USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Mattson Burns Former Team, Phantoms Drop Steel 2-1

Published on February 27, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Youngstown Phantoms (19-24-4,42pts) went into their second shootout in three days as they defeated the Chicago Steel (9-29-8,26pts) 2-1 on Sunday afternoon. Danny Mattson scored the Phantoms only goal in regulation and he put home the shootout winner for the Phantoms.

The first period saw the Phantoms and Steel put a combined 26 shots on goal, but only the Phantoms could find the back of the net. Former Steel, Mattson, took a feed from Scott Mayfield on the back post and buried a wrist shot past a diving Connor Wilson. The goal was Mattson's second in as many nights and the assist gave Mayfield points in consecutive games for the third time this season. Ryan Belonger was credited with the secondary assist on the Phantoms goal just 5:21 into the first period. Both goaltenders would stand tall for the rest of the period and the Phantoms would go into the intermission up 1-0.

In the second period, Nick D'Avolio found the back of the net on a broken play in front of Phantoms netminder Jordan Tibbett. The goal came just two minutes into the second period, but like the first period, it was the only goal scored in the frame. The Phantoms put 18 shots on goal, but Wilson, like in past games against the Phantoms, stood on his head to keep the game tied at one going into the second intermission.

"We never gave them any significant chances," said Phantoms head coach Curtis Carr. "They were really just throwing pucks in from the blueline and we did not have any significant breakdowns in our own zone. Their one goal was a fluky one and as usual Connor Wilson kept them in the game."

In the third period, the Phantoms continued to clamp down on the Chicago offense as they limited the Steel to just five shots on goal. The Phantoms were able to hit Wilson with 16 pieces of rubber but not a single puck would find the back of the net, sending the Phantoms into overtime for the second time in three days. In the overtime period, the Phantoms put five more shots on goal but Wilson still stood tall and prevented the Phantoms from picking up the win. The Phantoms finished the game with a total of 51 shots on goal.

As both teams headed into a shootout, Coach Carr asked forward Mattson if he wanted to shoot against his former team.

"If anyone knew how to beat Wilson it would be Danny," said Carr. "I asked him if he wanted to go, and he did, the only stipulation was that he did not want to shoot first."

In the shootout, both goaltenders denied the first shooters and after Tibbett denied the Steel's second shooter Mattson took the ice. Mattson skated down the center of the ice and did not make a move until he riffled the puck over the glove hand of Wilson. Tibbett would deny the last two Chicago shooters as Cody Strang made his way to the ice to try and seal the game. Strang carried the puck into the zone and went forehand, backhand and beat Wilson to seal the 2-1 shootout victory.

"They have great guys in their [Chicago] locker room but it was nice to beat them," said Mattson. "I have nothing against my old team but when we are on the ice it's a competition and I was happy we were able to pick up all six points this weekend."

The Phantoms now look ahead to games against the Fargo Force and the Waterloo Black Hawks this coming weekend at the Covelli Centre. The Phantoms face the Force on Friday and the Black Hawks on Saturday, both games starting at 7:30 p.m.

"We will give the guys a day to rest tomorrow," said Carr. "We will get right back to work on Tuesday and focus our attention on Fargo Friday night. We will worry about Saturday's game when Friday's is over."

Discounted tickets are available for groups of 15 or more people! Priority seating, video board and public address recognition and other specials are just some of the benefits! 10 Phantoms Ticket Vouchers are available for just $90! Buy 10 tickets and use them for any remaining home game this season! Call the Phantoms office today at 330.747.7825 for more information or to make a reservation today! For a complete Phantoms schedule, visit www.youngstownphantoms.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2011


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