Bears Rounding into form as Playoffs Approach
With just two weeks left until he 2023 OHL Playoff get underway, the Owen Sound Attack are rounding their game back into top form, as they claimed a big 4-3 win over the visiting Flint Firebirds at the Bayshore Wednesday night.
Having struggled in the teams first two meetings of the season, the Attack got put behind the eight ball early in the game as Flint capitalized on a power play opportunity to jump out to a 1-0 lead. Before the goal Owen Sound looked to be the better team, but were turned away on a couple of grade ‘A’ chances by Firebird goalie Nathan Day, who has had the Attack’s number this season.
Owen Sound then fell behind by a pair early in the second period, as a turnover at the offensive blue line led to a Firebirds breakaway. To the Bears credit the team did not fold or slouch after going down by a pair, but rather amped up their effort as they looked to claw their way back into the contest.
The hard work paid off as the Attack were rewarded with a power play just minutes after the second Flint goal, but it wasn’t until late in the man advantage that Cedrick Guindon showed his poise and vision, holding the puck as he skated around the net before finding Ethan Burroughs for wide open one-timer. The goal rejuvenated the Bayshore faithful and putting energy into the Attack bench. That energy was put to use as just two minutes later Owen Sound found themselves back on the power play, and this time it was a simple point shot from Servac Petrovsky that Deni Goure tipped in front to pull the Bears even.
Though evening the game, Owen Sound had to rely on rookie goalie Carter George early in period three, as Flint came out hard looking to regain their lead. George for his credit stood tall and provided the Attack with a calm sense of security in net, which helped the Bears withstand the pressure and focus on counter attacking.
The game was a penalty filled affair, with multiple occasions of 4-on-4 hockey, and it was during action with the extra ice that Sam Sedley took advantage of a mis-pass by Flint in their own zone, corralling a loose puck before showing slick hands alone in front. The Attack again needed just a few minutes following the goal to net a second one of the period, again on the power play with Guidon jamming a loose puck home.
The win brings Owen Sound to within two points of Flint for 5th place in the standings, though the Bears have a pair of games in hand, which will be critical in the stretch run to the playoffs.
Friday night is the Attack’s next action as they wrap-up the Highway 26 battle with the Barrie Colts at the Salon Arena. Owen Sound will then return home Saturday night for a showdown with the Kitchener Rangers, a game that will have heavy playoff positioning implication.
