USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Fall to Cedar Rapids 3-1

Published on December 17, 2017 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, OH - Two power play goals by the visitors proved the difference as the Youngstown Phantoms (12-6-3-1, 28 points) fell to the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders 3-1 on Friday night at the Covelli Centre in their final game before the Christmas break.

"I was hoping we'd correct the way we started last night," said Phantoms Head Coach Brad Patterson. "But I thought we were bland."

Cedar Rapids opened the scoring at 10:46 of the first period with a 4-on-3 power play goal. Marek Valek fired a wrister from the right circle past the blocker of Wouter Peeters (14 saves) to put the RoughRiders in front 1-0. "I thought that first one was a great shot by them," said Patterson. "We probably screened our goalie trying to be in the shot lane on that one."

The RoughRiders doubled their lead with another power play goal with 0.1 seconds remaining on the second period clock. Eric Esposito was called for roughing with 5.5 second remaining in the period, putting the Phantoms down a man. Cedar Rapids won the ensuing faceoff and sent the puck to Ikya Sushko at the point. Sushko fired a slap shot that was stopped by Peeters, but Marc McLaughlin was right on the doorstop to deposit the rebound for his fourth goal of the year, giving the RoughRiders a 2-0 lead at the second intermission. "We weren't in the correct formation for taking a draw on the second one," said Patterson. "You can lose draws, but you have to be able to react to it and we weren't ready for that."

Youngstown cut the lead in half at 5:37 of the third period. Chase Gresock got in the way of a Cedar Rapids clearing attempt and kicked the puck over to Michael Regush. Regush fired a backhander from the left dot that beat Blake Pietila (15 saves) to put the Phantoms on the board. Regush's fourth goal of the season made it 2-1 Cedar Rapids.

The RoughRiders were called for interference with 1:45 left in regulation, giving the Phantoms an opportunity to pull Peeters for the extra attacker and a 6-on-4 power play. Youngstown kept pressure in the zone for the first minute of the man advantage, but Jason Polin chased down a loose puck at center and scored a shorthanded goal on the empty net at 19:27 to make up the final margin.

Youngstown won't return to the ice until December 28 and 29 as they conclude their four-game homestand with a pair of contests against the Madison Capitols. Puck drop on the 28th is scheduled for 7:05pm Eastern and broadcasts will be available on YPHR and HockeyTV.

By the Numbers

Shots - 16

Saves - 14

Power Play - 0/3

Penalty Kill - 4/6

Goals - Regush

Assists - Gresock

Box Score - http://www.ushl.com/view/#/game-summary/7667

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.

To express interest in becoming a Phantoms corporate partner, e-mail info@youngstownphantoms.com, or visit http://www.youngstownphantoms.com/sponsors/ for more information.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the USHL celebrates its 16th season as the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league in 2017-18. 49 players were chosen in the 2017 NHL Draft and more than 400 players on team rosters this season committed to NCAA Division I schools, further establishing the USHL as the world's foremost producer of junior hockey talent.

Youngstown Phantoms Hockey - #ItStartsHere

Matt Lipcsak | Broadcaster

Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

229 E. Front St. Youngstown, OH 44503

Office: 330.747.7825

Cell: 724.372.5599

Email: mlipcsak@youngstownphantoms.com

Website: Youngstown Phantoms

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 17, 2017


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