Phantoms rally for 6-1 victory against Rangers

MARQUETTE, Mich. — Brandon Saad scored three goals in the third period to help the Mahoning Valley Phantoms secure a 6-1 victory Saturday over the Marquette Rangers.

Johnny Meo and Stafan Salituri assisted on all three of Saad’s goals for the Phantoms (30-11-4, 64 points), the first-place team in the North American Hockey League’s North Division.

The goals came at the 6:06, 11:58 and 15:20 marks of the final period.

Also scoring in the third period was Jordy Trottier with an unassisted goal.

George Saad’s first-period goal put the Phantoms ahead, 1-0. Trevor Shively and Meo earned assists.

In the second period, the Phantoms’ David Chaney and Marquette’s Dustin Partacz exchanged goals. Nick Shkreli and Brad Smith assisted on Chaney’s tally.

Phantoms goaltender Jordan Tibbett made 29 saves. Marquette’s Kevin Kissaw took the loss as the Phantoms outshot the Rangers, 36-30.

The Phantoms return home to play the Motor City Machine on Thursday and Friday at the Chevrolet Centre. Both games have 7:15 p.m. opening faceoffs.