On the Road Again

I am writing to you from somewhere on the Ohio turnpike (I think we are near Sandusky) on our way up to the great city of Alpena, Michigan. Movie number one is in the books, and we still have about seven hours left to go. Back on the road again for the first time in about a month – hopefully it’s a short trip.

Simply stated, the Phantoms are playing their best hockey of the season. Throughout the year, we talked about peaking at the right time, and undoubtedly they have. With the wins last weekend, Mahoning Valley has now taken eight of their last nine games and 11 of the past 13. More importantly, they are up 2-0 in the series with Alpena and are just a win away from going to the Robertson Cup Championship (I am sure you know the reason why this is, if not, I have explained it in the news story I put up on the website today).

I will start off by saying that Harrison’s overtime goal was the biggest goal all season, and Friday’s win is going to end up being the catalyst for a championship run. Nothing seems insurmountable after that. This team believes they are capable of winning despite any situation they find themselves in, and that is a trait that will surface again come May in St. Louis. They have earned everything this season. They are battle tested, and I think they have convinced themselves that if they play a full 60 minutes, there is no better 20-man unit in the NAHL.

It appeared the Phantoms had everything in control on Friday. A 2-0 lead, a powerplay to start the third period, and then all of a sudden, things shifted. Alpena got their first one, a few minutes later, they tied it up. Everything was going the Ice Diggers’ way. But, the Phantoms showed their maturity, got back to the game plan, came together as a team and found a way to win, despite the adversity.

As I’ve said in the stories, depth and goaltending were the keys last weekend, and will continue to be as we get deeper into the playoffs. With all four lines clicking, Verbeek, Meo, Bailey, Salituro and other third and fourth liners contributing, there will be matchup problems – especially late in games. While opponents are rolling two or three lines, the Phantoms are staying fresher with four.

Bartus is playing like a seasoned vet of the playoffs despite these being his first post-season games. He is not only making all the saves, he is looking confident as he does it.

Now the series shifts to Northern Lights Arena. The Phantoms have had some success there over the year, going 4-2-0 in six games, but haven’t played there since early November – a long five months ago.

Alpena has a great home crowd and they will be out in full-force. I wouldn’t be surprised to see that arena sold out. It will be hostile, as will the game. The Ice Diggers have showed all season that they aren’t afraid to get rough. With their backs to the wall, and nothing to lose, it will all be left out there on the ice from here on out.

The Phantoms could really use the rest and the time to heal up that would come with a sweep. Bumps and bruises are starting to mount. Dexter is healing, he made the trip, and could be ready to go if needed. Everyone probably noticed Eric Ringel’s absence from the ice for the second half of Saturday’s game – his status is uncertain, but he has made the trip as well.

There really isn’t a whole lot more to say at this time of the season, and I am starting to run out of battery power. It is time to win or go home. See you in Alpena.