OHL Erie Otters

Luciani nets second hat trick of season in 5-2 road win at Ottawa

February 19, 2010 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Anthony Luciani picked up his second hat trick of the season for the Erie Otters as they grabbed an important victory on the road against the East Division-leading Ottawa 67's, 5-2, Friday night at Urbandale Centre.

The power play gave the Otters the edge in the first period as Shawn Szydlowski drew a double minor for a high stick from Ottawa's Ryan Hanes. Szydlowski set up Luciani at the bottom of the left circle for the game's first goal at 5:32, Luciani's 25th of the season.

Ottawa took another penalty 33 seconds after the goal to give the Otters a two-man advantage, which they also capitalized on. This time it was Greg McKegg that slammed home the rebound with his team-leading 31st goal of the season at 6:34, giving the Otters a two-goal lead into the first intermission after they outshot the 67's, 16-8, in the first 20 minutes.

The Otters continued their strong play into the second period, as Mike Cazzola shot a rebound off the end boards past Chris Perugini for his 28th goal of the season 11 seconds into the frame. The 67's then rallied for a pair of goals 47 seconds apart, the first of which broke a 144:15 long shutout streak by Adam Courchaine, the second longest by an Otters goaltender in team history.

Luciani added another goal with 3:29 left in the second in unusual fashion. Jeremy Gottzmann fell into the Ottawa net on the stick side of Perugini, and in trying to escape, Luciani took advantage of the newfound open side of the net and buried the wraparound for his second goal of the game.

Courchaine continued his dazzling play with several spectacular glove saves against his former team to secure an Erie win, and Luciani tallied an empty netter to send the Ottawa fans to the exits with 13.5 seconds remaining to collect the hat trick.

Courchaine made 44 saves in his eighth win in an Otters uniform, matching his win total from Sarnia this season. McKegg also had a goal and an assist for Erie.

The Otters continue on the road to the Olympic-sized ice rink in Belleville Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. to take on the Bulls. Fans can listen to the game in the Erie-area on Fox Sports Radio AM 1330 The FAN or online at ottershockey.com.

For further information contact the Erie Otters at 814-455-7779 or e-mail the Otters at paul@ottershockey.com.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 19, 2010


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