Red-hot Phantoms face Diggers

Mahoning Valley is a win away from home-ice advantage in the playoffs.
BOARDMAN -- The Mahoning Valley Phantoms look to extend two current streaks this weekend when they host the Alpena (Mich.) Ice Diggers at the Ice Zone. Face-off for the games tonight and Saturday is at 7.
The Phantoms (36-10-1) have won eight games in a row and are unbeaten at home (17-0-0).
With a win tonight, the Phantoms would own two of the three longest winning streaks in the North American Hockey League this season. They also would earn home-ice advantage for the first round of the North Division playoffs.
With the exception of defenseman Bill Stemzynski (collarbone), the Phantoms are injury-free. The timing could not be better with 12 of their final 15 regular-season games at the Ice Zone.
"We've had our share of injuries over the past couple months," Mainhardt said. "But on the positive side, it brought out the depth in our team and gave everyone some more ice time. We've proven that anyone can step in and make a difference for our team."
On a roll
Mainhardt expects a fight from the Ice Diggers. The Phantoms swept Alpena at Northern Lights Arena last weekend by scores of 4-2 and 2-1.
This season, the Phantoms are 8-2 versus the Ice Diggers, outscoring them 42-24 over that span.
"We always count on [Alpena coach] Kenny Miller's team to come out and give us a battle," Mainhardt said. "They afford opponents little for error and make you earn your points. I'm confident we'll be ready for them."
The Phantoms have won 15 consecutive games at home against the Ice Diggers. On Dec. 14, 2004, the then Toledo Ice Diggers last defeated the then Youngstown Phantoms 5-4 at the Ice Zone.
"Our fans are a big reason for our success," left wing Brent Dexter said. "We've always taken pride in playing in front of them, which is one reason why we're unbeaten at home this season."
Top gun
Dexter has been a thorn in Alpena's side. He leads the Phantoms in scoring against the Ice Diggers with 13 points on six goals and seven assists in 10 games.
Three of his goals are game-winners.
As hosts, the Phantoms have outscored opponents 88-27. Goaltender Ryan Zapolski, a Mercyhurst College recruit, carries a 1.59 goals against average and a .951 save percentage at the Ice Zone. Both numbers top all North American Hockey League goaltenders at home.
Individual game tickets range from 6- 9 and are available by calling (330) 965-7500.