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Erie Otters

Otters Fall In Game 3 Heartbreaker, 7-6

March 23, 2010 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


The Erie Otters carried over their strong play from Sunday night into Game 3 on Tuesday, but a late goal by Stephen Johnston ended what could have been an important win on the road as the Otters lost, 7-6, and fell behind three games to none in the series.

The Otters were off to a strong start in the first with opportunities against Spitfires goaltender Philipp Grubauer, but the Germany native was able to stop them all. The Spitfires then countered with three power play goals in a span of two minutes and 10 seconds to take a 3-0 lead into the locker room after 20 minutes of play.

The second period would be a different story, as the Otters climbed back to tie the game on two separate occasions. Greg McKegg made a nice move to put the Otters on the board while on a 4-on-4, as he deked around Cam Fowler and tucked a backhander under the crossbar for his second goal of the playoffs at 3:30.

Justin Shugg appeared to score for the Spitfires at 6:24, but instead Kenny Ryan was whistled for goaltender interference and the Otters made them pay with their first power play goal of the postseason. Derek Holden took a feed in the slot from Mike Cazzola and ripped the puck through the stick side of Grubauer at 7:25 for his first career playoff goal.

After the Otters missed an opportunity to tie the game on the power play, Brett Cook was able to do the trick as he took a pass from Tyler Hostetter at the left circle beat Grubauer for his first career playoff goal at 13:23.

The teams then traded goals as Ryan re-gained the lead for the Spitfires at 16:17, but Mike Cazzola answered 36 seconds later as he put in his own rebounds for his first of the playoffs.

Zack Kassian scored a power play goal with 10 seconds left in the second, and Taylor Hall potted his second of the game with 8:50 left in regulation to make it 6-4. The Otters then made their third comeback of the game.

Shawn Szydlowski scored from the high slot on a floater that went off the left arm of Grubauer and into the net with 4:48 left to play, and Cazzola scored an improbable power play goal that somehow sneaked through Grubauer with 3:02 remaining.

What happened eight seconds later would be heartbreak for the Otters. After watching his counterpart struggle with shots throughout the night, Sadikov would fall victim to his own gaffe, as Stephen game-winner.

The Otters had a chance with a late power play, but were unable to convert as Windsor held on for the win, despite the Otters' best efforts playing three men short and without top netminder Adam Courchaine.

Szydlowski had four points (1g, 3a) to earn second star honors. Cazzola pitched in with three points (2g, 1a). The Otters went 2-for-4 on the power play, and were outshot 58-19 as Sadikov made 51 saves.

The Otters return to Erie for Game 4 Thursday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. against the Spitfires. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, the Civic Center box office, ottershockey.com or by calling 452-4857.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 23, 2010


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