Phantoms' Rally Spoiled in Overtime
February 7, 2009 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, OH - The Mahoning Valley Phantoms rallied twice in the third period to overcome one and two goal leads and force overtime, but eventually fell to the Traverse City North Stars by a final score of 6-5 at the Ice Zone in Boardman on Friday.
Trailing 4-2 and 5-4 in the final frame, the Phantoms got goals from Cullen Lundholm, Brad Smith (Ohio State University) and Jordy Trottier (Bentley College) to tie the game at 5-5. Trottier's goal came with just 4.8 seconds left in regulation to make the extra period necessary.
Traverse City defenseman Phil Wendecker spoiled the Phantoms' comeback hopes, however, slapping home a slap shot on the power play with 1:29 remaining in OT to lift the North Stars to the win.
The North Stars (25-10-5, 55 pts) closed to within three points of the Phantoms (27-10-4, 58 pts) for first place in the NAHL's North Division; Mahoning Valley picked up an extra point by sending the game to overtime.
The game was won on special teams for the North Stars, who converted four of nine power play chances while killing off all eight Phantoms power plays on the night.
The lone bright spot on special teams for Mahoning Valley came when forward Alex Lippincott (Ohio State University) earned a short-handed penalty shot late in the first period. Lippincott scored on the free breakaway for his third goal of the weekend and his 12th of the season. It was also his team-leading second short-handed goal.
Also scoring for Traverse City were David Johnstone, Garrett Thompson, Dean Pawlaczyk, Travis White and Josh Miller.
Nick Kenney scored his 10th goal of the year for the Phantoms in the second period.
Garrett Bartus made 27 saves in net for Mahoning Valley as his record fell to 1-0-2 against the North Stars and 9-5-3 overall.
Brandon Stephenson improved to 12-5-3 for the North Stars, turning away 39 Phantom shots in the winning effort.
The North Division rivals will wrap-up their three-game set with Sunday's rubber match, set for 3:00 PM at the Ice Zone in Boardman.
The game will be broadcast locally on ESPN Radio 1240, WBBW-AM, and simulcast worldwide at WBBW.com (audio only).
Phantoms individual game tickets are on sale at the Phantom Box Office at the Ice Zone. Call (330) 965-7500 for more information.
The Mahoning Valley Phantoms are owned by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks, located in Youngstown, Ohio.
North American Hockey League Stories from February 7, 2009
- Stars claim OT triumph - Traverse City North Stars
- Phantoms' Rally Spoiled in Overtime - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
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