SCOUTING REPORT Youngstown Phantoms

The match-up: The Phantoms (20-15-7) play host to the Toledo Ice Diggers (12-27-3) in a pair of Junior-A North American Hockey League games tonight and Saturday. Both games at The Ice Zone begin at 7 p.m.
The Phantoms: Youngstown is in third place in the NAHL North Division after winning three of four games against the second-place Springfield (Ill.) Junior Blues over the past two weekends. Youngstown split two games at Springfield last weekend after sweeping a two-game set with the Junior Blues at The Ice Zone Jan. 30-31. Tyler Sims was in goal for both Phantoms victories two weeks ago, but was pulled during the second period last Friday after allowing three goals in what eventually became a 5-1 loss However, when Youngstown won 3-2 in an overtime shoot-out last Saturday, Sims stopped 31 of 33 shots during regulation and the five-minute overtime period before limiting the Junior Blues to one goal in four attempts during the shoot-out. Youngstown gained the victory on Saturday when Joe Federoff, Rob Rassey and Jared Katz all scored during the shoot-out. It was only the second time this season the Phantoms won a game that went to a shoot-out; they had lost four of the previous five. Aaron Rhyner scored both regulation goals for Youngstown last Saturday and leads the club with 17 goals on the season.
The opposition: Toledo is in sixth place in the NAHL North, having lost its last four games. Youngstown is 4-3-0 against the Ice Diggers this season. The last time the two teams met was Jan. 3-4 at The Ice Zone. The Phantoms won the first game 7-4 but lost the next night, 5-1. Toledo has allowed 181 goals this season, which is easily the most in the division (Cleveland is second at 142). The Ice Diggers' top offensive threats are Dan Peace (7 goals, 22 assists, 29 points) and Joe Watson (15 goals, 7 assists, 22 points). Goaltender Jason Kearney (10-21-2) leads the league in losses and sports a 3.85 goals-against average.
Miscellaneous: Youngstown has 14 regular season games remaining and each one will be important since only the top four teams in the division qualify for the playoffs. The Phantoms enter the weekend with a slim lead over the fourth and fifth place cubs -- the USA National Team (20-14-5, 45 points) and the Cleveland Barons (20-19-3, 43 points). ... When leading after two periods Youngstown is 16-0-2 and Toledo is 7-0-2. ... When trailing after two periods, the Phantoms are 1-10-2 and the Ice Diggers are 0-24-0. ... Joe Federoff has scored 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) in 17 games with the Phantoms. He began the season with Toledo and registered 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 25 games there. ... Rob Rassey leads Youngstown with 42 points (16 goals, 26 assists). ... The Phantoms have only out-shot the opposition 13 times in 42 games this season. ... Youngstown's Tyler Sims (13-9-5, 2.45 goals-against average) is tied for second among NAHL goaltenders in shutouts (four) and is third in save percentage (.929). ... Rob Rassey leads Youngstown with 42 points (16 goals, 26 assists). ... The Phantoms have only out-shot the opposition 13 times in 42 games this season. ... Youngstown's Tyler Sims (13-9-5, 2.45 goals-against average) is tied for second among NAHL goaltenders in shutouts (four) and is third in save percentage (.929).
-- Associated Press