Phantoms preview \ Upcoming games

Phantoms (17-7-2, 36)

vs. IceDiggers (16-9-2, 34)

When: Today and Monday, 7:15 p.m.

Where: The Chevrolet Centre.

Season series: The Mahoning Valley Phantoms and the Alpena IceDiggers have split two games this season. The Phantoms won the opener Oct. 17, 4-3, in overtime while the IceDiggers won Oct. 18, 4-3.

Radio-Internet: WBBW-AM 1240 (ESPN Radio), www.MVPPhantoms.com via B2 Networks.

Scouting report: The Phantoms are coming off a 5-2 win over the Marquette Rangers last Saturday night at the Chevrolet Centre to take sole possession of first place in the North Division of the North American Hockey League. Then on Sunday, the Motor City Machine helped the Phantoms to maintain their lead when they rallied from a 3-1 deficit to upend the second-place Traverse City North Stars, 6-4. The Phantoms hold a one-point lead over Traverse City (15-6-5, 35), while close behind are Alpena (16-9-2, 34 points) and Marquette (15-14-4, 34), tied for third place. Goaltender Garrett Bartus led the Phantoms’ win over Marquette as he turned away 29 shots to gain his first win since October 25. Meanwhile, Mahoning Valley enjoyed a well-balanced attack with five different players finding the net: Johnny Meo, Michael Pateras, Nick Shkreli, Brandon Saad and Stefan Salituro. The Phantoms will be without Saad for the two-game series with Alpena because he will be in British Columbia playing for Team USA at the 2009 World Under-17 Challenge slated Dec. 29 through Jan. 4. Team USA will also play a pre-tournament game against Team Canada-Pacific. Jordy Trottier leads the Phantoms in scoring with 20 points on 10 goals and as many assists, while Saad is No. 2 with 18 points on 11 goals and seven assists.