O’Connor stops 41, but Phantoms lose in shootout to Cedar Rapids

Staff report

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA

Jack Rowe scored the only goal of the shootout, and the Youngstown Phantoms wasted a superb performance from goalie Matthew O’Connor in dropping a 2-1 decision to the Cedar Rapids Roughriders on Wednesday night.

The loss snapped a four-game winning streak in the United States Hockey League for the Phantoms (16-6-2).

O’Connor stopped 41 of 42 shots in the game, but the Phantoms were outshot 31-12 in the second and third periods, and 42-27 for the game.

Youngstown scored first with 6:46 remaining in the opening period on a power-play goal by Mike Ambrosia, his eighth of the season.

The tally, on an assist by Austin Cangelosi, came just 10 seconds after the Phantoms earned the man advantage.

The Roughriders (10-9-7) notched the tying goal with 9:03 remaining in the second period on Landon Smith’s five goal (unassisted) of the season.

The third period and overtime were scoreless, despite Cedar Rapids outshooting the Phantoms 14-8.

Jake Hildebrand picked up the win in goal for the Roughridgers by stopping 26 shots and all three Youngstown attempts in the shootout.