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OHL Flint Firebirds

Simpson, Knights, Shut Out Firebirds In Game 1, 3-0

March 29, 2024 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


LONDON, Ont. - Nathan Day made 17 saves on 19 shots and the Flint Firebirds outshot the London Knights, 23-21, but the Firebirds were unable to find the back of the net as they were beaten by the Knights, 3-0, in Game 1 on Friday night at Budweiser Gardens. Michael Simpson made 23 saves to blank the Firebirds and power London to a 1-0 series lead.

London struck for the game's first goal early in the opening period. Off an attacking zone faceoff that the Knights controlled, Kaleb Lawrence attempted a one-timer from the slot that went wide to Day's right. As Day slid out of his crease, Lawrence was able to snag his own rebound behind the Flint cage and carry it below the net. He stretched out wrapped the puck around the near post ahead of Day's left pad for the first OHL Playoff goal of his career and to put the Knights ahead, 1-0.

Lawrence hit paydirt again in the middle frame after the Knights won another offensive-zone faceoff. This time, the puck was bouncing in the left circle and Lawrence chased it to the slot. It finally settled in front of him and grabbed it, pulled to his backhand and lifted a backhander over Day's right shoulder to make the score 2-0 just shy of the game's midway point.

That advantage maintained until the waning minutes of the period and Flint called Day to the bench for an extra attacker. The Firebirds put heavy pressure on in the attacking zone but could not crack Simpson. Max McCue took possession of the puck in his own zone, skated through center and fired a shot off the post of the empty net. The puck worked back to McCue who then fired toward the net but Roberto Mancini blocked it with his right shoulder to keep the score at 2-0.

Unfortunately for the Firebirds, Mancini's block ended up meaningless as they were unable to mount any more pressure. Eventually it was Easton Cowan who found the empty net with 49 seconds remaining, cementing a 3-0 Knights victory in Game 1.

The Firebirds now trail the Knights 1-0 in the best-of-seven series. Flint and London will return to action for Game 2 on Sunday afternoon. Puck drop is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Budweiser Gardens.

Story: Brandon Mills // flintfirebirds.com

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