Bulls Down Sting 4-3 in Shootout
October 25, 2014 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
SARNIA, ON - Another barn burner between the Sarnia Sting and the Belleville Bulls finished up a home-and-home series between the two clubs on Friday night. The Bulls entered the RBC Centre looking to add another to their current 2 game win streak. With 6 of their next 8 on the road, the Bulls got the start they needed, edging the Sting 4-3 in a thrilling shootout. Charlie Graham picked up 43 saves in the win.
A fast paced, up and down contest saw teams exchange goals and leads until the bitter end. Graham and Justin Fazio kept the game scoreless after 20 minutes as both clubs had some great chances to draw first blood. Stephen Harper, who was back in the line up after missing two games with a hand injury, ripped one from the point off the cross bar and over-ager Brett Gustavsen was stopped on the doorstep. Graham made 13 saves in the frame.
Veteran Remi Elie extended his point streak to 5 games just 3:38 into the second period when he blasted a slap shot past Fazio. His 9th of the year came on the power play from Alex Yuill and Jordan Subban. The lead didn't last long, though, under 2 minutes later Sarnia forward Pavel Zacha slid one under the pad of Graham to tie it up.
Fresh off invitations to play in the 2014 Subway Super Series, NHL prospects Subban and Elie hooked up again for Belleville's second goal of the game. The defenceman from Rexdale, Ontario wrapped around the Sarnia goal and wired a wrist shot top shelf at 7:36. Brett Welychka earned his first point as a Bull on the play adding an assist.
Again, the Belleville lead was short lived. 1996-born Waterloo native Brandon Lindberg jumped on a loose puck and raced in alone to beat Graham for his second of the season. The game remained knotted up at 2 goals a piece after 40 minutes of play.
The fast paced, even play continued as teams went searching for the go-ahead goal. This time it was Sarnia lighting the lamp first as Anthony DeAngelo gave his club the 3-2 lead just 3:38 in. Belleville still had some life thanks to a beautiful centering pass from Welychka that found the stick of Justin Lemcke who buried his 3rd of the season to tie the game again. Blue liner Stephen Harper was credited with the other assist. 3-3 was the score at the end of regulation.
Both the Bulls and the Sting had a few chances but neither team could find the back of the net in overtime. In the shootout, Charlie Graham stopped both Sarnia shooters while Brett Welychka and Jordan Subban both scored to help the Bulls escape with their 9th win of the season.
"Charlie gave us good minutes and that's what we expect from him but we also got some timely blocks and a couple big face off wins. For an undermanned group, I'm proud of the guys for finding a way to win tonight." Head Coach George Burnett said following the win."
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The Bulls are right back at it Saturday night when they take on the London Knights at Budwiser Gardens. Brett Welychka will make his first return London after being dealt to the Bulls when the puck is dropped at 7:00pm. Remember to follow along on twitter (@OHLBulls) for all game updates.
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