' multimedia game broadcasts.
Also, make "Youngstown Phantoms" your friend on Facebook and follow "ytownphantoms" on Twitter to stay plugged into the Phantoms 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
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