Joyaux’s goal in OT lifts Phantoms over USA

Esposito tied game with late goal

Staff report

PLYMOUTH, MICH.

Michael Joyaux’s overtime game lifted the Youngstown Phantoms’ to a 4-3 comeback victory against Team USA on Tuesday night.

Joyaux’s goal was scored 5:59 into the bonus session of Game 1.

The Phantoms trailed 3-2 in the third period when Eric Esposito tied the game, with Joyaux and Nicholas Cardelli assisting, with 6:42 remaining in regulation.

The road win was the Phantoms’ first in franchise history in the USHL’s Eastern Conference Finals. In 2013 in the Phantoms’ only other conference final appearance, Youngstown lost all three road games to the Dubuque Fighting Saints, dropping the best-of-five series, 3-2.

This time, the Phantoms have stolen home-ice advantage from Team USA.

Game 2 will be in Plymouth tonight and Games 3 and, if necessary, 4 will be at Covelli Centre on Friday and Saturday.

Max Ellis and Joey Abate scored first-period goals for the Phantoms. Ellis also assisted on the game-wining goal.

Goaltender Ivan Prosvetov stopped 27 shots.

Patrick Moynihan scored the game’s first goal. Erik Middendorf and Matthew Boldy scored in the second period for Team USA.

The Phantoms killed all four of Team USA’s power plays.