Phantoms rally for 20th win, overcome Traverse City, 5-3

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Trailing 3-1 entering Saturday’s third period, the Mahoning Valley Phantoms scored four times to defeat the Traverse City North Stars, 5-3.

Nick Shkreli, Doug Clifford, Nick Kenney and Stefan Salituro connected for goals as the Phantoms (20-7-3, 43 points) opened up a four-point lead over the North Stars in the North American Hockey League’s North Division.

The Phantoms outshot the North Stars, 29-26, but failed to score on three power-play chances.

Kenney and Dustin Hopfner set up Shkreli’s goal early in the third period to reduce the North Stars’ lead to 3-2. About two minutes later, Clifford scored on assists from Brad Smith and Carl Nielsen to tie the game.

Kenney’s unassisted goal a minute later was the game-winner. Salituro scored into an empty net with 13 seconds remaining. John Houston scored the Phantoms’ other goal.

Garrett Bartus made 23 saves to earn the win. North Stars goalie Brandon Stephenson stopped 24 shots.

The Phantoms and North Stars close their weekend series today at 12:35 p.m.