OHL Oshawa Generals

Generals Take 2-0 Series Lead

Published on March 24, 2013 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Oshawa Generals News Release


Oshawa, Ontario - The Generals took full advantage of home ice on Sunday night, beating Niagara 4-3 for a 2-0 lead in the series. Scott Sabourin had a 2-goal, 3-point night including the game winner, before a crowd of 4,473 at the General Motors Centre. Josh Brown scored his first OHL goal in the win.

Oshawa took command of the first period, jumping out to a 2-0 lead, before exiting the frame with a 3-1 advantage.

Scott Laughton carried a hot hand into Game 2, needing just 3:17 to score his 3rd of the series, putting the Generals on top. After Scott Sabourin dominated the wall, Laughton knifed his 4th point in 2 games over Christopher Festarini's right shoulder, making it 1-0 Generals.

Hitting the accelerator, Oshawa doubled their lead at 14:17. This time, Sabourin provided the finish, wrapping his first of the playoffs around an outstretched pad, giving the Generals a 2-0 cushion.

Niagara fought back, cutting the deficit at 18:46. Converting a giveaway, Brendan Perlini one-timed a back-door-pass, beating Daniel Altshuller stick side.

Quick to answer, Oshawa restored their 2-goal-margin in the dying seconds of the period. Scoring his first goal ever in the OHL, Josh Brown blistered a howitzer from the right point, sending the Generals to the dressing room up 3-1. The shot clock told the tale, with Oshawa outshooting Niagara 15-6 in the opening period.

The Generals tallied again in the second, but Niagara netted two, setting the stage for a tight final frame.

Sabourin continued to roll at 9:07, cutting to the middle, before dipping a wrist shot for his second of the night, seemingly giving Oshawa a 4-1 stranglehold. Oshawa's defensive play also started off strong, with three successive penalty kills backed by big saves from Altshuller.

But the IceDogs found their game at 12:15, with Ben Hughes burying a wrist-shot that slipped in just under the crossbar.

Seizing the opportunity, Niagara pulled within 1 with a power play goal at 16:40. Pouncing on a rebound out front, Jordan Maletta pounded home his first, making the contest too close for comfort. Much like Game 1, it was anybody's ballgame heading into the third, with the Generals leading 4-3, outshooting the IceDogs, 28-16.

The Generals started the third with an extended 5-on-3, but Festarini met the challenge head on, stopping Sabourin from point-blank range. Niagara was rewarded with a 5-on-3 power play opportunity of their own, but Altshuller was equal to the task, using his paddle to rob Luke Mercer.

Niagara pulled their goalie for an extra attacker in the final minute, but Oshawa battened down the hatches and secured the 4-3 victory.

Oshawa outshot Niagara 38-26.

Scott Sabourin and Josh Brown picked up the first and second star selections in the win.

The series now shifts to Niagara where the Generals will take on the IceDogs this Tuesday March 26th for Game 3 at 7:00 PM. The game can be seen live on Rogers TV Durham.

If necessary, Oshawa's next home game vs. Niagara is this Friday March 29th at the General Motors Centre. Start time is scheduled for 7:35 PM. Wear red to support your Generals. See you there!

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 24, 2013


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