USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Drop Fourth Straight, Fall to Green Bay 4-1

Published on December 19, 2020 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, OH - A trend of poor starts continued for the Youngstown Phantoms (2-7-0-0-, 4 points) in a 4-1 loss to the Green Bay Gamblers Friday night at the Covelli Centre. Youngstown is being outscored by a 2:1 margin in the opening frame of hockey games so far this season. The Phantoms haven't scored a first period goal in six games.

"I really liked our start, but we're down 1-0 quick," said Phantoms head coach Brad Patterson. "I felt we were reluctant in a lot of different areas tonight, and ultimately it cost us the game."

Green Bay grabbed the early 1-0 lead just 4:23 into the first period. Ryan Kirwan snapped a wrist shot from the left circle past the glove of Mattias Sholl (30 saves) for a power play goal, giving the visitors the initial advantage. Jared Crespo doubled the Gamblers' score with a one-timer from the blue line at 10:54 of the second period.

Youngstown cut the lead in half 5:59 into the third period. Georgii Merkulov's attempted pass hit a Green Bay stick in front of the net and redirected through the five-hole of Aaron Randazzo (19 saves) for a power play goal. The Phantoms got within a goal at 2-1, but any dreams of a comeback were dashed at 11:19. Ryan Greene slammed a backdoor feed past Sholl for a 3-1 Green Bay lead, ending any thoughts Youngstown might have had of tying the game. Jackson Kunz scored on an empty net at 19:45 to make up the final margin.

The loss extended the Phantoms' losing streak to four games. Green Bay leads the season series against Youngstown 3-0 after a pair of one-goal victories at the Resch Center last month. The Phantoms and Gamblers face off again tomorrow night at the Covelli Centre at 7:05.

By the Numbers

Shots - 20

Saves - 20

Power Play - 1/4

Penalty Kill - 3/4

Goals -Merkulov

Assists - Burtch, May

Box Score - https://www.ushl.com/view/#/game-summary/9332

Check out the Youngstown Phantoms Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 19, 2020


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