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Youngstown Phantoms

Birdsall Blanks Bloomington

February 20, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


BLOOMINGTON, IL- The Youngstown Phantoms (25-13-5) picked up a 1-0 win over the Bloomington Thunder on Thursday night. Forward Max Letunov scored the lone goal for the Phantoms, while goaltender Chris Birdsall stopped all 27 shots he faced to collect his second shutout of the season. The win extends the Phantoms' winning streak to six games, and places them in a tie for second place with the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL's Eastern Conference.

After a scoreless opening period that saw both sides exchange some quality scoring opportunities, the Phantoms got on the board early in the second period while on the power play, when forward Kyle Connor fed Letunov in the slot, and Letunov blasted a one-timer past Thunder goaltender Hayden Lavigne, putting the Phantoms up, 1-0, 2:08 into the second period. Letunov has now scored in four consecutive games.

"Those tight games are sometimes the most fun to play in, and I'm the luckiest one to be able to score the only goal of the game," said Letunov "It feels pretty awesome to score in four games in a row, and I'm just trying to go out there and be the best player I can be."

"We talked about the importance of special teams, and to get a power play goal in a game where we didn't get many opportunities was huge," said Phantoms Head Coach Anthony Noreen.

A few minutes later, Thunder defenseman Cameron Spicer took a shot from the point that was tipped into the net by forward Jacob Slaker, however the goal was waived off after it was determined the puck was knocked in by a high stick, and the Phantoms took their 1-0 lead into the locker room after 40 minutes.

Both teams came out firing in the third period, and the two sides exchanged a plethora of quality scoring opportunities, including a Bloomington breakaway that was stopped by Birdsall.

With the goalie pulled, the Thunder mounted a late third period rush, however Birdsall stood tall and preserved the 1-0 win for the Phantoms.

"I felt pretty good and was seeing the puck pretty well tonight," remarked Birdsall. "A lot of guys helped out by blocking a lot of shots, and it was a great team win."

The Phantoms were outshot on the evening, 27-24, while the power play converted on one-of-two opportunities.

"Birdie was tremendous for us tonight, especially at the end and on that breakaway save, which I felt was really their best chance on the night," said Noreen. "I felt our team defense kept most of what they did to the outside, and did a really nice job getting down and blocking shots. It wasn't the prettiest game, but we gutted it out and found a way to win, and that's what good teams do."

The Phantoms continue their three-game weekend on Saturday in Green Bay against the Gamblers. Faceoff is scheduled for 8:00pm ET.

Tickets are on sale for all Phantoms home games at the Covelli Centre starting at the low price of $10.75 for single game tickets. The Phantoms also offer group ticket packages, and a special McDonald's Family and Friends deal, where you will receive four tickets, four hats, and four medium extra value meals for the low price of $39.99. Call 330.747.PUCK (7825) for more information or to reserve seats today. For all the latest news, visit www.YoungstownPhantoms.com, follow the Phantoms on Twitter (@YtownPhantoms) and "˜Like' them on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/YoungstownPhantoms).

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 20, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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