Phantoms Rally to Force Overtime, Fall in Shootout
January 8, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The Youngstown Phantoms fell to the Green Bay Gamblers in a shootout Friday night by a final score of 5-4. Youngstown was able to salvage a point after captain Matt Alvaro scored to tie the contest with just 1:22 left in regulation.
"We didn't get the result we wanted tonight, but our resilience showed at the end when we battled back to get the point and force overtime," said Phantoms Assistant Captain Chase Pearson. "We have a great group of guys in our locker room."
Youngstown jumped out to an early lead, when Matt Miller beat Gamblers goaltender Kevin Reich just 73 seconds into the contest.
The Poehling twins would respond for Green Bay, however, scoring a quick pair of goals to give the Gamblers the lead. Jack Poehling struck first, then just minutes later his twin brother, Nick, tallied a power play goal.
The Phantoms would storm back, beginning with a Lukas Craggs laser wrist shot to tie the game at two. It was Craggs' eighth goal of the season. Then, with less than 10 seconds left in the first period, Chase Pearson jammed home a rebound just before the buzzer to give Youngstown a 3-2 lead after the first 20 minutes.
Green Bay would tie things up in the second period, when Chris Grando scored his eighth goal of the year on the power play. Grando's tally was the lone goal scored in the second frame.
The Gamblers would take the lead with just over five minutes left in the contest, when Gordi Myer snuck a rebound past Phantoms goaltender Ryan Bednard. Bednard made the initial save on Green Bay forward Sam Saliba, but Myer was able to put home the rebound after crashing the net.
The back and forth play wasn't over however, as the Phantoms would tie the game once again in dramatic fashion. Youngstown Captain Matt Alvaro scored a power play goal with just 1:22 seconds left to force overtime. It was Alvaro's sixth goal of the season.
"I loved the guys performance tonight, I thought they were very resilient. We have to make sure to carry that mindset again tomorrow evening," said Phantoms Head Coach John Wroblewski.
Youngstown will remain in Wisconsin, and take on the Madison Capitols Saturday night. Puck drop is set for 7:05p.m. central time.
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United States Hockey League Stories from January 8, 2016
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