Phantoms’ split reveals both sides

Friday’s 6-1 romp was
followed by a 4-2 defeat to the Ice Diggers.

ALPENA, Mich. — The Mahoning Valley Phantoms showed their good and their bad sides this weekend in splitting a pair of games against the Alpena Ice Diggers.

“It’s our biggest rivalry,” said Phantoms assistant coach Curtis Carr on the intensity of the games against Alpena. “It stems over from last year when we took it to them pretty good.

“Both teams work hard and play physical against each other, and they always seem to bring a little bit extra during these games,” Carr said. “It’s a lot of fun to be a part of.”

The Phantoms rolled off the bus Friday night and showcased their potential by dominating from start to finish, killing off 10 Alpena power plays, and winning 6-1.

“It was really the commitment of the guys to fulfill their roles and get the job done,” Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt said. “It was a very positive atmosphere on the bench and in the locker room.”

Led by Derek Graham’s two goals, and the goaltending of Garrett Bartus, Mahoning Valley put together its best 60 minute performance of the year. Bartus made 30 saves.

“So far his development has gone very well,” said Mainhardt of his goaltender.

“We always knew he had the ability and the tools to get the job done — it was just a matter of maturing into it.”

However, inconsistency reared its head Saturday for the Phantoms. After twice tying the game, Mahoning Valley gave up two third-period goals en route to a 4-2 loss.

“We had a couple breakdowns and a couple of guys that didn’t buy into the game plan,” Mainhardt said.

“Other than that, I thought that we clearly had the superior team and had the better scoring opportunities. We just weren’t able to convert.”

Ice Diggers goaltender Nate Pellegrino, the North Division Player of the Week, was a big reason the Phantoms weren’t able to capitalize on their opportunities.

Pellegrino came on in relief of Dan Pason early in the first period, and made 34 saves on the 35 shots he faced in the rest of the game.

Graham continued his stellar play, notching his team-leading 17th point with a goal in the first period. Graham is fifth in North American Hockey League in scoring.

“Derek is a tremendous two-way hockey player,” Mainhardt says. “Because of his offensive ability, a lot of times his defensive side is overlooked. He brings us a well-rounded center-man that plays both sides of the puck.”

With Marquette’s win over Alexandria, the Ice Diggers (7-5-1) and the Phantoms (7-4-1) are tied for fourth place in the North with 15 points, one point behind the Rangers (8-5-1).

After being whistled for a combined 27 penalties, including two separate fights in Friday’s game, no penalties we’re called in the second game.

Game time this weekend against the North Stars is 7:05 p.m. Friday and Saturday.