Des Moines Buccaneers beat Youngstown Phantoms 7:3 in USAHL action on Wednesday evening. The hosts opened their campaign with a statement win, while the visitors took their second loss in as many games. It was a straightforward affair from start to finish, with the home side never under pressure after the opening exchanges.
By then it was clear the Buccaneers had seen this one through already. They took control early and never looked back, running out of legs in the third period but closing the game out with authority. The Phantoms had nothing to do all evening, unable to string together any sustained pressure.
To be fair, the standings tell only half the story. Des Moines sit top of the table after two wins from two, while Youngstown languish in eighth after two defeats. The gap between them already feels wider than two points would suggest.
The Buccaneers arrive at this fixture having shown flashes of promise. They beat Muskegon Lumberjacks 4:1 last night, though their recent form has been mixed — losses to Lincoln Stars and a narrow win over Cedar Rapids sit alongside those results. The Phantoms, meanwhile, have been locked in battles with Madison Capitols all season, winning one and losing three in their last five encounters.
And here's the thing — we had given the away side the nod at 54 per cent confidence. The prediction did not come off. Youngstown simply could not find the rhythm that usually carries them through tight games, and Des Moines were too sharp on the counter.
The result leaves the Buccaneers with momentum and the Phantoms with work to do. Seven goals to three on the scoreboard is a result that will keep the home support satisfied for another week.
