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OHL Windsor Spitfires

Rangers Take Game 1 Over Spitfires, 5-3

March 31, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Windsor Spitfires News Release


WINDSOR, ON - The Spitfires have a lot to handle in the first round. The Kitchener Rangers are no regular 8th seed.

This matchup per the standings is a 1st vs 8th seed, however the Spitfires know Kitchener is no slouch. Most people would say they underperformed during the regular season and could have been a lot higher in the standings. The Rangers have 6 NHL drafted players compared to the Spits who have 5.

In the first period, the Rangers silenced the crowd just 40 seconds into the game as Valade struck for the games first goal. The Spitfires could say they came out a little flat footed to the high-flying Rangers. Just over 8 minutes later, Misaljevic would make it a 2-0 game as he stood open in the slot and one-timed the puck into the back of the net. Just five minutes later, the Spitfires would respond off the rush. Christopoulos brough the puck in over the Rangers blue line and he lost the handle of the puck, however, it landed on the stick of Wright and he tipped it to Harrison who shot it five-hole for his 1st goal of the playoffs. The Rangers had a 2-1 lead on the scoreboard and a 14-11 shot advantage.

In the second period, the see-saw battle continued. Just over 8 minutes in, Pinelli would score shorthanded to make it a 3-1 game. Just two minutes later, the Spitfires would respond as Wright took one off the dasher and wrap-around the net for his first of the playoffs. Just over a minute later, the Rangers would respond and take a 4-2 lead. The Spitfires had a 25-24 shot lead after 40 minutes of play.

In the third period, the Spitfires poured on the pressure but couldn't get another goal past Costantini. Late in the game the Spitfires would pull the goalie and the Rangers would score to go ahead 5-2. With under 30 seconds left in the game, Cristoforo would score for the Spitfires to make it a 5-3 game but it was too little too late and the Rangers would steal game 1 in Windsor.

The Spitfires and Rangers are back for game 2 on Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05pm.

Check out the Windsor Spitfires Statistics



Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 31, 2023


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