Published: April 03, 2009 11:08 pm      

North Stars drop playoff opener

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — A lopsided advantage in shots on goals didn’t matter as Mahoning Valley scored four times on the power play in a 5-4 playoff victory over the Traverse City North Stars.

The series opener saw the Phantoms go on the power play 11 times to the Stars’ 10, although Traverse City didn’t convert on an advantage until late in the third period.

The North Stars had a 35-21 advantage in shots on goal and registered more than the Phantoms in each period.

“I thought it was an even game,” North Stars coach Anthony Palumbo said. “Playoff hockey — it could’ve gone either way. We had a great first and then we let the officiating take us off our game and never got back into it.”

After Kyle Bonis opened the scoring 6:02 into the game, Mahoning Valley responded with three straight power-play tallies — one each by David Chaney, Nick Kenney and Jordy Trottier — before Bonis struck again late in the second period to make it 3-2.

Nate Urbaniak and Garrett Thompson assisted on Bonis’ first goal, and Eric O’Hearn and Travis White on the second.

Mike Schenfeld scored unassisted and Eric McLintock’s power-play marker with 4:20 left was TC’s only score on 10 advantages. Kyle Jean and Phil Wendecker picked up assists.

“We lost a special teams game and that’s a problem,” Palumbo said. “It’s unbelievable that a playoff game could have (21) power plays.”

Game 2 of the series is Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Chevy Centre.

STARS TRIO HONORED: Three North Stars were honored by the North American Hockey League on Friday, earning spots on the All-North Division team.

Winger Kyle Bonis, defenseman Travis White and goalie C.J. Motte comprise half of the North selections, voted on by league coaches and general managers.