First Period
Des Moines Buccaneers vs Youngstown Phantoms Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips - 31-10-2026
Oct 3123:05
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Match Prediction
Expected score: Des Moines Buccaneers 2-3 Youngstown Phantoms
Des Moines BuccaneersDrawYoungstown Phantoms
Des Moines Buccaneers host Youngstown Phantoms in a USHL matchup on 31 October 2026. The Buccaneers sit fifth in the standings with 13 points from 12 games, while the Phantoms occupy sixth place with 9 points from 11 games. Both teams are searching for consistency, but recent form tells a stark story: Des Moines has won just once in their last five outings, while Youngstown has shown more resilience with two victories in the same stretch.
Team form
Des Moines Buccaneers
Des Moines have endured a difficult run. Over their last five games, they scored only 5 goals while conceding 19—an average of 1.0 goal for and 3.8 against per match. Their most recent outing saw them lose 1-4 away to Green Bay on 24 October. Before that, consecutive defeats to Waterloo (1-2 away, then 0-5 at home) exposed defensive vulnerabilities. The Buccaneers' attacking output has dried up; they managed just one goal in three of their last four games. At home, they have won only three of their last five matches at this venue.
Youngstown Phantoms
Youngstown's record is mixed but marginally better. Over five games, they scored 14 goals and conceded 16—averaging 2.8 for and 3.2 against. They claimed two wins: a 7-2 victory over USA U18 at home on 13 October and a 2-0 shutout away at Dubuque on 11 October. However, they also suffered heavy defeats, including a 2-5 loss to Muskegon on 17 October. The Phantoms' attack has shown more bite than Des Moines', and their ability to win on the road (the Dubuque shutout) suggests they can compete away from home.
Head-to-head
No previous meetings between these teams are on record.
Key factors
Offensive disparity is the dominant factor. Youngstown has averaged 2.8 goals per game over five matches compared to Des Moines' 1.0—a significant gap at this level. The Buccaneers' defence has also been porous, conceding 3.8 per game, which invites an away side with any attacking intent to exploit gaps. Youngstown's recent shutout at Dubuque demonstrates they can tighten defensively when required. Des Moines' home record offers some comfort, but their current form is too poor to rely on it. The Phantoms' superior scoring rate and Des Moines' defensive fragility create a clear imbalance.
Prediction
The data favours Youngstown decisively. They have outscored Des Moines substantially over the recent sample and have shown they can win away. Des Moines' recent collapse—five goals in five games—leaves them vulnerable to a team that has averaged nearly three goals per match. The Buccaneers' defensive record (3.8 conceded per game) is particularly concerning against an opponent that has proven capable of capitalising on such opportunities. While home ice provides some advantage, it is insufficient to overcome the form gap.
Youngstown Phantoms are strong favourites to win this match. Their superior attacking output and Des Moines' defensive struggles create a clear edge for the visitors. Expect the Phantoms to control large portions of the game and emerge with a victory.
Match info
Tournaments:
USHL(2026)
Type
League
Statistics
Odds Comparison
Recent Form
Des Moines Buccaneers
W
W
L
L
L
Youngstown Phantoms
L
L
W
W
L
Standings
| # | Team | MP | W | L | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Waterloo Black Hawks | 11 | 7 | 1 | 18 |
| 2 |  Tri-City Storm | 12 | 8 | 3 | 18 |
| 3 |  Fargo Force | 13 | 9 | 4 | 18 |
| 4 |  Sioux Falls Stampede | 16 | 9 | 7 | 18 |
| 5 |  Des Moines Buccaneers | 13 | 7 | 5 | 15 |
| 6 |  Omaha Lancers | 11 | 4 | 6 | 9 |
| 7 |  Lincoln Stars | 12 | 3 | 7 | 9 |
| 8 |  Sioux City | 12 | 3 | 7 | 9 |
| 1 |  Cedar Rapids | 14 | 10 | 4 | 20 |
| 2 |  Muskegon Lumberjacks | 13 | 5 | 5 | 14 |
| 3 |  Chicago Steel | 10 | 4 | 3 | 12 |
| 4 |  Dubuque Fighting Saints | 12 | 5 | 6 | 12 |
| 5 |  Madison Capitols | 10 | 3 | 4 | 11 |
| 6 |  Youngstown Phantoms | 12 | 2 | 7 | 9 |
| 7 |  USA U18 | 11 | 4 | 7 | 8 |
| 8 |  Green Bay Gamblers | 12 | 2 | 9 | 6 |
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