Zapolski's saves, defense aid win

The Phantoms are 8-6-1.
ALPENA, Mich. -- Ryan Zapolski made 38 saves and the Mahoning Valley Phantoms played sound defense in a 3-0 win over the Alpena Ice Diggers in a North American Hockey League game Friday.
"This is a reward for Ryan," said Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt. "Both he and Bryce [Merriam] have worked hard this season. I hope Bryce can come in [today] and do the same."
The Phantoms got on the scoreboard first with a power play goal. Dennis Urban fanned on his initial shot, then recovered and blistered a wrist shot from the left wing faceoff circle past Alpena goaltender Johnny Morrow for a 1-0 lead at 12:09 of the opening period.
Forechecking used
In the second period, the Phantoms (8-6-1) used some forechecking deep in the Alpena zone to extend their lead. Chris Fairbanks intercepted the Ice Diggers breakout pass in front of the left wing goal line. He quickly found Brent Dexter charging in and fed him the puck through the slot for a one-timer past Morrow for a 2-0 advantage.
Alpena had little time to adjust before Mahoning Valley struck again, just 26 seconds later.
Off another turnover at the Alpena blue line, Drew Fortney found Drew Satterley alone in front, as Satterley redirected the puck between the legs of Morrow for a 3-0 lead with 9:35 left in the period.
Later in the period, Zapolski made his biggest save, stopping Drew Pierson on a breakaway to preserve the shutout.
Diggers fail to convert
The Ice Diggers (4-11-2) had three power play opportunities in the third period, but failed to convert any. The Phantoms killed each of Alpena's eight power play chances for the game, while going 1-for-5 on their man advantages.
"We gave Ryan a chance to make saves," said Mainhardt. "The defense boxed out well and kept most of their shots on the perimeter."
The teams conclude their weekend series tonight at 7.