
Saarijarvi's Playmaker Not Enough in 6-4 Setback
October 11, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release
Flint, Mich - Flint's Vili Saarijärvi extended his point-streak to four games and recorded a playmaker in a 6-4 setback against the Peterborough Petes on Sunday night.
Will Bitten started the scoring off in a game the saw 10 goals before more than 3,000 fans at the Dort Federal Event Center. With patience in the Peterborough zone, Saarijärvi dished the puck to Bitten back-door who converted at 6:57 of the opening frame to give the Firebirds an early lead.
After Peterborough's Betzold tied the game 1:27 later in the first period, he would convert again at 8:55 of the middle frame to give Peterborough their second goal of the evening. Then with 44 seconds remaining, the Petes' Cornel would score on the doorstep to earn a two-goal lead heading into intermission.
Early in the final frame, Saarijärvi would headman the puck to Mathieu Henderson who found the back of the net after crossing the Peterborough line bringing the Firebirds within one goal at 1:44 of the final period.
DeNoble would extend the Peterborough lead to two goals at 9:02, scoring his first of the season from the right circle before Cullen Mercer responded 45 seconds later converting on a pass from Jacob Collins in front of the net. Saarijärvi would earn his third assist of the game on Mercer's goal.
The exchange of goals between the two teams would continue 1:59 later when Coyle scored from the bottom of the left circle to give Peterborough a 5-3 lead.
Ryan Moore brought the game within one goal again with 1:56 remaining in the contest crashing the net and finding twine after a Grzelewski shot from the nearside wall in the offensive zone. Garlent would add an empty net goal with 15 seconds remaining, finishing the game 6-4.
Flint lead in shots 30-24 at the conclusion of the game. The Petes were 1-0 on the power-play while the Firebirds were 0-5 with the man advantage.
The Firebirds return home to the Dort Federal Event Center this Friday, Oct. 16. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. against the Ottawa 67's and to continue to raise awareness for breast cancer, the contest has been slated as the Firebirds' "Pink Out Game" in partnership with the McLaren Foundation. Following the conclusion of the game vs. the 67's, the players' game worn jerseys will be auctioned for all fans in attendance to bid on.
Tickets are $12 / Bronze, $15 / Silver and $19 / Gold and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Dort Federal Event Center Box Office Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. or by phone at (810) 744-0580. The Box Office opens at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday game days.
Images from this story
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Ontario Hockey League Stories from October 11, 2015
- Saarijarvi's Playmaker Not Enough in 6-4 Setback - Flint Firebirds
- Clark Sparks Comeback, Steelheads Win 3-2 in OT - Brampton Steelheads
- Salituro Pots Hat Trick as 67's Dump Owen Sound - Ottawa 67's
- Sting Hold on to Defeat Sudbury 3-2 - Sarnia Sting
- Rangers Squander Two-Goal Lead; Fall to Steelheads in OT - Kitchener Rangers
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- Game Preview: Storm Go for Two Straight in Oshawa - Guelph Storm
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