Late Game Heroics Lift Phantoms to Win
March 20, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
WATERLOO, IA- The Youngstown Phantoms (34-13-5) collected a 2-1 win over the Waterloo Black Hawks on Friday night. Forwards Josh Melnick and Josh Nenadal were the goal scorers for the Phantoms, who extend their winning streak to 15 games.
The Black Hawks kept the puck in the Phantoms' end throughout most of the opening period, however the Phantoms drew first blood late in the first, when forward Max Letunov threw a pass to Melnick who was parked out front, and he slammed it past Black Hawk goaltender Cale Morris, giving the Phantoms a 1-0 lead, 16:33 into the frame.
"Up to that point it wasn't our best hockey, but we come down on a 3-on-2 rush and Max had three guys on him so he got me the puck and I was able to elevate it and put it in," said Melnick
The Phantoms took that lead into the locker room after 20 minutes, and in the second, the Phantoms started to turn the tables and get some good looks on net, however they were not able to solve Morris, and Youngstown took their 1-0 lead into the third period.
In the third, the Phantoms continued to get a number of good looks on goal, however could not find the back of the net. With just 4:20 left, Waterloo forward Brock Boeser lit the lamp on the power play, tying the game, 1-1.
The Phantoms were not deterred, and with just 42 seconds left in regulation after a highlight-reel save from Phantoms goaltender Colin DeAugustine at the other end, forward Chase Pearson sent a pass from the right wing side of the offensive zone to Nenadal who was camped out front, and he slammed home the game-winner against his former team, sending the Phantoms to a 2-1 victory.
"Colin made a highlight-reel save at the other end, and as soon as I realized it wasn't a goal I got going up the ice and sent a pass to Chase, and he got it right back to me out front, and I was able to let it go and it went in," said Nenadal who spent parts of two seasons with the Black Hawks. "It was an emotional game for me. Being here was a big part of my junior hockey career, and it was hard for me to go out there today, but Youngstown is the team that I'm with and couldn't be happier to be a part of this group, and our main focus is winning every game and getting better every period."
The Phantoms were outshot, 30-26, on the night, while the power play was held scoreless on both opportunities. The two teams wrap up their two-game series tomorrow night at 8:05pm ET.
United States Hockey League Stories from March 20, 2015
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- Late Game Heroics Lift Phantoms to Win - Youngstown Phantoms
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