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USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Get Majority of Chances, Ultimately Fall in Double Overtime

April 19, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The Youngstown Phantoms dropped a 2-1 double overtime decision to the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Saturday night, in Game 3 of the best-of-five Eastern Conference Semifinal of the 2015 Clark Cup Playoffs. Defenseman Vas Kolias scored the lone goal on the night for the Phantoms, who set a record for the longest game in team history, regular season or playoffs.

The two sides picked up right where they left off on Friday night, engaging in a physical, defensive battle throughout the first period. Both teams exchanged numerous scoring opportunities in the opening frame, however neither side was able to find the back of the net, sending the teams to a scoreless tie after the first.

The defensive stalemate continued in the second, with the physical play picking up as well. The Phantoms continued to get a plethora of scoring opportunities, but the Lumberjacks were very active in clogging up shooting lanes, and the game remained scoreless through 40 minutes.

The Phantoms' hard work paid off early in the third period, as just 32 seconds in, Kolias came streaking down the left wing and fired a wrister that beat Lumberjacks goaltender Eric Schierhorn, putting the Phantoms up, 1-0.

"Top to bottom this is one of the best defensive corps in the League," said Kolias. "Every single defenseman is capable of making something happen when they touch the puck."

Muskegon evened things up roughly 12 minutes later when forward Matheson Iacopelli beat netminder Colin DeAugustine, tying the game, 1-1.

The two sides continued to exchange scoring chances throughout the remainder of the third, however neither goaltender gave an inch, and the two sides headed to over time.

In the first extra session, the Phantoms controlled the flow of play, outshooting Muskegon, 13-5, in the frame. Schierhorn and DeAugustine continued to turn out highlight-reel saves, preserving the 1-1 tie through 80 minutes of play.

The Phantoms continued to get good looks on net in the second overtime, however with 5:14 remaining, Lumberjacks forward Will Graber tipped a Joe Cecconi point shot past DeAugustine, sending Muskegon to a 2-1 double-overtime win, and 2-1 series lead.

"It's one of those games where, as a coach, you honestly think your guys deserve better, and that's really the one thing that I am down about," said Phantoms Head Coach Anthony Noreen. "I felt like we won puck races and were hard on pucks all night, and generated a lot of Grade A scoring chances."

The Phantoms were outshot on the night, 47-45, while the power play went scoreless on all six chances. The Phantoms look to stave off elimination in a must-win Game 4 on Monday night, in Muskegon. Faceoff is slated for 7:15pm.

"Obviously we would have liked to see things go differently, but now we just have to get ready for Monday," said Noreen. "We won 17 games in a row this season, and have won a lot of games this season, whether it be on the road or at home. We've been down before and just have to find a way to win on Monday, and then we have a series."

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