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Phantoms even series
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Phantoms forward John Padulo (57), center, celebrates Youngstown’s first-period goal in Game 2 of the USHL Clark Cup playoff s against the Green Bay Gamblers on Thursday at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wis. The Phantoms won 4-2 to tie the series 1-1.
Youngstown rallies late for a victory in Green Bay
Staff report
Green Bay, Wis.
The Youngstown Phantoms scored three goals in the third period to stun the Green Bay Gamblers, 4-2, on Thursday at the Resch Center.
The Phantoms’ victory ties their best-of-five USHL playoff series, 1-1.
Games three and four will be played at the Covelli Centre on Saturday and Sunday.
Trailing 2-1 entering the third period, J.J. Piccinich tied the game with his first playoff goal. Markus McCrea earned the assist.
With the Gamblers’ Barrett Kalb in the penalty box for highsticking, John Padulo scored his second goal in two playoff games to give Youngstown its first lead of the series. Austin Cangelosi earned an assist on the power-play goal.
With nine minutes remaining, Sam Anas scored an unassisted goal.
Phantoms goaltender Sean Romeo made 23 saves to earn his first playoff victory. Green Bay’s Tony Kujava stopped 24 shots.
About eight minutes into the game, the Gamblers took a 1-0 lead on Alex Kile’s goal.
The Phantoms responded with a power-play goal by Cam Brown.
Early in the second period, the Gamblers regained the lead with Nick Schmaltz’s power-play goal.