23-04-2025
Top-seeded Phantoms swept out of playoffs
MUSKEGON, Michigan (WKBN) – The Muskegon Lumberjacks topped the Youngstown Phantoms 5-3 in game three of the USHL Eastern Conference Semifinals on Tuesday at Trinity Health Arena.
The victory secures the series sweep for the Lumberjacks, who won the first two in the series last weekend in Youngstown.
Youngstown's season comes to an end despite holding the edge in shots 33-17 in Tuesday night's setback.
Trailing 4-1 in the third period, Youngstown scored a pair of goals courtesy of Chase Stefanek and Michael Mesic, cutting the deficit to 4-3. However, the late rally came up short.
Inside the final minute of the third period, the Lumberjacks sealed the deal with an empty-net goal from Tynan Lawrence.
Muskegon took an early 2-0 lead when David Deputy scored just 23 seconds into the game.
Youngstown got on the board later in the first period courtesy of a Ryan Rucinski goal.
Deputy and Ivan Ryabkin each scored a goal in the second period, giving the Lumberjacks a 4-1 lead heading to the third period.
With the win, Muskegon advances to face Dubuque in the Eastern Conference finals.
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