Erie Offense Dominates Saginaw Again
The Erie Otters defeated the Saginaw Spirit 9-5 in game two of their series, demonstrating that their offensive explosion in game one was no fluke. With this victory, Erie takes a 2-0 series lead as they head home for game three.
Over the first two games, Saginaw’s defense and goaltending have been subpar. Spirit goalie Kaleb Papineau is currently averaging 8.04 goals against per game with a .761 save percentage, having allowed 17 goals in just 120 minutes of play.
Unlike game one, the second contest was more competitive heading into the third period, with Erie holding just a one-goal lead. The Otters didn’t expand their lead significantly until the final five minutes, but once again showed their lethal ability to score in bunches.
In the first period, Erie took the lead with two goals just 47 seconds apart, one of which came short-handed. The Otters sealed the deal with two more goals 1:17 apart, the last of which was an empty-netter.
Erie’s overage forward and University of Notre Dame commit was a standout once again, scoring three goals and adding three assists for a total of eight points in just two games. Chicago Blackhawks prospect Martin Misiak also had an impressive game, recording a hat trick and an assist.
Despite struggles on defense, Saginaw has still managed to score five goals in each of the series’ first two games. CHL leading scorer Michael Misa got on the board for the first time this postseason, scoring twice and adding an assist. San Jose Sharks prospect Igor Chernyshov also contributed with a goal and two assists.
With a commanding 2-0 series lead, the Otters are in a strong position heading into game three at home. A win in both home games could secure the series sweep, while even splitting the two games would put them in a good position to eliminate Saginaw on the road in game five.
The Spirit, however, must address their defensive issues urgently if they hope to turn the series around. Game three will be held on Tuesday, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Erie Insurance Arena.
Erie Otters Dominate Saginaw Spirit in Playoff Opener with Explosive Second Period
The Erie Otters showed why they are one of the top teams in the Ontario Hockey League with a dominant 8-5 victory over the Saginaw Spirit in the opening game of their Western Conference first-round series on Thursday night.
The Otters turned in one of the most impressive 20-minute stretches in OHL playoff history, scoring five goals in a five-minute span during the second period. They added three more goals to take an overwhelming 8-2 lead by the second intermission.
Pano Fimis, Dylan Edwards, Sam Alfano, Callum Hughes, and Malcolm Spence each contributed to the five-goal burst against Saginaw goalie Kaleb Papineau, who was filling in for the injured Andrew Oke. Fimis and Spence added their second goals of the period, sandwiched around a score by Martin Misiak.
The eight goals scored by Erie in the second period marked the most in any playoff period since the Robertson Cup playoffs began posting box scores online in 1998.
Saginaw managed three goals in the third period, including two in the final two minutes, but Erie’s defense and goalie Noah Erliden stood strong early, stopping the Spirit’s first 14 shots in a scoreless first period.
A key part of Erie’s game plan was to shut down Michael Misa, who led the OHL with 134 points during the regular season. The Otters successfully kept Misa off the score sheet, as well as limiting defenseman Zayne Parekh to just two assists.
Despite their offensive struggles, Saginaw outshot Erie 37-25, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Otters’ onslaught.
The Otters now lead the series 1-0, with game two scheduled for Saturday in Saginaw at 7:05 p.m.
Series Schedule:
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Thursday: Erie 8, Saginaw 5 (Erie leads 1-0)
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Saturday: Erie at Saginaw, 7:05 p.m.
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Tuesday: Saginaw at Erie, 7:00 p.m.
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April 3: Saginaw at Erie, 7:00 p.m.
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April 5: Erie at Saginaw, 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)
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April 7: Saginaw at Erie, 7:00 p.m. (if necessary)
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April 8: Erie at Saginaw, 7:05 p.m. (if necessary)
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