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OHL Erie Otters

Last Minute Goal Lifts Flint to Comeback Victory

October 15, 2021 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Flint Firebirds celebrate a goal against the Erie Otters
Flint Firebirds celebrate a goal against the Erie Otters
(Erie Otters)

Flint, Michigan - The Erie Otters kicked off the first of a three-game road trip weekend on Thursday night, taking on the Flint Firebirds for the second time this season. Coming fresh off a 3-0 loss to Flint to open Regular Season play on Saturday, the Otters would look to build upon what went well.

Erie came out of the gates with guns absolutely blazing, firing off 20 shots by the time all was said-and-done for the first 20. While scoring opportunities presented themselves - especially for Taeo Artichuk on an early turnover - the Otters were unable to capitalize on their of offensive outburst. Nolan LaLonde, right off a 30-save game on Saturday, would see a lighter workload the start the game, with only four shots needing saving. After 20, the Otters and Firebirds saw goose eggs on the scoresheet, with Erie leading 20-4 in shots.

History looked bound to repeat itself in the second period, as the period opened with a weak shot on net from Tyler Deline (1) that snuck past LaLonde to give Flint a 1-0 lead. Just over a minute later, the Otters power play unit, on their second chance of the night, would finally find paydirt, as Brendan Hoffmann (1) would sneak it in past Cavallin and through the blue paint for Erie's first goal of the season. After a continued battle of back-and-forth, the Otters would get a power play opportunity again, where Colby Saganiuk (1) would score his first career OHL goal to give the Otters a 2-1 lead late in the second. Saganiuk's goal would earn him Third Star honors later in the night. As the horn sounded, Erie held a lead into intermission for the first time this season, and a 29-11 shots advantage.

Poised and ready to continue their onslaught of time in the attacking end, the Otters would continue things on status quo to start the period. As physicality picked up in the ice, the fans in the stands willed the Flint team forward, and the Firebirds responded with a shooting gallery against LaLonde - to the tune of an 18-10 shots advantage. A hooking call against Ryan Thompson would put the Firebirds on the power play, where Brennan Othmann (2) would score on a one-timer in the right circle. With just under six minutes left, the game stood tied 2-2. With 1:50 remaining, Erie would see a fourth power play opportunity as Flint would be charged with a too-many-men infraction. A chance to win the game turned to disaster, as the power play unit allowed a turnover up the ice that turned into a festival of dangles for Zacharie Giroux (1) for his first of the year and the game-winner with 1:00 remaining. With the net empty and the man-advantage on, the Otters would be unable to get a shot on net, falling in come-from behind fashion to Flint 3-2.

Erie falls to 0-2 on the season, as they travel north to Saginaw for a pair against the Spirit to open the Western Conference foe's season. With a travel rest day Friday, the Otters drop the puck at 7:05 on Saturday night, and 5:30 Sunday.. Erie opens the home season on Saturday, October 23 against Saginaw.

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Images from this story

Flint Firebirds celebrate a goal against the Erie Otters
Flint Firebirds celebrate a goal against the Erie Otters
   



Ontario Hockey League Stories from October 15, 2021


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