Bears Claim Third Straight win as Playoff Race Tightens
The Owen Sound Attack are finding their game again and just in time as the playoffs approach fast. After snapping a five game skid a week ago, the Attack have now won three straight with their latest victory coming Friday, a big 5-2 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs down in the Steel City.
The Bears jumped out to an early lead, as Madden Steen scored his third goal of the season just 1:29 into the action, as his point shot eluded both the Bulldogs net minder and the net front traffic to find the back of the net. Owen Sound was not able to build much momentum off the early goal, as Hamilton pushed back not wanting to blown out of their own building.
The second period was a much different story however, as Attack captain Colby Barlow got things going, blasting his 42nd of the year on a power play just under three minutes into the frame. This time the Bears were able to build off the momentum, as Deni Goure found himself alone at the side of the net after a great forechecking shift, with the crafty Attack forward just needing to flip the puck over the outstretched pad of Bulldogs goalie Tristen Malboeuf.
Hamilton was able to stem the tide of the Owen Sound offence for a moment, but it was Barlow again just over the ten minute mark of the period, who won a foot race and puck battle with former Bear Cedricson Okitundu, and looked off both the Hamilton defender and Malbouef before sliding a cheeky shot five-hole to extend the lead to 4-0. The Attack once again had quick strike offence, as Thomas Chafe had a billiard shot pinball of a skate in front under a minute after Barlow’s second of the night to put the Bears up by a 5-0 margin.
Hamilton dug into desperation late in period two, but Attack net minder Nick Chenard was up to the task, as he looked calm and collect in the net all night. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were able to slide a pair past Chenard late in period third to spoil his shut out bid, but the night was definitely a confidence booster for the overage goaltender.
The win helps Owen Sound keep pace with both the Guelph Storm and Saginaw Spirit for the covenant fourth spot in the Western Conference Playoff picture, as the teams continue to battle it out for the all important home ice.
Owen Sound will now get set for the second of three games slated for the weekend as they welcome the Kitchener Rangers to the Bayshore Saturday night for a Midwest division showdown. Tickets have become limited to standing room only but can be purchased at the MacVicor and McComb Sutton Realty Attack Box Office by calling 519-371-7452 or going online.
