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Phantoms roll as win streak reaches 10
YOUNGSTOWN
If winning is contagious, the rest of the United States Hockey League better catch what the Youngstown Phantoms have — and fast.
The hottest team in the league capped off the best month in franchise history with its most lopsided victory during a win streak that’s reached 10 games.
“It’s awesome,” said Phantoms forward Ryan Lomberg after a 7-1 drubbing of visiting Fargo at the Covelli Centre on Saturday night.
“We’re rolling, the atmosphere’s great now and we’re playing the way we’re capable of.”
Josh Melnick recorded a hat trick to go along with two assists, giving him a team-high 17 points over the last 10 games. His three goals Saturday were his first in the last 22 games.
“On the ice tonight, [my teammates] were supporting me, trying to get me the puck,” Melnick said. “When I scored the hat trick they were all really excited for me.”
Considered by his teammates as one of the more underrated players on the team, Melnick is riding an eight-game point streak of his own. His first two goals came in the final six minutes of the second period and his third opened the scoring in the third, giving him a natural hat trick.
“Night in and night out he’s one of our hardest workers, so it’s awesome when you see a guy that works as hard as he does get so much success,” Lomberg said.
The top three scorers on Phantoms (29-13-5, 63 points) did their part as well on Saturday. Kiefer Sherwood added his team-leading 23rd goal of the season in the second period, while Maxim Letunov netted goal No. 22 to start the scoring in the first.
Kyle Connor scored his 21st and 22nd goals of the season and was finally able to finish on a breakaway, giving his coach another reason to smile.
“He’s fun to watch,” said Phantoms head coach Anthony Noreen. “I get the luxury of seeing him everyday, but to be able to watch him develop over these last three years and what he’s become, I couldn’t be any prouder.
“And he’s had so many breakaways this weekend, it was good to see him finally get one.”
The Force (19-21-6, 44 points) ran into a high-speed train on Saturday and had no means of stopping it. They were outshot 25-14 over the first two periods and trailed 5-0 as a result. Goaltender Robbie Beydoun, who had an excellent performance in a shootout loss on Friday, took the loss despite not getting much help from his defense.
“Obviously, we’re not trying to show anybody up, but our job is to get better,” Noreen said. “And I thought we were good all the way throughout.”
Chris Birdsall got the win in net for the Phantoms and nearly earned his third shutout of the season. A late goal from Jake McLaughlin was the only shot out of 26 Birdsall didn’t stop.
The Phantoms may not be too happy to see the calendar turn to March. They won all 10 of their games in February and outscored opponents 42-18.
“I think the best part is that everyone’s been able to chip in,” Sherwood said. “Every game it’s someone new. We have a lot of depth and it’s good to see other guys contribute.
“Winning in general is a lot more fun, but when we get a streak going, I think the guys’ confidence is up and we’re all having fun playing the game.”