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Capitols down Phantoms for split at Covelli Centre
By Greg gulas
YOUNGSTOWN
Eugene Fadyayev’s goal late in the second period lifted the Madison Capitols to a 3-2 victory over the Youngstown Phantoms on Saturday at the Covelli Centre.
The victory allowed the Capitols (2-2-0, 4 points) to salvage a weekend split.
The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Phantoms (3-2-0, 6 points).
Alex Esposito scored both goals for the Phantoms.
His initial tally gave the Phantoms the early lead. His second goal lifted them into a 2-2 tie early in the third period.
“On the first goal, it was a hard rim shot from Jake Gingel that popped out,” Esposito said. “Brett Murray then hit it back toward their goalie.
“The puck bounced off of [Dryden McKay’s] pad and I was able to put it in.”
During the Phantoms’ three-game win streak, they out-scored opponents by a 15-2 count.
Trailing 1-0, the Capitols evened the score when Kamil Sadlocha registered his first goal late in the first period.
“Our intensity was there for the most part last night and tonight,” Phantoms head coach Brad Patterson said. “However, we had a few lulls as well.
“We had our chances, but there is definitely room for us to grow.”
Madison’s Konur Peterson gave the Capitols their first lead at 13:01 of the second period.
Esposito’s second goal tied the game.
“On the second goal, Brett [Murray] came around the goal on a forecheck,” Esposito said. “[Nicolas] Werbik then put the puck out in front and I was able to shoot it into the net.
“When we play our game and with a lot of energy, we’re a great team.”
The joy of the tie was short-lived. Just b37 seconds later, Fadyayev’s one-timer slipped by Youngstown goaltender Darion Hanson’s outstretched glove for the winning goal.
“Alex is a very special player,” Patterson said. “Over the summer, he really developed into a good leader and we expect him to lead us this season.
“Credit Madison because they played hard the entire game and just kept coming at us,” Patterson said.
The Phantoms held a 31-17 shot advantage.