LocalSportsJournal.com

It looked like the Muskegon Lumberjacks were going to snap their three-game losing streaking on Saturday heading into the third period, leading Youngstown by a goal.

LSJ Logo incertBut the Phantoms scored twice in the third period, and the Lumberjacks failed to answer, leaving them on the short end of a 3-2 decision at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown.

The fourth straight loss left Coach Todd Krygier in a foul mood.

“We have to stop the puck from going in the net,” he said.  “This game takes character, grit, sacrifice and hard work. Obviously none of these have been present on a consistent basis and it costs us games.”

Scoring has been a problem for the Lumberjacks, and it continued Saturday night.

The Lumberjacks have scored 10 goals in the first five contests of the season for a minuscule average of two goals per game.

Muskegon is now 1-4-0 on the season.

The Lumberjacks opened the scoring at 4:44 of the first period with a goal from Matej Paulovic. Trevor Hamilton and newcomer Derek Daschke picked up the assists.

The Phantoms tied the game at 1-1 on a goal from Yushiroh Hirano at 14:00 of the first period.

Muskegon regained its lead with a goal from Rem Pitlick on the power play at 2:26 of the second period. Collin Adams was credited with the lone assist.

Youngstown responded to take the lead with goals from Lukas Craggs and Cameron Morrison at 8:19 and 11:19 of the third period, respectively.

Muskegon outshot the Phantoms 17-16. Goaltender Joey Daccord took the loss for the Jacks.

The Lumberjacks will be busy next week, playing three home games starting with a Wednesday morning game against the Chicago Steel at 10:30 a.m. at the L.C. Walker Arena.