Phantoms clobber gunning Machine

WYANDOTTE, Mich. — David Chaney scored three goals Saturday to help lead the Mahoning Valley Phantoms to a 9-3 victory over the Motor City Machine.

Goals by Cullen Lundholm and Johnny Meo gave the Phantoms a 2-0 lead in the opening period.

After Cody Holzworth scored for the Machine, Alex Lippincott restored the Phantoms’ two-goal lead with his tally.

After Kevin Bechard beat Phantoms goalie Garrett Bartus for a 3-2 score, the Phantoms closed the second period three straight goals.

Chaney’s first score came on the power play, with Nick Kenney and Jordy Trottier assisting.

After Kenney scored for a 5-2 lead, Robert Harrison beat Machine goalie Matthew Delaney on an assist from Brad Smith.

Jon Bobb scored the Machine’s other goal early in the third period. Chaney’s other two goals and one from Cole Schneider rounded out the Mahoning Valley scoring.

Despite losing by six, the Machine outshot the Phantoms, 47-37. Twenty-one of them came in the first period.

Bartus finished with 44 saves. Delaney had 28

Chaney also had an assist while Trottier and Smith had three each and Schneider two.

The Phantoms (33-12-5, 71 points) lead the North American Hockey League’s North Division and are off until March 13 when they open a three-game series with second-place Traverse City.