Steel Fall 2-1 in Overtime as Youngstown Advances
Published on May 9, 2023 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS - William Whitelaw scored 7:50 into the first overtime and the Youngstown Phantoms defeated the Steel 2-1 in Game 4 of the best-of-five Eastern Conference Final, clinching a 3-1 series victory over the Chicago Steel Tuesday at Covelli Centre.
Youngstown advances to the Clark Cup Final where it will take on Fargo in a best-of-five series.
The Phantoms overcame a 1-0 deficit late in the third period with a game-tying goal with just over two minutes remaining before Whitelaw's overtime winner.
Jack Harvey was the lone goal scorer for the Steel, recording his second goal in three games.
Christian Manz was outstanding, as he had been all postseason, stopping 42 of 44 shots and recording an assist. Manz stopped 214 of 230 shots faced in the postseason.
The Steel came out with purpose, desperately trying to keep their season alive. Less than two minutes in, Jack Harvey got a quality scoring chance, but the puck trickled just wide of Youngstown goaltender Jacob Fowler.
The Phantoms got the lions share of the chances in the first period, outshooting the Steel 19-6. Christian Manz stood strong in net for the Steel, serving as a solid backstop.
After four frustrating periods for Chicago in Ohio, the Steel came to life in the second.
The Steel started the middle frame on the penalty kill, successfully killing off the Phantoms power play and igniting a fire that was evident over the middle 20 minutes.
Shortly after Chris Delaney was denied by Fowler on a 2-on-1 chance, the Steel were then awarded a power play themselves.
On the team's second entry into the offensive zone, Jack Harvey barreled into the offensive zone, down the left side, and blasted a shot from the left circle above the left shoulder of Fowler for a 1-0 Steel lead and his second goal of the postseason.
Chicago continued to apply pressure over the remainder of the period, several times narrowly missing chances to extend the lead, including Jayden Perron hitting the crossbar on a shot from the slot.
Youngstown rebounded to play a strong third period, outshooting the Steel 12-6. Fowler kept it a 1-0 game denying Jordan Brisson on a partial breakaway halfway through period.
With just under six minutes remaining in regulation, Youngstown was awarded a power play. Manz continued to stand strong, and despite dangerous pressure applied by the Phantoms, the Steel managed to kill off the man-advantage.
With just over two minutes left in the third period, the Phantoms found the equalizer. Andon Cerbone collected a loose puck in the right circle following a board battle. As Fowler skated towards the bench, Cerbone spun and flung the puck towards the net, where Kenta Isogai was just outside the crease to deflect the puck behind Manz to tie the game.
Midway through the first overtime, the Phantoms scored the goal to clinch the series. Sane Lachance collected the puck along the far boards and flung the puck towards the net to William Whitelaw on the doorstep for a tip-in overtime winner.
The Steel will return this fall to Fox Valley Ice Arena with preseason games beginning in September. The 2023 USHL schedule is expected to be announced in June.
Season ticket plans for the 2023-2024 season are now on sale starting at just 5 games for just $50.
Upcoming Schedule presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush:
Eastern Conference Final - Best-of-Five
#1 Steel vs. #2 Youngstown (Youngstown wins series 3-1)
Game 1: YNG 4, Steel 1 - Friday, May 5 at Fox Valley Ice Arena Game 2: Steel 5, YNG 2 - Saturday, May 6 at Fox Valley Ice Arena Game 3: YNG 4, Steel 1 - Monday, May 8 at Covelli Centre Game 4: YNG 2, Steel 1 (OT) - Tuesday, May 9 at Covelli Centre
United States Hockey League Stories from May 9, 2023
- Steel Fall 2-1 in Overtime as Youngstown Advances - Chicago Steel
- Force and Phantoms Advance to 2023 Clark Cup Final - USHL
- Future Considerations Announced - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Tom Gilbert and Dominic Zombo to Remain on Coaching Staff - Madison Capitols
- Bucs Futures Camp Dates Announced - Des Moines Buccaneers
- Stars Fall to Force in Game 4 - Lincoln Stars
- Phantoms Down Chicago 4-1 - Youngstown Phantoms
- Force Eliminate Stars, Head Back to the Clark Cup Finals - Fargo Force
- Youngstown Takes Series Lead with 4-1 Game 3 Victory - Chicago Steel
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