Phantoms secure playoff spot in finale
March 28, 2005 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan (Saturday, March 26, 2005) â The Youngstown Phantoms qualified for the North American Hockey League (NAHL) playoffs with a 3-2 overtime loss to the Soo Kewadin Indians. The overtime loss gave the Phantoms (27-25-4, 58 points), the one point they needed to clinch third place in the division and a spot in the postseason.
The Phantoms overcame a 2-0 first period deficit. Soo powerplay goals by Marty Gurnoe and Glen Yliatalo gave the Indians an early lead. But Rob Rassey poked in Naaman Moorman's breakaway opportunity at the 4:00 mark of the second period, and Dale Michonski rebounded Chris Smith's knuckler towards the net with 5:24 remaining to tie it at 2-2 after two.
Both teams had a few scoring opportunities in the third, but could not convert. In the four-on-four overtime Tiger Marcotte pinched in and wrapped a shot off the far post. Drew Satterley came charging in and poked the rebound in for the game-winner. The Indians outshot the Phantoms 35-22 with Jerry Kuhn making 32 saves.
"The effort was much improved over last night, and it's a good feeling that we relied on ourselves to make the playoffs, and we did it," said Phantoms Head Coach Bob Mainhardt.
The Phantoms and Indians will begin their best-of-five series back in the Soo. Games One and Two are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 1-2. The scene will shift to the Ice Zone for Game Three on Wednesday, April 6, and Game Four, if necessary, on Friday, April 8. Should the game go to a fifth game, it will be played back at the Big Bear Arena on Sunday, April 10. All games are scheduled for 7:00pm. Ticket information for Phantoms home playoff games will be posted on the team's official website www.youngstownphantoms.com by Wednesday, March 30.
North American Hockey League Stories from March 28, 2005
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- Minnesota Blizzard make playoffs - Alexandria Blizzard
- West Division Leader Jets Prepare for NAHL Playoffs - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Phantoms secure playoff spot in finale - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
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