OHL Flint Firebirds

Firebirds Drop Tough 5-1 Decision to Storm Saturday

Published on April 2, 2022 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


Flint, Mich. - The Firebirds were only able to put one past Guelph's rookie goaltender Jacob Oster despite generating 44 shots on goal Saturday night. Oster was named the game's First Star while earning his 15th victory of the year. Brennan Othmann (New York Rangers) was the only Flint player to light the lamp and is now only one point away from tying the single-season record of 90. Sasha Pastujov scored and picked up two assists for Guelph, while Brayden Guy and Braeden Bowman each had a two-point night (1 G, 1 A). Luke Cavallin made 25 saves on 30 shots in the defeat.

The first period started where these teams left off a couple of weeks ago, with physicality being the highlight. Near the midway point of the first period, gloves hit the ice and both teams gained a little extra energy. It was the visitors from Guelph, however, who converted the energy into a goal. A loose puck emerged from a scrum in the corner to Cavallin's right, and Sasha Pastujov (Anaheim Ducks) gathered and wrapped it around the cage from behind to Cavallin's left side for his 33rd of the season of 13:37, unassisted.

First-period shots were 16-13 in Flint's favor. Faceoffs were tied at 10 per side. Other than the offsetting majors, Guelph took the only penalty but were able to kill the two minutes.

The second period was played scoreless, with the Birds again outshooting the Storm 12-8. Flint also outdrew Guelph 17-10. On the power play, the Firebirds again went scoreless with one opportunity, and the league's top-rated penalty kill stopped all three of the Storm's chances.

Things picked up in the third period. A turnover in the neutral zone resulted in a three-on-two rush for the storm. Cameron Supryka carried into the zone up the left-wing and shot into the feet of a defender. The puck deflected toward the slot where Danny Zhilkin took a swing at it. His shot rebounded off Cavallin's horizontal right pad directly to Braeden Bowman on the doorstep. His redirection found the back of the net for his 23rd at 2:12 of the final stanza.

The Firebirds answered quickly, needing just two minutes to cut the deficit in half. Luca D'Amato won a battle along the boards in his defensive end and hit Sahil Panwar with the breakout pass. Panwar carried in front of the benches and into the right-wing corner before finding Brennan Othmann in the high slot. The Captain's one-timer lit the lamp for his team-leading 43rd of the campaign at 4:19.

The Storm extended the lead to a pair again at 7:39. This time, Bowman took the initial shot from the right faceoff dot. Cavallin made the pad save but the rebound coasted out between the circles to set up a quick snapper from Brayden Guy. The puck hit the top corner, glove side for his 21st of the season, assisted Bowman and Pastujov.

The game's final tally was scored with under five minutes remaining. Pastujov passed the puck from below the goal line to Cavallin's right and set up Matthew Poitras for a one-timer from the high slot. Cavallin got a piece of it, but it trickled past him to his right. Pastujov was still in position for a short-range tap in and his 18th of the season. Poitras and Guy were credited with the assists.

Flint held the 60-minute surplus in shots 44-30. Faceoffs favored Guelph 30-21. Neither team scored with the man advantage, after four chances for the Storm and two for the Birds.

Next Up: The Firebirds will get a week off before hosting the Erie Otters for the final time Saturday, April 9. Next Saturday's tilt is Overager Night, presented by the Flint Walk to End Alzheimer's. Flint's three overage players Tag Bertuzzi, Luke Cavallin, and Ethan Keppen will be recognized prior to the game. The organization will be thanking these players and congratulating them for their accomplishments during their OHL careers. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. (ET) at the Dort Financial Center, and tickets are available from ETIX.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from April 2, 2022


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