OHL Erie Otters

Erie Snaps Windsor 13-Game Streak, Eye Playoff Bid against Hamilton

Published on April 15, 2022 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Erie, Pennsylvania - It all comes down to this weekend for the Erie Otters, as the team looks for one last push to sneak into the playoff picture. The Otters would get a possible preview of their prospective first-round opponent, the first place Windsor Spitfires. Windsor, coming in with 13 straight wins, would look to play spoil-sport for the hungry Otters. In the five previous meetings this season, Erie had pulled off a 3-0-2 record - looking to continue the success.

Erie would control the pace of play to start the first period, as they would own the first five minutes in their offensive end. Despite the success of the forecheck, the first goal of the game would belong to the Spitfires, as Jacob Maillet (10) would open scoring 7:51 in. The Otters wouldn't stay down for long, as it would take just :40 for Erie to knot it up from Connor Lockhart (23) to make it a 1-1 game. This would be where the period's scoring would stop, but the Otters offensive success would continue to pressure with a 17-5 shot advantage in a 1-1 game.

In the second period, the pace of play would stagnate a bit more, as both teams would tighten the buckle in a 9-9 shots period. Just past the halfway mark of the period and game, Daniel D'Amico (32) would help Windsor retake the lead. The score would stand this way for just 5:15, as a Nolan Lalonde robbery save would lead to a Brendan Sellan rush up the ice and a Daniel D'Amato (23) goal to knot things up in a 2-2 game. Only minutes later, Daniel D'Amato would look to have scored again, but upon official review, the goal would be called back for a high-stick. After 40 minutes, Erie would continue its dogfight in a 2-2 game, leading shots 25-14.

The third period would be an absolute slog of wills between the two teams, as the goaltenders would set aside everything that would come toward the net. With just minutes remaining in the penultimate period, Mathias Onuska would have to go off after an apparent injury toward his hand. Xavier Medina would come in cold, and the Spitfire defense would help prevent much from coming his way. Erie would outshoot Windsor 13-5 in the final period, as the Otters would keep their dream alive heading to overtime.

With a fresh goalie in in overtime, the Windsor defense would assure that everything stayed away from the net. With :42 left in the overtime frame, Brett Bressette would be interfered with on a breakaway, and be awarded a penalty shot. With the game on his stick, and the chance to be a hero, Brett Bressette (20) would not throw away his shot, beating Medina to cause chaos at the Erie Insurance Arena, and a bench mob to spill from the Otters. Erie would take the hard-fought overtime win 3-2, and keep the playoff dreams alive.

The Ontario Hockey League Regular Season comes to a close on Sunday, as the Otters host the Hamilton Spectator Trophy winning Hamilton Bulldogs. Erie will need a win and Sarnia loss to steal 8th place, or a an overtime loss and Sarnia loss to force a play-in game for the final spot.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from April 15, 2022


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