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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Saginaw Falls to 67's, 4-3 in Shootout

March 4, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Ottawa, Ont. - The Saginaw Spirit (31-24-2-2) fell 4-3 in a shootout to the Ottawa 67's (43-11-3-2) Saturday, March 4, at TD Place.

Saginaw's Joey Willis scored two goals, including the goal that sent the game to overtime. Tristan Lennox got the start for the Spirit, stopping 29 of 32 shots faced. Ottawa's Henry Mews, Luca Pinelli, and Cooper Foster each netted a goal. Will Gerrior scored the game winner in the shootout and Max Donoso stopped 22 of 25 shots for the 67's.

The game began with Saginaw down a skater after Luke McNamara went to the box for high sticking at 2:39. The Spirit successfully killed off the penalty with several shorthanded chances.

The remainder of the first period saw both goaltenders stand tall as neither team scored. Ottawa outshot Saginaw through the first, eight to seven.

The second period started with the Spirit breaking the tie just 64 seconds in. Mitchell Smith shot a pass to Hunter Haight at the top of the circles. The Minnesota Wild pick sent the puck at Donoso and he turned it aside. Joey Willis recovered the puck near the goal line and banked it off the goaltender for his 11th of the season.

After three penalties, Ottawa received a four-on three powerplay chance near the ten minute mark of the second frame. Saginaw denied the 67's on the chance.

Nic Sima took a kneeing penalty at 14:51 in the middle period, giving Ottawa a man-advantage. The Barber Poles converted on the chance with a goal at 15:56. Pavel Mintyukov received a pass from Jack Beck on the left wing. The defenseman sent a pass to Henry Mews who rifled a shot past Lennox for his 11th of the season.

At the end of the second period, both teams were tied at one apiece despite Ottawa holding a 20-16 shot advantage.

The third period opened with Ottawa on the man-advantage after PJ Forgione committed a high sticking penalty at 4:20. The 67's took the lead with a powerplay goal at 5:47. Luca Pinelli earned an unassisted goal after he sent a shot from the left wing under Lennox's glove to make it 2-1.

Ottawa added to their lead just 31 seconds later. Will Gerrior gave Cooper Foster the puck and he flew into the Spirit's zone. The center skated beat the Saginaw skaters and put in a backhanded shot over Lennox's glove for his 17th of the season.

Saginaw went on the powerplay after Brad Gardiner went to the box for tripping at 10:44. The Spirit cut Ottawa's lead to one with a goal at 11:38. Hunter Haight won the faceoff and sent a pass to Mitchell Smith. The captain ripped a slapshot past Donoso for his tenth of the season.

With time running out, Lennox went to the bench for an extra attacker. Saginaw capitalized on the chance with a goal at 17:50. Joey Willis took a shot from the center of the circles and beat Donoso blocker-side to make it three all.

At the end of regulation, both teams were tied at three apiece with the 67's having a 30-24 shot advantage.

In overtime, Saginaw went on a powerplay after Ottawa was caught with too many men 50 seconds in. The 67's killed off the chance.

Saginaw went down two skaters after Hunter Haight took a hooking penalty and Matyas Sapovaliv was guilty of a faceoff violation at 3:36 in overtime. Ottawa could not score, and the game went to a shootout.

Jack Beck and Hunter Haight traded goals in the shootout, but Ottawa's Will Gerrior scored in the sixth round for the 4-3 win. The 67's held a 32-25 shot advantage through overtime. With the loss, Saginaw falls to 31-24-2-2 on the season.

Saginaw is back in action tomorrow as they visit the Kingston Frontenacs Sunday, March 5, at Leon's Centre. Puck drop is at 2:00 p.m.

Check out the Saginaw Spirit Statistics



Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 4, 2023


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