NAHL Phantoms can clinch playoffs

A win over Soo Kewadin Indians tonight will put them in the postseason.
SAULT ST. MARIE, Mich. -- The Youngstown Phantoms sense a reason to celebrate, but would sooner focus on solidifying a playoff spot before making reservations for next week's North American Hockey League action.
The Soo Kewadin Indians (31-18-5, 67 points) and the Phantoms (27-24-3, 57) are edging closer to a matchup in the North Division semifinals. The matchup will be official if the Phantoms earn one point against the Indians tonight or if the Cleveland Barons lose their game against the Toledo Ice Diggers.
Faceoff for the Phantoms in Michigan's Upper Peninsula begins at 7 p.m.
Have tiebreaker advantage
"This is a unique situation to be in when you consider the current standings and tiebreakers," Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt said. "Yet we were in a similar predicament last season; the difference being that we do have the tiebreaker advantage this time.
"Nevertheless, if we think we're a playoff team now, then we have to perform like a playoff team this weekend," Mainhardt said.
Offensively, the Phantoms have been revived, scoring 31 goals in their last seven games.
All four forward lines have contributed, and a recent change in role playing has surfaced.
Aaron Rhyner, who leads the team in goals with 33, also leads with 11 assists in his last 10 games.
Anthony Canzoneri, who leads the team in assists with 43, is tied with Derek Roehl with a team-high six goals over that same span.
Defensemen improve
On the blue line, Youngstown has seen improvements from its defensemen in the last few weeks. An emphasis has been placed on blocking shots and passing lanes, as well as pokechecks.
"If we keep the puck along the perimeter in our own zone, we're going to minimize quality scoring opportunities for our opponents," said assistant coach Tom Kowal, who oversees the Phantoms defense.
In the net, Jerry Kuhn and Tommy O'Brien have improved their play recently, and their coaches expect more of the same.
"People talk of players peaking at the right time; now is when we look for peak consistency, especially between the pipes," assistant coach Ian Fredricks said. "Peak consistency is what you need in the playoffs."