Sapovaliv Scores Second OT Winner in as Many Nights
Published on February 4, 2024 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release
Matyas Sapovaliv celebrates the overtime goal against the Ottawa 67's
(Saginaw Spirit, Credit: Steven Frank)
Saginaw, Mich. - The Saginaw Spirit (34-13-0-1) defeated the Ottawa 67's (24-17-5-1) on Sunday, February 4th, in overtime at the Dow Event Center. This was Saginaw's second overtime win in a row, courtesy of Matyas Sapovaliv. Rodwin Dionicio added a pair of goals including the equalizer late in the third period. Nolan Lalonde stopped 26 of 30 shots for the Spirit while Ian Michelone stopped 39 of 44 shots for the 67's.
The Saginaw Spirit were the first to strike with Alex Christopoulos passing to Hunter Haight who then passed to Rodwin Dionicio below the goal line. Dionicio banked a shot off the back of the goaltender and into the net for the game's first goal just three minutes in.
Luca Pinelli responded shortly afterwards, scoring an unassisted goal to tie the game at one.
With 8:27 left in the first, after receiving a pass from Jacob Maillet, Frankie Marrelli made a long pass to Will Gerrior who soon took off up ice. Lalonde made a dive to grab the puck, but Gerrior remained in control and knocked home his rebound for the 2-1 lead.
The first period ended with Ottawa leading, 2-1, as well as outshooting Saginaw, 11-10.
At four-on-four, it was again Luca Pinelli to five the 67's breathing room. His 34th of the season came on a pass from Braeden Kressler early in the third period for the 3-1 lead.
With 5:14 left in the second, Joey Willis rifled a shot from the doorstep, bringing Saginaw within one goal. Assists went to Alex Christopoulos and Rodwin Dionicio, and the Spirit closed the gap to a goal.
The second period ended with Saginaw down, 3-2. However, the Spirit outshot the 67s, 33-24 (22-14 in the second period).
The second period started with Ottawa on a 5v3 power play opportunity as Ethan Hay would be serving a cross checking penalty and Owen Beck for tripping. The 67s took advantage of the opportunity with both Samuel Mayer and Luca Pinelli poking at the puck until Mayer tapped it on. Pinelli received the assist on the goal along with Braeden Kressler.
With 5:15 left in the game, Alex Christopoulos fired a shot from the mid slot, sending the puck past Michelone's blocker and giving the Spirit life. Both Zayne Parekh and Joey Willis collected the assists on the goal that made it 4-3.
With 4:01 left in the game, Rodwin Dionicio scored the equalizer with assists going to Matyas Sapovaliv and Jorian Donovan. After collecting a pass from Sapovaliv, Dionicio rifled a shot just outside the right faceoff circle, deflecting off an Ottawa defender and in.
With regulation ending at 4-4, the game would head into overtime. The third period also saw Saginaw outshooting Ottawa 41-30 (8-6 in the third period).
After a battle in front of Ottawa's goal, Matyas Sapovaliv managed to slap the puck into the net to give the Spirit a 5-4 victory over the 67's. His 15th of the year secured the extra point for Saginaw, and was his second game-winner in as many nights.
The Saginaw Spirit will take on the Owen Sound Attack for the first time this season at the Dow Event Center on Friday, February 9th. Puck drop is at 7:05 pm.
Images from this story
 Matyas Sapovaliv celebrates the overtime goal against the Ottawa 67's (Steven Frank) |
Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 4, 2024
- Spitfires Stung in Shootout 4-3 - Windsor Spitfires
- Sapovaliv Scores Second OT Winner in as Many Nights - Saginaw Spirit
- Bowen Stops 34 in Return as Petes Fall in Kingston - Peterborough Petes
- Spirit Close Weekend with Visit from 67's - Saginaw Spirit
- Battalion vs IceDogs Today at 4pm - Niagara IceDogs
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