Staff photo / Brian Yauger. Youngstown Phantoms forward Evan Jardine and Madison’s Austin Moline race for possession of the puck during Wednesday’s game.

YOUNGSTOWN — A dominant 60 minutes, a win, and a jump up to second in the standings. There’s not a better birthday present the Youngstown Phantoms could have given coach Ryan Ward on Wednesday.

The first game of a three-game set against Madison was in the Phantoms’ control from start to finish in a 5-2 victory in Youngstown.

“I thought they played a great game. We were ready to play from the start and I thought defensively, we were outstanding,” Ward said. “I thought we were tight, we were above pucks and got out on the forecheck. They executed the game plan and it’s a big first win. It’s going to be a long weekend and they’re an excellent team. They’ll be way better tomorrow, and we’re going to be ready.”

From the opening puck drop, the Phantoms controlled the pace of the game, but the scoring didn’t come until the second period.

Not for a lack of trying.

The Phantoms outshot Madison 39-13 across three periods and kept Capitols’ netminder Ajay White peppered with pucks all night.

“I think we have good players that are smart and they find what we want to do and the identity of how we want to play,” Ward said. “I think they see some success when they continue to get better and get more disciplined in our structure, but I credit their work ethic. It never waivered tonight.”

Michael Mesic was the star of the show Wednesday, finding the back of the net in both the second and third periods.

The forward now sits at 15 goals and 21 assists on the year for 36 points in 43 games.

“He was awesome tonight,” Ward said. “It was probably his best game as a Phantom. He worked hard, was on the right side of it, won his battles, and obviously two massive goals. He’s getting better and better. (Mesic) was a veteran presence that we need in moments like this.”

Luke Osburn and Adam Benak each beat out White to find the back of the net as well. Brecken Smith iced the game on the empty-netter.

Madison’s goals were scored by Dexter Brooks and Jet Kwajah.

Defensively, forward Jakub Hes played a large role for the Phantoms in limiting what Madison was able to do.

“He’s got a great stick, super smart, he’s getting better and better,” Ward said. “Now it’s just consistency and stringing all that together and I actually think he has a ton more offense left in the tank. Hopefully he peaks at the right time here, but he’s a wonderful kid and he’s been a great addition for us.”

The win helps the Phantoms (32-16-0-1) leapfrog both Muskegon and Madison in the standings, going from fourth to second in the Eastern Conference.

Youngstown has a chance to extend that lead further, taking on the Capitols again tonight and Friday. Start time is 6 p.m. tonight and 7 p.m. on Friday.