OHL Erie Otters

Otters Swept By Spitfires In 5-1 Loss

Published on March 25, 2010 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


The Erie Otters saw its season come to an end Thursday evening inside the Tullio Arena, as the Windsor Spitfires completed the series sweep with a 5-1 victory, capturing their fifth consecutive OHL playoff series win dating back to last season.

For the second straight season, the Otters found their season end in the first round of the playoffs, as they lost to London 4-1 in the 2009-10 opening round.

The Otters found themselves in familiar territory in Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinal - the penalty box - and the Spits took full advantage of it.

Taylor Hall, who many consider to be the first pick in June's NHL Entry Draft, got the defending league and Memorial Cup Champions on the board first as he beat Otters rookie goaltender Ramis Sadikov on the power-play at the 7:53 mark.

The Otters would tie the game shortly after as Anthony Luciani banged home a rebound on the top of Phillipp Grubauer's crease at 9:12.

Mike Cazzola wrapped the puck around the net, but was denied by Grubauer's right skate, but the juicy rebound left right in front of Luciani found the back of the net for the sophomore's second goal of the playoffs.

But the momentum was short-lived as Windsor would net the next two goals - Eric Wellwood's first of the playoffs and eventual game-winner at 11:30 and Hall's second power-play goal at 14:30 - and send Erie to the locker room down 3-1.

Zack Kassian picked up two assists in the opening period for the Spitfires, who outshot the Otters 16-6 in the frame.

In the second it was all Windsor as Scott Timmins scored shorthanded at 10:20 and enforcer Adam Wallace beat Sadikov on a wrap-around to push the Spitfires lead to 5-1 after 40 minutes of play.

As the special teams were shining for Windsor, the Otters were as cold as the Tullio Arena ice, going 0-5 with the man advantage in the second period.

After being outshot 16-6 in the opening period, Erie fired 11 shots towards Grubauer and held the Spits' to eight.

Neither team would find the back of the net in what would be Erie's final period of the 2009-10 season.

The Otters also said goodbye to three overagers who paved the way for the team's success this season.

Captain Zack Torquato, defenseman Paul Cianfrini and goaltender Adam Courchaine all played their final games in junior hockey.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 25, 2010


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