Phantoms’ five-goal outburst powers win over Lumberjacks

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Phantoms scored five goals over an eight-minute span of Wednesday’s second period and never looked backed as they downed the Muskegon Lumberjacks 7-3 at the Covelli Centre.

“I thought from an execution standpoint, obviously offensively we were on point,” Phantoms head coach Brad Patterson said. “When we did get ‘Grade A’ chances they ended up in the back of the net.”

After a scoreless first period, Youngstown’s offense exploded for five straight goals.

Alex Barber’s second goal of the year kicked things off at 4:42.

Matthew Barry then stole a puck from the Lumberjacks right in front of their net and tucked a backhander just under the crossbar for his fourth goal.

The Phantoms got a power play goal for their third score as Eric Esposito fired home a centering pass from Mike Regush.

For the fourth goal, Max Ellis found Curtis Hall streaking down the left side, creating a 2-on-1 with Chase Gresock. Hall elected to shoot the puck from the left dot and beat Lumberjacks goalie Adam Brizgala.

Phantoms goalie Wooter Peeters earned the win, his first in the USHL.