A pair of first-period goals from Tyler Catalano and some big third-period stops from Colin Winn (33 saves) lifted the Youngstown Phantoms (28-15-4-1, 61pts) to a 3-2 win over the Green Bay Gamblers Thursday night at the Covelli Centre.

"Overall, at the end of the day, at this time of year, it's a huge two points," said Phantoms Head Coach Ryan Ward. "Credit to the guys for two in a row here on home ice. Big points, we'll take it."

It didn't take long for the Phantoms to grab the lead, as they scored on the game's opening shift. Catalano recorded his first of the night just 48 seconds into regulation, redirecting Andrew Strathmann's shot past Klayton Knapp (26 saves) for the 1-0 Youngstown lead. Catalano extended the Phantom's lead to 2-0 at 7:00 when sustained pressure in the offensive zone by Youngstown's top unit ended with Catalano getting a good look at the net and beating Knapp high to the blocker side on a shot from the right circle. The goals were Catalano's sixth and seventh of the season, and they came in the 100th game of his USHL career. "Cat's a guy that has played any role we've asked him to play," said Ward. "For him to have two goals in his 100th game is an awesome night for him. Any time that you have a player like that who doesn't say a word and just does what he's asked, you love to see him have success. He's an unbelievable teammate." Justin Varner also played in his 100th USHL game this evening.

Green Bay dented the scoreboard just 86 seconds after Catalano's second goal when their leading scorer Eli Sebastian ripped a wrister from the slot passed Winn for his 16th of the season. Half the game went by before the goal light turned on again, as Jake Rozzi snapped a wrister from the hash marks past Knapp to the blocker side for his 16th of the season. Rozzi's goal at 19:29 came one second after a power play ended for the Phantoms, who are mired in a 0-for-24 slump on the man advantage.

Youngstown took a 3-1 lead into the locker room for the second intermission, but Green Bay managed to get one back early in the final frame when Carter Rose managed to slide a backhander around Winn during a net-front scramble at 6:34. It was Rose's fourth goal of the year, second against his former team, and brought the Gamblers back within a goal at 3-2. Green Bay continued their third-period push, outshooting Youngstown 15-4 in the last stanza. With Knapp on the bench for the extra attacker in the waning moments, Nicholas VanTassell found himself with a good look at the net from the mid-slot with three seconds remaining on the clock, but he was turned aside by Winn, denying the Gamblers a shot at overtime and giving the Phantoms the victory.

The win clinched the season series for Youngstown over Green Bay, with two more contests remaining between the two teams as they battle for playoff position. The Phantoms became the second Eastern Conference team (Chicago) to surpass the 60-point mark in the standings as they sit alone in second place with 61. Youngstown will look to sweep this three-game set and extend the Gambler's losing streak to five games Friday night at the Covelli Centre when the two teams face off at 7:05 p.m. for the final time in Youngstown this season.

By the Numbers

Shots – 29

Saves – 33

Power Play – 0/4

Penalty Kill – 3/3

Goals – Catalano (2), Rozzi

Assists – Lachance (2), Misiak, Strathmann (2), Whitelaw

 

Source:  Youngstown Phantoms