It was a close game through 40 minutes, but an offensive explosion by the Ottawa 67’s saw them pull away in the third period, and deal the Saginaw Spirit a 5-1 loss on home ice, Saturday night.
Former Spirit Pavel Mintyukov had a goal and an assist against his old team, while Thomas Sirman scored twice, and OA forwards Cameron Tolnai, and Logan Morrison scored the other Ottawa markers. Collin MacKenzie was stout in goal, making 30 saves for his 11th win of the season.
The 67’s got on the board first, despite being outshot 12-10 in the opening frame. Brad Gardiner got the puck to Brady Stonehouse, who displayed some strong skating, cutting to the net with a power move. His initial chance was denied, but in the ensuing frenzy, Tolnai was able to poke home the loose puck, and give the Barber Poles an early 1-0 lead.
Saginaw brought the score back even in the middle period, just 2:30 in, on a nice move and quick shot by rookie defender Zayne Parekh.
Fittingly, however, it was Mintyukov restoring the Ottawa lead, just over six minutes after the Parekh marker. The Anaheim Ducks prospect started the rush into the offensive zone, and created a chance in front of the goal. The loose puck bounced to Chris Barlas, and he hit Anthony Costantini at the point. Mintyukov was parked down low, and made no mistake to cash in on the rebound, and make it 2-1, 67’s.
Ottawa started the final period on a four-minute powerplay, and it paid off in spades. A nice passing play saw Mintyukov, and Jack Beck combine to fire the puck on goal, and the rebound bounced to a waiting Morrison, and the OA forward ripped home his 24th of the season.
Just 18 seconds later, Sirman gloved down a Saginaw clearing attempt in front of the goal, and fired his fifth of the season past Andrew Oke, making it a 4-1 game.
It took less than six minutes for Sirman to find his second of the period, and first career multi-goal game. A Costantini point shot bounced around in front, and Sirman got a stick on the puck, on its way into the goal, putting the 67’s up 5-1.
Ottawa will have a quick turnaround to wrap up their weekend, tomorrow afternoon, in a 1:00pm tilt with the Sarnia Sting.
Game Notes:
- Brad Gardiner suited up in his 100th OHL game, and recorded an assist.
- Brady Stonehouse extended his point streak to three games, and Anthony Costantini pushed his to four.
- Cooper Foster notched a pair of assists.
- Logan Morrison has five points in his last two games.
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