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Des Moines Buccaneers vs Youngstown Phantoms Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips - 31-10-2026
Oct 3123:05
Match Prediction
Expected score: Des Moines Buccaneers 2-3 Youngstown Phantoms
Des Moines BuccaneersDrawYoungstown Phantoms
Des Moines hosts Youngstown in a USHL clash where the standings tell a stark story: the fifth-place Buccaneers are heavy favourites on paper, yet the betting market sees this differently. Youngstown arrives as the underdog, but their recent form suggests they have the momentum to trouble a struggling home side.
Team form
Des Moines Buccaneers
Des Moines have hit a wall. Five straight defeats, conceding 19 goals while scoring just 5, paints a picture of a team in freefall. The Buccaneers' defensive structure has collapsed—they shipped 5 goals to Waterloo at home and 7 to Tri-City, while managing only 1 goal in three of their last four outings. At 1.0 goals per game over this stretch, their attack is misfiring badly. The league table shows 6 wins from 12 games, but recent form is what matters in betting, and Des Moines are trending downward sharply.
Youngstown Phantoms
Youngstown's record is mixed but their trajectory is upward. Two wins in their last five—including a shutout at Dubuque—suggest they've found some defensive stability. They're averaging 2.8 goals per game over this run, nearly three times Des Moines' output. Yes, they conceded 5 to Muskegon last time out, but they also put 7 past USA U18 at home. The Phantoms are unpredictable, but they're scoring and competing in ways the Buccaneers simply are not right now.
Head-to-head
No previous meetings between these teams in the available record.
Key factors
The critical factor is momentum. Des Moines' defensive collapse and anaemic attack create a vacuum Youngstown can exploit. The Buccaneers have conceded 3.8 goals per game lately—Youngstown's 2.8 scoring rate should find opportunities. Conversely, Des Moines' inability to finish (1.0 goals per game) means they cannot afford to fall behind. Youngstown's away form is less tested than their home record, but they've won on the road recently and won't be intimidated by a struggling opponent. Possession and territorial control often favour the home side, but Des Moines' recent performances suggest they lack the composure to convert that into chances.
Prediction
The market backs Youngstown as the clear favourite at 68.9% implied probability, and the underlying numbers support it. Des Moines are in crisis—five straight losses, a porous defence, and an attack that has dried up. Youngstown, despite their lower league position, are the more dangerous team right now. They score more, defend better over recent matches, and carry psychological advantage. The Buccaneers' home status is offset entirely by their form. This is a case where the table misleads; current trajectory matters more than cumulative record.
Youngstown Phantoms to win. The away side should prevail in what looks like a 2-3 scoreline. Des Moines' defensive frailties and offensive drought make them vulnerable to a Youngstown team that has found their feet. Back the Phantoms with confidence.
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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Des Moines Buccaneers vs Youngstown Phantoms - Hockey Prediction & Betting Tips
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