Special teams help Phantoms hold off Motor City for 2-1 win

WYANDOTTE, Mich. — Goalie Jordan Tibbett turned in another strong performance and got a help from the special teams as the Mahoning Valley Phantoms edged the Motor City Machine 2-1 Friday night.

Tibbett (3-0-0) stopped a flurry of Machine chances late in the game, including a 6-on-5 rush after Motor City goalie Zach Hansen was pulled for the extra skater.

Tibbett maintained his league-best 1.00 goals against average.

“The goals against average and all the stats are always fun,” said the second-year Phantoms goalie, “but you’ve got to keep the main goal of winning in view at all times. Winning is the most important thing.”

Tibbett’s penalty killers picked him up as well, killing off all seven Motor City power plays, including two straight 5-on-3 advantages in the third.

The Phantoms have negated 29 straight opposition power plays, dating back to the Sept. 18 game against North Iowa.

“The special teams were huge,” says Tibbett. “The way the games are being called these days, with all the stick infractions, having a good power play and penalty kill is always a big boost.”

Stefan Salituro scored the eventual game-winner on a power play with 5:05 remaining in the second period.

The Phantoms were 1-for-7 on the power play.

Erik Higby opened the scoring in the first period with his fourth goal of the season on an assist from Cole Schneider.

Jared Friedman tied the score for the Machine in the second period, but 21‚Ñ2 minutes later Salituro scored the game-winner.

The Phantoms (4-0-1) moved into second place in the North Division behind Traverse City.

The Phantoms and Machine wrap up their two-game set tonight at 7:10.