Phantoms win in overtime

By Greg Gulas

Brandon Saad scored the game winner just 56 seconds into the extra period to defeat Motor City 4-3.

YOUNGSTOWN — For the first time this season the Mahoning Valley Phantoms found a way to win despite trailing after the second period.

Cullen Lundholm’s goal with 10 seconds remaining in regulation tied the score and forced overtime, paving the way for Brandon Saad’s game-winning tally just 56 seconds into the extra period as the Phantoms defeated the Motor City Machine, 4-3, in the team’s final NAHL North Division Showcase game Sunday at the Chevrolet Centre.

“The puck came off of [Phantoms] goalie Jordan Tibbett and I just took it up the ice,” said Saad. It sure was great to see the end result.

“We got away from our game plan in the second period and because of that, fell behind when we allowed three goals. After we got back to our game plan we just kept working hard and righted our ship. Everything else just fell into place,” he added.

The Phantoms trailed 3-1 after two periods, but Nick Kenney’s first goal of the year just 1:57 into the frame cut the Machine’s lead to 3-2.

With time winding down and Mahoning Valley enjoying a power play opportunity the last 1:51 of regulation, the Phantoms’ Stefan Salituro (with help from Saad) fed Lundholm the puck for the game-tying tally.

“We had already pulled our goalie so working 6-on-4 around the net really taxed their goalie,” said Lundholm. “It was a high pass to me and the shot just found its way to the back of the net.

“We lacked effort as a team in the second period and they simply outplayed us, deserving to take the lead. The third period, however, was a different story and to see us rally the way we did tonight is really a great feeling,” he added.

The win enabled the Phantoms (15-5-2) to regain sole possession of first place in the North Division as they moved ahead of the Traverse City North Stars (14-4-3).

They finished the Showcase 2-1 while the Machine (5-19-1) went 1-1-1.

Sean Clark, who was appointed the Machine’s coach last Tuesday after the resignation of Matt Romaniski, was encouraged by his team’s overall play in the three-day event.

“If you would have told some people that we would take three points from two of the top teams in the league this weekend, they might have told you no way. We have the right players and will do things the right way,” said Clark.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day and we understand that. We’ll build this foundation brick by brick and hopefully see some results along the way.”

Mahoning Valley took the early lead on a power play goal by Nick Shkreli at 11:45 of the opening period. That would be the only score during the first 20 minutes.

Goals by Trevor John (power play at 2:30), Mike Monfredo (4:17) and Jake Friedman (7:44), all coming within a 5:14 span of the second period, staked the Machine to a 3-1 advantage heading to the final period.

“The second period is a good reference as to why coaches get so frustrated,” said Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt. “If we would just play every period like we did the third period tonight, then we wouldn’t have any problems.”

“Brandon [Saad] is a special player. He created opportunities all game and is just so much fun to watch. I think it’s safe to say that you can expect to see more of that kind of effort all season.”

The Phantoms are off until a two-game series in Ann Arbor, Mich., against Team USA Dec. 12-13.