Phantoms Open Up Five Point Cushion For Second In North
March 7, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
MARQUETTE, Mich. - Once again displaying their offensive depth, the Mahoning Valley Phantoms used a pair of goals from forward Derek Carr to hold off the Marquette Rangers 4-3 on Friday night at Lakeview Arena.
Brian McGinty assisted on both of Carr's goals, while Stefan Salituro collected a helper as well, giving Carr's line a five point night. Grant Blakey also had a goal and an assist.
Blakey wasted no time, putting the Phantoms on the board just 32 seconds into the game. The rookie forward backhanded home the rebound of his own shot, notching his 18th of the season and giving Mahoning Valley the early advantage.
Just five minutes later, Mike Macari's wrister found its way through traffic and behind Phantoms goaltender Garrett Bartus to even the game at 1-1.
Carr notched his first of the night when he slid home the rebound of a Trent Bonnett shot from the point late in the opening period, staking the Phantoms to a 2-1 lead at the first intermission.
Macari picked up his second of the night just 2:11 into the middle frame. The tally was his 13th of the year and tied the game at 2-2.
The Phantoms converted their first powerplay of the game 9:26 into the second period. Kyle Verbeek tipped home a rebound at the back door to give the Phantoms their third lead of the game.
Despite a bevy of third period shots on Marquette goalie Beau Christian, it took the Phantoms nearly 25 minutes before they could solve him again. Carr put home the eventual game-winner with just 5:17 remaining.
Derek Grogan's goal with just 20 seconds left pulled the Rangers to within one, but Bartus shut the door from there for his 19th win of the season. Bartus made 31 saves on the night.
Coupled with an Alpena loss, the Phantoms third straight win earned them a five point cushion in the North American Hockey League North division race for second place.
The Phantoms (30-16-4, 64 points) and the Rangers (24-24-3, 51 points) face-off again at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night. Catch all the action broadcast live on the web at www.mvpphantoms.com.
North American Hockey League Stories from March 7, 2008
- Outlaws Win - North Iowa Outlaws
- First-Place St. Louis Defeats U.S. Nat'l Under-18 Team, 6-4 - U.S. National Team
- Third-Period Goal Launches U.S. Nat'l Under-17 Team Past Alpena, 2-1 - U.S. National Team
- Phantoms Open Up Five Point Cushion For Second In North - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- IceDiggers Play Final 07-08 Home Games - Alpena IceDiggers
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