Phantoms Fall to Chicago 5-4 in Overtime
April 15, 2021 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, OH -- Despite having a 2-0 lead at the first intermission, the Youngstown Phantoms (9-28-5-2, 25 points) fell to the Chicago Steel 5-4 in overtime Thursday night at the Covelli Centre.
"It's a shame, we get to overtime, it seems like every game we played at home against them has kind of been like this," said Phantoms Head Coach Brad Patterson. "It goes to OT and we're on the wrong end of the stick, it's a tough pill to swallow."
The Phantoms struck first just 2:52 into the game when Cole Burtch scored on a wrist shot. He got on the scoresheet again just over 12 minutes later with a similar wrist shot from about the circles for his 17th goal of the season. Michael Rubin had an assist on Burtch's second goal, his first point in the USHL. Kyle Chauvette (29 saves) shut the Steel out in the first period, blocking all 8 shots he faced.
Chicago carried play throughout the second period, outshooting Youngstown 15-3 in the frame. Ian Moore opened up the second period with a power play goal for the Steel, cutting the Phantoms lead 2-1 at 1:56. Josh Doan was called for hooking at 8:28, sending the Phantoms to the power play. Youngstown had 35 seconds of 5-on-3 hockey after Ryan Ufko was sent to the penalty box for boarding. Just as the first penalty expired, Jack Malone snapped a wrister from between the circles past Jack Stark (14 saves) for his eighth of the season and gave the Phantoms a 3-1 lead at 10:30. With his two points tonight, Jack Malone moved into third place on the Phantoms all-time scoring list with 108 points. Tonight's game marked USHL game number 150 for Malone. "It's my fourth year on the team," said Malone. "Every year I've been here I consider myself very lucky."
Joe Miller brought the Steel back within one after he snuck past two Phantoms defenders and found the back of the net at 14:55. Youngstown ended the second with a 3-2 lead.
After penalties on both sides to start off the third, Matt Coronato tied it for the Steel at 10:00 with a shorthanded goal. Kenta Isogai answered back just a minute later with a power play goal to give Youngstown back the lead. Just 1:03 later, Adam Fantilli made it an even game when he snapped the puck right through Chauvette's legs, forcing the game into overtime.
Over a minute into overtime, Erik Middendorf earned his 30th goal of the season and the victory for Chicago. Thursday night's game was the final matchup between the two teams for the season, with the Phantoms compiling a record of 1-8-3 against the Steel this season. This was the third straight home game against Chicago that ended in a 5-4 overtime victory for the Steel.
The Phantoms are back in action at the Covelli Centre Friday and Saturday night as they take on the Muskegon Lumberjacks, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 pm for both games.
By the Numbers
Shots - 18
Saves - 29
Power Play - 2/7
Penalty Kill - 4/5
Goals - Burtch (2), Isogai, Malone
Assists - Ando (2), Burtch, Gratton, Furey, Kuznetvoz, Malone, Rubin
Box Score - https://www.ushl.com/view/#/game-summary/9589
United States Hockey League Stories from April 15, 2021
- Phantoms Fall to Chicago 5-4 in Overtime - Youngstown Phantoms
- Steel Win Overtime Thriller Thursday - Chicago Steel
- Goaltender Aaron Randazzo Commits to Air Force - Green Bay Gamblers
- Week 24 Preview - Fargo Force
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