Russia caps comeback to upset Team OHL in shootout
Two separate comebacks and a goal-filled shootout led Russia to a 3-2 decision over Team OHL in Game 4 of the 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series in London.
Capitalizing midway through the first frame, Team OHL grabbed an early 1-0 lead after Knights forward Connor McMichael cashed in on a flurry of chances in front of Russian netminder Amir Miftakhov.
Team OHL carried the lead until the 2:34 mark of the third period when Russian forward Rodion Amirov buried a big rebound on the man advantage that was initially turned aside by Team OHL netminder Hunter Jones of the Peterborough Petes. Team OHL’s lead was quickly regained however when Oshawa Generals forward Serron Noel, who would later be recognized as Team OHL’s Player of the Game, skated in on the wing and wristed a bullet by Miftakhov.
Less than five minutes later, Russia would again even the score courtesy of a terrific individual effort from centre Lev Komissarov who broke into the Team OHL zone while shorthanded and put a puck by Jones.
Extra time would be required to decide a winner, with each side getting a handful of chances before time expired and the shootout followed. The five-goal set saw Russia capitalize on its three initial chances, enough to draw the victory after Team OHL failed to light the lamp in three of its four attempts.
“In the second half, we gave up a few chances. They got that power play goal and that got them going, and then we made a few mistakes and it costs us,” Team OHL head coach Dale Hunter said following the 3-2 final. “It’s tough. Most of the kids have played a few games on the weekend, but that’s what this test is all about – who can actually fight through it because it’s a tough schedule once you get (to the world juniors).”
The 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series now shifts to Western Canada to close out the event with Game 5 set for Wednesday in Saskatoon before wrapping up in Prince Albert the following night.