Phantoms Earn Series Sweep with 2-1 Win
March 3, 2018 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
MIDDLETON, WI - A Jake Gingell goal with 12:56 left in the second period broke a 1-1 tie and proved to be the game-winner as the Youngstown Phantoms (24-18-4-1, 53 points) downed the Madison Capitols 2-1 Saturday night at Bob Suter Capitol Ice Arena.
"I felt like there was a lot more physicality in this game," said Phantoms Head Coach Brad Patterson. "There's some things we need to learn at the end as far as the risk/reward, especially in those last couple minutes, but guys held strong in a lot of different situations and I'm happy for them."
Youngstown opened the scoring 7:57 into the first period. Curtis Hall was left alone in the slot and fired a one-timer through Dryden McKay's (32 saves) five hole to put the Phantoms ahead 1-0. It was Hall's 12th goal of the season, his first since December 28 (also against Madison). "Curtis has been around it a lot the last couple weeks," said Patterson. "Very happy to see one go in the back of the net. He's been so close so many times...he's got some good karma in the bank, so I think it's a step in the right direction and that he's going to start filling the net."
The Capitols tied the game 8:11 into the second period with a power play goal. Colin Felix blasted a one-timer from center point past Ivan Prosvetov (31 saves) to knot the game at 1-1. It was the only power play goal Youngstown surrendered on the night, despite giving Madison lengthy 4-on-3 and 5-on-3 opportunities. "The PK unit stepped up tonight," said Patterson. "Multiple big blocked shots...numerous guys sacrificing their body. Those are key spots in a game, as crucial as scoring a goal. You don't want to be down, but at the end of the day that's how it was at a few different points tonight but the guys really shone through."
The Phantoms took the lead back at 12:56 when Gingell flicked a wrister from center point past McKay for his third goal of the season, giving Youngstown back the lead at 2-1. "Jake's got that steadying presence back there, I thought he was terrific for us both games," said Patterson. "Very fitting for him to get that goal."
The third period was a penalty-filled affair, each team had three separate power plays in the frame and Madison carried over 1:23 of power play time to start the period, but neither team was able to find the back of the net and the Phantoms held on for the victory.
With the win, Youngstown moved back into a tie for second place with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, but Dubuque has a game in hand on the Phantoms and possession of the first tie-breaker, regulation/overtime wins.
Youngstown wraps up its four-game road trip with a stop in Geneva, Illinois tomorrow afternoon to battle the Chicago Steel. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:05pm Eastern and the game will be broadcast on the Chicago Steel Broadcast Network on mixLR and on HockeyTV.
By the Numbers
Shots - 34
Saves - 31
Power Play - 0/5
Penalty Kill - 4/5
Goals - Gingell, Hall
Assists - Cardelli, Esposito, Malone, Salonen
Box Score - https://www.ushl.com/view#/game-summary/7873
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 2017-18 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.
• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board...
United States Hockey League Stories from March 3, 2018
- Storm Blow Past Des Moines 5-2 - Tri-City Storm
- Steel Power Past Stampede 4-2 Saturday - Chicago Steel
- Four Unanswered for the Win - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Stampede Fall Late in Chicago - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Gamblers Fall to Team USA - Green Bay Gamblers
- Phantoms Earn Series Sweep with 2-1 Win - Youngstown Phantoms
- Stars Overtake RoughRiders in 5-1 Win - Lincoln Stars
- Fighting Saints Let Lead Slip, Settle for Weekend Split - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Young and the Restless - Madison Capitols
- Team USA out Plays Lancers, 7-2 - Omaha Lancers
- Preview: Storm Hit the Road for Battle with Buccaneers - Tri-City Storm
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
