Moore's Late Goal Caps Phantoms' Comeback
January 22, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The Youngstown Phantoms defeated the Bloomington Thunder by a final score of 3-2 Friday night in Illinois. After falling behind 2-0 in the first six minutes of the contest, Youngstown was able to battle back, eventually taking the lead in the final minutes of regulation.
Bloomington stormed out to a two goal advantage behind a pair of early power play tallies. Brogan Rafferty opened the scoring when he beat Phantoms goaltender Ryan Bednard for his second goal of the season.
The Thunder would strike on the power play once again just minutes later, when Patrick Curry's wrist shot beat Bednard. It was Curry's seventh goal of the year, and gave Bloomington a two goal lead less than six minutes into the first period.
Youngstown would fight back, beginning late in the second period. Alex Esposito found a rebound right on the doorstep, and snuck the puck past Thunder goalie Hayden Lavigne. Esposito's tally was assisted Kevin Conley and Tommy Apap.
Bloomington would take a 2-1 advantage into the second intermission, but it wouldn't take long for Youngstown to tie the contest. Chase Pearson scored his ninth goal of the year to even the contest just over seven minutes into the final frame. Pearson now has points in his last nine games, the longest active streak in the USHL.
"We had a few good days of practice, and I think that rolled right into the game. We had good energy even though we fell behind early, and we knew we would get back into the game if we just stuck with the plan," said Pearson.
Both teams had some quality chances to take the lead, with both goalies making saves to preserve the tie. Just as the game seemed destined for overtime, Phantoms defenseman Connor Moore threw a wrist shot from the point that somehow made its way through traffic and past Lavigne to give Youngstown a 3-2 lead. Moore now has nine points in his last four games.
"I just threw the puck to the net hoping for something good, and fortunate for us it snuck in. It was a great effort by the guys tonight coming from behind," Moore said.
Youngstown and Bloomington will face off again Saturday night. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. eastern time.
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