Firebirds Stay Hot, Beat Late-Surging Generals for Ten Straight
February 9, 2020 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Oshawa Generals News Release
OSHAWA, ON - Flint came to town tonight riding a nine-game winning streak. The big question was would your Generals snap that streak. The Tribute Communities Centre saw the end of one nine-game winning streak - the Generals at the beginning of the season - this could be the second time.
The Firebirds have been putting the "fire" in their moniker as of late averaging six goals per game over their current streak.
Generals Starting Five
Forward: Kyle MacLean - Brett Neumann - Ryan Stepien
Defense: William Ennis - Nico Gross
Starting Goalies:
Oshawa Generals - Jordan Kooy
Flint Firebirds - Anthony Popovich
Attendance: 5,817
1st Period:
The Firebirds started out quickly, only needing 1:12 to get on the board. Evgeniy Oksentyuk buried the puck on a pass from Tyler Tucker.
A near goal at the mid point of the game, Lleyton Moore sent a pass to Tomasino low in the slot who wristed a shot just wide of the goal.
Flint was next on the board with a goal by Vladislav Kolyachonok, who scored his 11th goal of the season to increase the deficit to two goals.
Flint dominated possession in this period, but Jordan Kooy kept the game close with several timely saves keeping the game close.
The period ended with Flint holding a commanding lead in the shots category, 21-5, but Kooy was able to keep the game close at only a two goal disadvantage.
2nd Period:
The second period was much more even keel. Your Generals gained more zone possession. It helped to have a couple of powerplay advantages. The top-powerplay unit - with Tomasino, McShane, Tullio, Neumann, and Vallati - was excellent getting set up in Flint's zone and getting shots on goal, but were unable to squeak one past Popovich.
Flint would record the only two markers this period, Ty Dellandrea skated the puck into the Gens zone and dropped it back to Tyler Tucker. Tucker flicked a wrist shot from the point that beat Kooy, who learned on the play that Firebirds make a better door than a window. Tucker scored again on a nearly identical play just under two minutes later.
Tye McSorley tried to set the tone immediately following Tucker's second goal. He threw down with Flint's Quinn Yule in what was a heavyweight matchup. McSorley's toughness cannot be understated. This is the type of game in which he thrives, throwing hits and fists is his way of doing things, and it was clear that his passion had an impact on the team. Mitch Brewer was also physical, laying a hit heard around the arena.
The period ended 4-0 Flint, with the Generals still trailing in shots, 33-13.
3rd Period:
Oshawa put Paputsakis in to start the third.
Oshawa came out ready to play the final stanza. The reunited TNT line was quick to be on the offensive and they managed to convert. Tullio picked up the puck low in the Flint zone and made a pass out front to Neumann. Neumann wound up and delivered his 36th of the season to the twine. 4-1 Flint.
McSorley continued his mean streak throwing two earth shattering two earth-shattering hits on Firebirds deep in the zone.
Oshawa was next on the board with an excellent individual effort from Phil Tomasino. He rushed up the ice chasing a loose puck fending off two Firebirds, and then stole the puck from Popovich who had rushed out to attempt to stop Tomasino. Phil was too much to contain. He scored on an empty net. See below.
Come on, @FlintFirebirds, don't you know @philtomasino26 can score just fine with the goalie in the net?
A disallowed Firebirds goal breathed even more life into this Generals squad. They pulled Paputsakis with over two minutes remaining. Tomasino scored late with a slapshot from the point.
The excitement of anticipation in the building was high. The energy from the crowd and the players was spectacular with a one goal deficit.
It was quelled with an empty net goal from Evgeniy Oksentyuk for his second of the match. It sealed the game for Flint.
Final Score:
Oshawa Generals (3) - Flint Firebirds (5)
94.9 The Rock
3 Stars:
1 - Tyler Tucker (2 goals, 1 assist, 7 shots on goal)
2 - Phil Tomasino (2 goals, 1 assist)
3 - Evgeniy Oksentyuk (2 goals, 2 assists)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Hardest Working Player of the Game:
Nico Gross (+1, lots of hits)
Looking Ahead:
The next Generals home game is Wednesday February 12, against Shane Wright and the rival Kingston Frontenacs. The game starts at 7:05pm.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 9, 2020
- Firebirds Stay Hot, Beat Late-Surging Generals for Ten Straight - Oshawa Generals
- IceDogs Battle But Ultimately Fall to Wolves - Niagara IceDogs
- Troops' Skid at Seven - North Bay Battalion
- Fronts Storm Back But Fish Wiggle off the Line Late - Kingston Frontenacs
- Rangers Roll over the Sting 7-0 - Kitchener Rangers
- Barber Poles Bounce Back in a Big Way with 9-1 Win over North Bay - Ottawa 67's
- A Battle in Kingston - Brampton Steelheads
- Preview: Firebirds Complete Road-Trip Sunday in Oshawa - Flint Firebirds
- Game Preview: Firebirds Fly in on the Wings of a 9-Game Win Streak at 6:05pm - Oshawa Generals
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