Staff Photo / Brian Jauger Phantoms forward Cade Stengrim finds the back of the net during the first period of Saturday’s game. Stengrim scored the first goal for the Phantoms.
YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Phantoms defeated Cedar Rapids on Saturday with a third-period rush, defeating the Rough Riders 5-3.
Cade Stengrim set the tone from the start, scoring his fifth goal of the season less than two minutes into the game.
“It was a good start.” Phantoms coach Ryan Ward said. “Actually, I thought tonight we started better than last night. I think we stayed there and didn’t give up completely. … It was nice to have more production tonight. Overall , I think it was a good effort. We have one more game tomorrow, and it’s great to be able to play here at the Covelli Center.”
Stengrim and linemates Jakub Hess and Michael Coleman have been a productive forward pairing for the Phantoms this season.
“I think they have an identity. I think it’s important that they have an identity.” Ward said. “Cade’s been coming really well. Obviously, he’s going to the net and has really good hands and a tight, great shot. I thought all three of them played well. He’s a very smart player. He’s probably more underrated. I don’t think people realize how good he is. That line was good. It was a great identity line for us.”
The Phantoms pulled away in the third period, but were even with Cedar Rapids early on.
The Rough Riders responded quickly to Stengrim’s first goal. Heath Nelson defeated Owen Lepak to get the match back on track.
But Evan Jardine gave Youngstown the edge going into the first intermission, finding the back of the net with help from Jack Hextall for his 10th assist of the season.
Nelson scored again for Cedar Rapids, and Daniel Astapovic gave the Rough Riders their only lead of the night midway through the second period.
Defenseman Connor De Haro finished the game with a goal and an assist, and the Phantoms tied the game less than two minutes after Cedar Rapids took the lead.
“Connor is coming aggressively.” Ward said. “Obviously the rush participation and stuff like that and I think he continues to play well. He’s just playing within himself and I think that’s what’s really important.”
The tying goal sent the Phantoms into the third.
Randan Rezendes broke the deadlock in the third period and scored the deciding goal against his former team.
“He’s been a thorn in our side the last two years he’s been on the team.” Ward said. “(He’s) also someone we identified last year as someone we wanted to acquire and join our organization. Thankfully, we were able to do that again this year. He’s a typical Phantom, a mistake He brings it every night.”
It didn’t take long for the Phantoms to further extend their lead.
This time, Brecken Smith scored, giving the Phantoms a 5-3 lead, which they maintained.
In the third period, the Phantoms held Cedar Rapids to just two shots on net. Youngstown dominated in the shoot-on-goal department Saturday, outscoring the Rough Riders 32-13.
“We just wanted to be on the right side of the puck and really wanted to keep attacking.” Ward said. “For us, I think we carried the game, just continued to play our game, stick to our game plan, get past the puck and make plays as quickly as possible to get the puck to the other end. I just wanted to.”
The Phantoms will play host to the U.S. National Team Development Program U18 today. Start time is set for 4:05 p.m. at the Covelli Center.
