OHL Erie Otters

Otters Stage Valiant Comeback, But Fall In Kingston, 7-5

Published on February 21, 2010 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


The Erie Otters scored three goals in the third period to make things interesting at K-Rock Centre in Kingston, but the Frontenacs would prevail in Ontario Hockey League action Sunday afternoon with a 7-5 decision.

The first period belonged to Kingston, who scored just as the fans were getting in their seats. Michael Fine fired a slap shot from the slot that went between the legs of Adam Courchaine 1:25 into the contest, and Mitch Lebar deflected an Erik Gudbranson slap shot to give the Frontenacs a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

Joe Pleckaitis scored a shorthanded goal for the Frontenacs 5:47 into the second period before the Otters finally got on the board on Shawn Szydlowski's wrist shot from the top of the left circle found the net at 9:46, extending his point-scoring streak to nine games.

The Frontenacs would quickly respond, scoring 18 seconds later to regain their three-goal lead and send Courchaine out in favor of Ramis Sadikov, who gave up a goal to Zach Harnden 19 seconds later. Harnden scored again on the power play at 15:09 to make it a 6-1 Kingston lead.

Greg McKegg scored a highlight-reel goal with 1:50 remaining in the second to pull the Otters within four, as he came in close on Frontenacs goaltender Tyler Beskorowany and shot it off his chest, picking up the rebound and tucked it around the right pad as he was falling down for his team-leading 32nd goal of the season.

An early penalty to David Broll in the third period would do more good than harm for the Otters, who scored twice on the same penalty kill to claw back into the game. Zack Torquato nailed a one-timer from the right circle at 3:26 and fed Greg McKegg 1:07 at the left circle to make it a two-goal game in the third period.

Paul Cianfrini put the Otters within a goal with 5:38 left in regulation as Matt Paton's shot denied by Beskorowany, and Cianfrini kept jabbing at the loose puck until it crossed the goal line to grab his second goal of the season.

The Otters had several opportunities to tie the contest, but Beskorowany shut the door for the rest of the game as Zack Harnden hit the empty net with 18 seconds remaining to seal the hat trick and the game for the Frontenacs.

The line of Cazzola (2a), McKegg (2g) and Torquato (1g, 1a) each had two points for the Otters, who outshot the Frontenacs, 49-33, in the contest.

The Otters return home for a Smith's Provisions Buck Night Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. against the Owen Sound Attack. Fans can purchase Smith's hot dogs, pop, beer and popcorn for just a dollar throughout the game! Tickets can be purchased at Erie-area Ticketmaster locations, the Civic Center box office, ottershockey.com, or by calling 452-4857.

Check out the Erie Otters Statistics

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 21, 2010


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