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OHL Flint Firebirds

Firebirds Unable to Overcome Windsor Sunday

December 29, 2019 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


Flint, Mich. - For the third consecutive game in Flint, more than 3,500 fans were on hand at the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center. After a 4-1 victory Saturday night, Flint was unable to overcome the Windsor Spitfires Sunday. For Flint, Evgeniy Oksentyuk extend his point streak to ten games (7G, 10A) with a goal and an assist, Durham's streak grew to five games (2G, 3A) and Dennis Busby (Arizona Coyotes) lit the lamp. Luke Cavallin made 27 saves on 31 shots between the pipes. Connor Corcoran (Vegas Golden Knights) led the Spitfires' offense with a goal and two assists.

Windsor struck first midway through the first period when Jean-Luc Foudy made a centering pass from the left-wing circle. Connor Corcoran launched a one-timer shot from the high slot that redirected off a Flint defender in front of Cavallin and into the net at 10:14 for his 12th of the season.

The 'Birds fought back and tied the game on the power play at 12:14. Jake Durham grabbed a rebound to netminder Xavier Medina's right and fed Riley McCourt centered high above the circles. McCourt led Evgeniy Oksentyuk in the right circle for a one-timer that beat Medina near-side for his 15th of the campaign.

The Spit's reclaimed the lead less than three minutes later. Thomas Stevenson took the initial shot from the top of the right circle, which Cavallin kicked aside to his left into traffic. Cole Purboo was on the doorstep and the puck redirected off his equipment back between the Flint netminder's pads for his 14th of the season at 15:07. Corcoran was credited with the second assist.

The Spitfires had a one-shot advantage after 20 minutes, leading 16 - 15. The 'Birds went one-for-four with the man-advantage and trailed 15 - 8 in the faceoff circle.

Windsor's lead grew inside the final five minutes of the middle frame. Kyle McDonald carried around a defender as he gained the offensive zone. With a half-stride lead on the rearguard, McDonald roofed a short-range shot into the top near-side corner from just to Cavallin's right for his ninth of the campaign, logged at 15:57. Corcoran picked up a helper along with Pasquale Zito.

Second-period shots favored the Firebirds 19 - 7, giving them the two-period edge of 34 - 23. Faceoff wins were nearly even at 23 for the visitors and 22 for Flint. Neither team scored on the power play, with Windsor getting one chance and the 'Birds getting three.

Flint found paydirt early in period three to pull within a single goal. Oksentyuk had two defenders on him, but still managed to pass to Dennis Busby (Arizona Coyotes) centered high at the point. With Connor Roberts screening Medina, Busby slapped a heavy shot that went off the left post and in for his fourth of the season at 3:25.

The Spits' found twine once more when Wyatt Johnston lifted a shot over the left shoulder of Cavallin for his second tally of the season at 8:25. Tyler Angle (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Egor Afanasyev (Nashville Predators) combined for the assists.

Cavallin was called to the bench for an extra attacker with 3:30 remaining in regulation. The 'Birds maintained possession in the Windsor zone for the majority of the time remaining, but to no avail. The Spitfires emerged with a two-on-none breakaway in the final seconds and Afanasyev scored his 14th of the season in the empty net with eight seconds remaining. Chris Playfair was credited with the assist.

Final shots were 44 - 32 in Flint's favor. Faceoffs favored Windsor 36 - 29. Windsor was unable to convert on three power-play chances, and the 'Birds went one-for-seven. These two clubs play again Tuesday afternoon in Windsor.

Check out the Flint Firebirds Statistics



Ontario Hockey League Stories from December 29, 2019


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