Gens Take Game 1, Lead Series
Published on March 22, 2013 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Oshawa Generals News Release
Oshawa, Ontario - Oshawa renewed their playoff rivalry with Niagara on Friday night, beating the IceDogs 5-2 before a crowd of 3963 at the General Motors Centre. The home side surrendered the opening tally but quickly bounced back with 2 first period goals and never relinquished the lead. Scott Laughton had a 3-point night including the eventual game winner while Lucas Lessio and Michael Dal Colle put up brilliant 2-point performances. With the win, the Generals lead the best of seven series 1-0 with Game 2 coming this Sunday night at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa.
In the first period, Niagara stunned the home side by scoring an early goal, but Oshawa responded with 2 of their own, taking a 2-1 lead.
Niagara's top line wasted no time getting on the board, with captain, Ryan Strome, spinning and firing from the slot. The wrist-shot beat Daniel Altshuller for the opening goal of the series at 1:51. Strome was Niagara's top producer, putting up 94 points in the regular season, and his quick marker gave the IceDogs a 1-0 lead.
The Generals responded during 4-on-4 action at 11:36. Coming off a hat-trick in the final game of the season, Lucas Lessio continued to wield a hot hand, wiring a wrist-shot through the wickets of Christopher Festarini, tying the contest at 1. Once again, Michael Dal Colle set the table (the Generals rookie assisted on 2 of Lessio's goals last Sunday).
The dynamic duo extended their magic at 13:11, reversing roles to give Oshawa the lead. This time, Lessio found Dal Colle at the bottom of the right circle, and the Gens winger made no mistake, blasting a near-side wrister that cleanly beat the glove-hand of Festarini.
Up 2-1, the Generals stormed into the middle frame, with Scott Laughton blistering a top-shelf laser at 1:30. The Philadelphia prospect streamed down the left side and picked the far side corner, giving Oshawa a 3-1 cushion.
The IceDogs pushed back, tightening the gap by striking on the power play. Sifting through a sea of defenders, Carter Verhaeghe finessed his way around Altshuller, burying the deke at 9:22. After 2 periods of play, the game was too close to call, with Oshawa leading 3-2, outshooting Niagara, 20-11.
Festarini played an admirable third, and kept the IceDogs within reach, making key stops on Scott Sabourin and Josh Brown.
But Oshawa's arsenal was too explosive, and at 10:52, Bradley Latour ignited the crowd by roofing his first after Laughton won a puck battle down low.
Oshawa's penalty-kill secured the margin, and Laughton's empty-netter put the finishing touches on a 5-2 Generals' victory.
Oshawa outshot Niagara 32-19.
The Generals swept the 3-star selection with Michael Dal Colle, Lucas Lessio and Scott Laughton taking home the honours.
The series resumes in Oshawa this Sunday March 24th for Game 2 at the General Motors Centre. Puck drops at 6:05 PM. Get behind the home team and Make 'Em See Red as the Generals attempt to take control of the series. Wear RED and support your Oshawa Generals!
Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 22, 2013
- IceDogs Fall 5-2 to Oshawa in Game 1 - Niagara IceDogs
- Gens Take Game 1, Lead Series - Oshawa Generals
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