Comeback Falls Short as Winning Streak Snapped
March 28, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
RALSTON, NE- The Youngstown Phantoms (36-14-5) fell to the Omaha Lancers, 4-2, on Friday night. Forward Josh Melnick and defenseman Connor Yau tallied the goals for Youngstown, who fall for the first time since January 31st. Despite the loss, the Phantoms still sit atop the League standings, two points ahead of the Tri-City Storm for first place overall in the USHL.
The Phantoms found themselves down after the first period, as Omaha received goals from Steven Spinner and Ryan Donato to put the Lancers up, 2-0, after 20 minutes.
After Donato netted his second of the game early in the second on the power play, the Phantoms got on the board when Melnick gained a step on the defender after receiving the outlet pass from forward Kiefer Sherwood. Melnick skated into the slot and sniped it past Omaha netminder Kris Oldham, cutting the Phantoms' deficit to 3-1 after two periods.
The Lancers pushed their lead back to three goals, 4-1, after Anthony Angelo lit the lamp early in the third, however the Phantoms managed to find the back of the net when a pile up in front resulted in Yau jamming the puck into the net. The play was reviewed, but the goal stood, and the Phantoms' deficit was cut to 4-2, 8:32 into the final period.
The Phantoms had a myriad of chances in the final 11 minutes, including a shot from forward Ryan Lomberg that rang off the crossbar, but the Phantoms were not able to muster anymore offense, falling, 4-2, to the Lancers.
"Tonight makes you appreciate how special this accomplishment (winning 17 games in a row) was, because of how hard this League is and how hard every game is," said Phantoms Head Coach Anthony Noreen. "Obviously you never want to lose, but maybe we needed this one to remind ourselves of just how bad we want to win so we don't take things for granted down the stretch."
Shot totals were even at 29 apiece on the night, while the power play was held scoreless on all four opportunities. The two teams wrap up their weekend series tomorrow night at 8:05pm 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).
United States Hockey League Stories from March 28, 2015
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- Hawks Quiet Thunder - Waterloo Black Hawks
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- Capitols' Charge in the Third Comes up Inches Short - Madison Capitols
- Tommy Marchin Leads Lumberjacks Offense to Home Weekend Sweep - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Stampede Punch Their Ticket to Clark Cup Playoffs - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Comeback Falls Short as Winning Streak Snapped - Youngstown Phantoms
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