On Tuesday, April 18, the Peterborough Petes hosted the Ottawa 67’s for game three of their best of seven Eastern Conference Semi-Final series. The Petes were looking to take a 2-1 lead in the series after beating Ottawa 2-1 in the Nation’s Capital in game two on Sunday. It was the first of two home games for the Maroon and White this week, after playing games one and two in Ottawa over the weekend. Peterborough’s defence were looking to stay hot after holding the high-flying 67’s offence to three shots on Sunday to close out game two.
It was a tight first period from the drop of the puck. Both teams were looking to jump out in front early and take control of the game. Despite multiple chances for both teams, it would be Ottawa who would draw first blood. With under two minutes remaining in the period, the 67’s would take advantage of a scramble in front of the Petes net and score to make it 1-0 Ottawa. They would take their lead into the break, also leading 10-8 in shots.
The Petes really started to settle in and take advantage of their home ice in the second period. Peterborough really poured on the pressure to start the period, desperate for a tying goal. That goal would come halfway through the frame, when Avery Hayes slapped a one-timer past Max Donoso to get Peterborough on the board and tie the game at 1-1. That goal would start a flurry of three goals in 36 seconds, with Ottawa taking the lead back 10 seconds later, then Jax Dubois burying one 26 seconds later to make it 2-2. Peterborough would fire the puck 19 times in total in the period, taking over the shots lead 27-19.
The game would come down to the final 2 minutes in the third period. With the game still tied, Cameron Tolnai shot up the ice on a breakaway looking to give Ottawa a late lead. Konnor Smith caught Tolnai and made an unbelievable diving play to poke the puck into the corner. The play immediately went the other direction, with Brennan Othmann getting a breakaway of his own. Othmann made no mistake, tucking a backhand through Donoso’s five hole to give the Petes a 3-2 lead with a minute remaining. The would be the difference maker as the Petes would take game three 3-2, taking a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Semi-Final.
Brennan Othmann led the way for the Petes with a goal and an assist, Avery Hayes and Jax Dubois scored, while J.R. Avon added an assist. Michael Simpson stopped 26/28 for his sixth win of the playoffs.
The Petes return to the PMC on Thursday, April 20 when they host the Ottawa 67’s for game four of the Eastern Conference Semi-Final. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets by clicking here, or by contacting the PMC Grant Thornton Box Office in person or at (705) 743-3561. Fans can catch the game on OHL Live, YourTV Peterborough or Freq 90.5.
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