Phantoms bombard Thunder

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Matt Alvaro and Josh Nenadal each scored shorthanded goals as the Youngstown Phantoms defeated the Bloomington Thunder, 6-1, on Friday at the Covelli Centre.

Their goals came 66 seconds apart in the second period of the USHL game.

Maxim Letunov and Kiefer Sherwood both scored power-play goals as the Phantoms (5-2-1, 11 points) defeated the Thunder (4-3-1, 9 points) for the third time this season.

Goaltender Colin DeAugustine (4-1-0) made 26 saves to get the win.

Ryan Lomberg’s power-play goal was set up by Trey Bradley and Vas Kolias in the first period.

The goals by Alvaro and Nenadal made it 3-0 early in the second period.

Kyle Connor and Josh Melnick assisted on Letunov’s goal late in the second period.

Early in the third period, Connor scored on an assist by Alvaro and Matt Miller for a 5-0 lead.

After Bloomington’s Ryan Galt scored a power-play goal, Connor and Melnick set up Sherwood for the sixth goal.

The Phantoms have a two-game winning streak, including last Saturday’s 6-0 win over the Fighting Saints in Dubuque, Iowa.

Phantoms penalty killers excelled, killing off all but one of the Thunder’s man-advantages.

The Phantoms connected on 3-of-10 power-plays.

Logan Halladay took the loss for the Thunder, allowing five goals on 16 shots. David Jacobson relieved him late in the second period.