USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Buck the Roughriders 4-2

Published on December 9, 2016 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, OH - A strong final 40 minutes powered the Youngstown Phantoms (12-9-2-1, 27 points) past the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders 4-2 at the Covelli Centre Friday night, snapping the Phantoms two-game losing streak.

"I didn't think the first (period) was our best," said Phantoms Head Coach Brad Patterson. "I made a little bit of a challenge to the guys

between the first and the second and everyone responded...after that first intermission we really brought it."

Alex Esposito started the response to a lackluster first period, scoring a power play goal for his ninth goal of the season at the 4:28 mark of the second. A slap shot by Dominic Dockery found its way through the paraphernalia of Cedar Rapids goalie Zack LaRocque (24 saves), but settled just short of the goal line. Esposito played Johnny-on-the-spot and poked the puck into the back of the net to break a personal 13-game goalless streak. "(Alex) really set the tone for that second period, really gave us some energy on the bench," said Patterson.

Andrew Petrillo blasted a shot through traffic from the right point to give the Phantoms a 2-0 lead at 11:21 for his first career USHL goal. Cedar Rapids got on the board just 25 seconds later, Matt Kidney blasted a wrist shot from the top of the right circle over the glove of Phantoms netminder Ivan Kulbakov (15 saves) to cut the Phantoms lead to 2-1. Jake Johnson tied the game at 2 at 16:28 when his slap shot from the point hit the stick of Phantoms defenseman Brandon Estes in the slot and redirected into the net. Youngstown retook the lead with 13 seconds remaining in the period, Coale Norris blistered a wrist shot from the top of the left circle past LaRocque for his seventh goal of the season to give the Phantoms a 3-2 lead.

Youngstown got an insurance goal at 6:36 of the third period. Curtis Hall led the Phantoms into the Cedar Rapids zone in a 3-on-2 rush. Carrying the puck down the right side, Hall took a shot from the half-wall that bounced off the right pad of LaRocque and right to the stick of Chase Gresock, who tapped the rebound into the empty cage to increase the Phantoms' lead to 4-2. Cedar Rapids Head Coach Mark Carlson pulled LaRocque for the extra attacker with 1:42 left in regulation, but the RoughRiders weren't able to generate a single shot on net in that final sequence.

"They haven't played (like just a three-win team) all year," Patterson said of the RoughRiders. "They're very well coached, they have some great skill on that end. Their win-loss record is definitely not indicative of the type of team they are. They challenge you in all areas of the game and I expect to see that again tomorrow night."

Youngstown and Cedar Rapids wrap up their weekend series tomorrow night at the Covelli Centre for the conclusion of the Phantoms' four-game homestand. Puck drop is scheduled 7:05pm and broadcasts will be available on YPHR and HockeyTV.

By the Numbers

Shots - 28

Saves - 15

Power Play - 1/1

Penalty Kill - 4/4

Goals - A. Esposito, Petrillo, Norris, Gresock

Assists - Apap, Dockery, Gingell, Hall, Hunter, Wisocky

For all the latest news, follow the Phantoms on Twitter (@YtownPhantoms) and 'Like' them on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/YoungstownPhantoms). A full version of the Phantoms 2016-17 season schedule, as well as season tickets and mini-plan packages, is available now by visiting www.YoungstownPhantoms.com. Ticket packages can also be purchased by calling (330) 747-PUCK.

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 9, 2016


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