Phantoms Drop Game Three Heartbreaker 2-1 in OT

April 24, 2024 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release

Youngstown, OH - The Youngstown Phantoms dropped Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals 2-1 in overtime to the Dubuque Fighting Saints Tuesday night at the Covelli Centre. Youngstown now trails the best-of-5 series two-games-to-one. Phantoms Head Coach Ryan Ward believes his team should have no panic and expressed excitement to see the Fighting Saints again tomorrow.

"I thought the guys played hard. They did a great job tonight," Ward said. "That's why it is a five game series, I don't think there is much panic in our locker room and we are excited to get back at it tomorrow."

The first two periods of game three featured low event hockey that Aiden Wright and Kevin Reidler dominated along with effective team defense. The scoreboard read 0-0 after 40 minutes of play with only four total penalties being called. The Phantoms held a 6-4 shot advantage at the end of one, and a 14-10 lead going into the final frame.

The third period was much of the same until Lucas St. Louis faked a shot from the right dot that Wright reacted to, leaving the backdoor open where James Reeder was sitting, and St. Louis' shot-pass redirected off Reed and to the back of the net to give the Fighting Saints a late 1-0 lead at 13:33. With under two minutes left, Wright started to head to the bench for the extra attacker, but by the time he got there, Youngstown had tied the game. At 18:18 the former Fighting Saint, Mikey Burchill , received a pass in the slot that he snapped past Reidler to tie the game a one apiece. With the scoreboard knotted at one, it was time for overtime in Youngstown.

In overtime, both teams battled to the end with the Fighting Saints owning a 15-6 shot advantage and ultimately picking up the game winning goal. The USHL's leading goal scorer, Noah Powell , fired a shot from the slot that was blocked by Adam Pietila , popped up in the air, and cleared Wright's shoulder, falling neatly to the back of the net, to give Dubuque the 2-1 victory with just 26.4 seconds left in the first overtime.

Wright was stellar on the night despite the loss, stopping 31 of 33 Dubuque shots. Reidler denied 28 out of 29 enroute to the victory.

The Phantoms will be back in action tomorrow night on the brink of elimination for Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Covelli Centre. Puck drop is slated for 7:05.

By the Numbers

Shots - 29

Saves - 31

Power Play - 0/2

Penalty Kill - 3/4

Goals - Burchill

Assists - Botterill, Strathmann

Box Score - https://ushl.com/ht/#/game-summary/11380

Youngstown Phantoms look for a shot against the Dubuque Fighting Saints (Scott Galvin/Galvin Photography)

United States Hockey League Stories from April 24, 2024

• Storm's Season Ends in 5-3 Loss - Tri-City Storm
• Saints Shut Out Phantoms To Advance To Conference Finals - Dubuque Fighting Saints
• Heil Added to US U18 Men's National Team - Sioux Falls Stampede
• Storm Set to Host Conference Semifinals Game at Viaero Center - Tri-City Storm
• Fighting Five: Saints Visit Phantoms for Game 4 - Dubuque Fighting Saints
• Phantoms Drop Game Three Heartbreaker 2-1 in OT - Youngstown Phantoms
• Powell's Overtime Goal Lifts Saints to Series Lead - Dubuque Fighting Saints

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