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OHL Flint Firebirds

Firebirds' Winning Streak Snapped with 3-1 Loss at Saginaw

February 21, 2024 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


SAGINAW, Mich. - Jeremy Martin scored the 12th goal of his rookie season but that was all Flint could muster as the Firebirds fell to the Saginaw Spirit, 3-1, on Wednesday night at the Dow Event Center. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Nolan Lalonde made 27 saves on 28 shots to help Saginaw to the win, which snapped Flint's winning streak at five games.

The Spirit struck late in the first for the lone marker of the opening period. Former Firebirds forward Ethan Hay initiated a give-and-go play with Alex Christopoulos at the blue line in front of the Flint bench. Christopoulos led Hay with the return feed in the right-wing circle, which Hay backhanded across the slot to Vegas Golden Knights prospect Matyas Sapovaliv who was pacing to his left. Sapolaliv fired a one-timer that beat Nathan Day low on the glove side to give the Spirit a 1-0 advantage.

Saginaw then netted back-to-back goals early in the second period to jump to a 3-0 lead. First Owen Beck knocked home a rebound for his team-leading 29th of the season with assists from Christopoulos and Aiden Castle. Only 43 seconds later, Christopoulos forced a turnover along the right-wing half-boards in Flint's end and fed Castle in the near circle. The third-year winger walked across the crease, stick-handling beyond Day, and tucked a shot to the far post beyond the diving Flint goaltender, pushing the lead to three.

The Firebirds managed to bring themselves back within two late in the second when their third line connected for a goal. Jimmy Lombardi gathered a loose puck in his defensive end and sent a breakout pass ahead to Matthew Wang. Wang tipped it past a defender for Martin who was sprinting through the neutral zone. Martin carried the puck up the left wing side and shot from the left circle, but Lalonde made a save. The puck rolled off his stick and tumbled toward the near post when Martin stuck with the play. He knocked home his own rebound through Lalonde's near side to cut the deficit to 3-1.

The remainder of the game was played scoreless with big saves on both ends of the ice. Day was lifted for an extra attacker with 1:40 remaining on the clock but Flint could not muster anything further as Saginaw held on for a 3-1 lead.

Day and finished with 34 saves on 37 shots as the Firebirds dropped to 24-26-3-1 in the loss. Saginaw improved to 40-14-0-1 with its victory.

The Firebirds will now return home for a pair of home games next weekend against the Brantford Bulldogs and North Bay Battalion. Friday's game is Youth Sports Night and puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Dort Financial Center.

Story: Brandon Mills // flintfirebirds.com

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