Statement Weekend

Despite only getting one win out of their last series, the Phantoms did put together a couple of really good games – and at the right time as well. Although a sweep would have, of course, been better, I think the team made a statement with their weekend, and that statement is that we are one of the top two teams in the league.

Still plagued by injuries, the Phantoms won an absolute grind on Friday. A good old-fashioned goaltending duel played out at the Ice Zone, and Bartus proved why he is one of the top in the country.

Saturday, as disappointing as the final result was, it was still a good effort put forth, and it was encouraging to see the offense finally start to convert some of their opportunities and get some rhythm against St. Louis. Again, it hasn’t been a lack of opportunities, it’s been a lack of finishing them that had been troubling.

With only two games left against the defending champions, (coming up on February 23-24 in Chesterfield, Missouri) the Phantoms have fared pretty well so far – going 2-2-2 on the year – and only one of the non-wins has been decided by more than one goal.

Even more encouraging this week in practice, is the return of a few players to the ice. Denny Kramarz, John Houston, Kyle Verbeek, Derek Carr, and Kurt Washnock are all back on the ice and appear to be full-go. Now, I don’t know if they will all be in playing shape come Friday night, but hopefully they will regain their stamina and be game-ready in a few weeks, barring any re-injury.

Kyle Bailey is really starting to settle into the game plan and produce. Congratulations to him on earning the honorable mention for Player of the Week – two points in each game last weekend. Bailey has scored a point in five straight games – a streak that includes two goals and seven assists.

Also turning heads lately is the play of Jon Madden, who leads the team in plus/minus at +27, and Johnny Meo, who is the Phantoms’ leading scorer in the past 10 games. Carl Nielsen has turned into quite a physical presence out there as well… He clearly has won all three of his fights against Murray in the past four games.

Looking forward here, Mahoning Valley is 3-0-1 this season against Marquette, with their only non-win coming in a 4-3 overtime setback back on December 7 in Marquette.

It has been three weeks since the Phantoms and the Rangers last matched up. In case you forgot, the Phantoms won both of those games, pretty handily as well, back in the Phantoms Hockey Showcase.

The Phantoms are currently enjoying a three-game winning streak against the Rangers, and winning those by an average of four goals each.

Marquette has been struggling mightily lately. Although they did win their last game (against sub-.500 Alexandria), they were 1-8-1 in their previous 10 games. They are now 22-19-3 on the season and barely holding off the U.S. National Team for fourth place in the North Division.

Although Derek Graham has been held without a point in his last six games, the veteran forward has had a field-day against the Rangers this season, notching 7 points in four games. He is still in the top five among NAHL scorers.

Grant Blakey, Chad Boeckman and Miles Winter have each averaged a point per game against Marquette this season as well. Needless to say, playing these games at home, this coming weekend should be owned by Mahoning Valley, but it is still up to the Phantoms to execute, and each individual player to do his job.