Attack Sweep Weekend With Otters
It was a battle of the back-up goaltenders Sunday afternoon at the Bayshore, but it was Corbin Votary who made some athletic saves to help his Attack to a big 5-1 win over the Erie Otters.
It was a much different start to the game than the Saturday night before, as the Otters came out hungry looking to split the weekend. Some solid saves by Votary gave the Attack a chance to take a breath and calm down, as they began to push back mid-way through the opening frame.
Who else but the line of Servac Petrovsky – Cedrick Guindon – Colby Barlow, to break the game open, after a strong forecheck, led to a Sam Sedley point shot. At first glance it looked too be Sedley’s goal, but it was in fact Petrovsky getting a deflection in front for his 23rd of the season.
The Otters looked like they may escape the period down by just a single goal, but Gavin Bryant broke a 30 game goalless drought, with a buzzer beater at the end of the first period.
The late goal gave extra life into the Attack skates, as they came out in the second period flying, looking to extend their lead. The Bears got that chance with a power play opportunity, and it was Igor Chibrikov who ripped home his first goal of the season, off a rebound chance after sneaking in from the point.
The Otters would not go away quietly however, as they ruined the bid for a shutout just three minutes later, as a point shot found its way through traffic and past Votary. Owen Sound would try to restore their three goal lead but were denied on a handful of golden chances by Otters goal Marshall Nicholls.
The third period had…an entertaining start, as skirmish at the end of the second, had the teams playing 4-on-4 to begin the third. First it was Ethan Burroughs who ripped home a top shelf snipe after taking a drop pass from Deni Goure. The Otters then found themselves in penalty issues shortly after, and with just seconds left on a 5-on-3 power play, Barlow added his 27th of the year, as he continues to climb the OHL rookie goal scoring leader board, now tied for first.
Votary would be asked to make a handful of amazing saves late in the game to preserve the 5-1 lead, before claiming a well earned third win on the season.
Owen Sound will now turn their attention to the Sarnia Sting for a rare Tuesday night game at the Bayshore. This game is a reschedule from the postponed game back on Dec. 18th. Fans are reminded that their original tickets will work to gain entry into the game Tuesday night.