Red light means go for Phantoms

By Eric Hamilton

Robert Harrison scored the game-winner in OT as Mahoning Valley took a 1-0 series lead.

BOARDMAN – Mahoning Valley Phantoms defenseman Robert Harrison almost didn’t see his team’s winning goal hit the back of the net.

But after closing his eyes and firing a shot at the 17:16 mark in overtime Friday night, he opened his eyes just in time to see the red light come on — and he liked what he saw.

Harrison’s second goal of the game propelled the second-seeded Phantoms to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the third-seeded Alpena Ice Diggers in Game 1 of the North Division semifinals at the Ice Zone.

“I just closed my eyes and shot it,” said Harrison of the game-winner. “I saw the red light come on and me and my teammates just went crazy. I was very surprised about both my goals tonight, but I just tried to work hard because you have to step it up in the playoffs.

“We got together before coming out for the overtime and just said we’re a family and we need to get this done for each other. It took everyone playing hard to win it in overtime. We know we’re going to have to work twice as hard this year in order to win the Robertson Cup.”

As scintillating as the win was for Mahoning Valley, the Phantoms could have made things a lot easier on themselves. After two strong periods, the locals owned a 2-0 advantage and plenty of momentum heading into the third period.

But the game plan unraveled in the third, as Alpena stepped up the offensive pressure. The Ice Diggers outshot the Phantoms 18-15 in the stanza and two of those shots found the back of the net.

Russell Anderson netted a pair goals, with the second knotting the contest at 2-all at the 8:48 mark.

“We almost let things slip away there in the third period,” said Mahoning Valley coach Bob Mainhardt. “It was definitely a tight game. We kind of got away from our game plan there and didn’t take care of the defensive side of things in the third.

“But in overtime, we settled down and stopped forcing things and waited for our opportunities. We were able to get some shots in overtime and Robert was able to step up and get one through. But our work isn’t done here, because we know we need a better effort tomorrow [Saturday].”

Much of the contest was controlled by the teams’ respective goaltenders. The Phantoms and Ice Diggers combined for 108 total shots in the game. Mahoning Valley netminder Garrett Bartus piled up 57 saves and the two goals allowed was just under his season average.

“It was definitely a goalie’s game,” said Mainhardt. “I think you just saw two of the best in the league tonight.”

Harrison gave the Phantoms a 1-0 lead in the first period with a goal at the 16:37 mark. Mahoning Valley put up 13 shots on goal in the period, to seven for Alpena. The first period also featured zero penalties.

The second period was much more physical and included four infractions — three on the Phantoms. Alpena was unable to capitalize on three power play opportunities in the stanza — and finished the contest 0-for-6 in that category.

Grant Blakey made the most of the Ice Diggers’ misfortune. The forward pounded home his 20th goal of the season at the 16:29 mark to give Mahoning Valley a 2-0 lead. Assists were provided by Derek Graham and Jon Madden.

“We know we didn’t play our best game tonight,” said Harrison. “We had some jitters, but now we know what we need to do. Winning the first game gives us the momentum. We just have to be ready to win another one [tonight].”

Game 2 of the best-of-5 series is tonight at 7:15 at the Ice Zone.