USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Can't Solve Keeney, Fall 5-0 to 'Jacks

Published on December 2, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


Muskegon, Mich. - Despite outshooting their rivals 44 to 25, the Youngstown Phantoms fell to the Muskegon Lumberjacks 5-0 Friday night in the L.C. Walker Arena. Muskegon goaltender John Keeney stood on his head to seal the win in game one of the back-to-back series. Both teams will face off again Saturday night.

Friday's defeat marked the first time the Phantoms (12-6-1) have lost in consecutive games this season after falling 2-1 to Sioux Falls in a shootout the night before.

"We had enough grade 'A' opportunities to score enough goals to win," Head Coach Anthony Noreen said. "For one reason or another it was just one of those nights where the puck wasn't going in for us."

The Phantoms generated the majority of chances in the first period but it was Muskegon (8-9-0) that would come away with the lead. With less than a minute remaining, the Lumberjacks won an offensive zone draw and got the puck up to Ryan Bullock on the point. The Dartmouth commit got a shot off and Matthew O'Connor made the initial save, but John Padulo was waiting at the near post and put in the rebound to put the Lumberjacks up 1-0 with just 28 seconds left in the period.

The Lumberjacks stretched the lead out to 2-0 at the 8:01 mark in the second when Mike McNicholas stole it at the Phantoms' blue line and fed Padulo in the slot, who shot it low. O'Connor got a piece of it, but not enough, and the puck trickled through his five-hole and across the goal line. Then, with just 53 seconds left in the second, newly-acquired forward Adam Chlapik made it 3-0 putting in a rebound on the power play.

"Matt maybe gave up three rebounds but for some reason or another, the pucks seemed to find their sticks," Noreen said. "To their credit, they took care of it, but I thought Matt played really well."

Max Shuart put the Lumberjacks up four at the 10:15 mark in the third when he redirected a pass from Padulo on a 2-on-1. Lance Fredrickson added another off a rebound at the 18:26 mark to secure the win for the Lumberjacks.

"This is the first time we've had non-wins for two nights in a row," Noreen said. "We've go to use it as a teaching moment and now we need to see how guys respond [tomorrow night]."

Phantoms by the Numbers

44 - Shots

20 - Saves

83 percent - Penalty Kill (5-for-6)

Next on the Slate

The Phantoms face off with the Lumberjacks again Saturday night in the L.C. Walker Arena. The puck drops at 7:15 p.m. EST.

Single game tickets for the 2011-12 season are on sale now. Season ticket and flex plans start at the low price of just $90. 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 .

Check out the Youngstown Phantoms Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 2, 2011


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