Colts Falter in Nation’s Capital
The Colts continued their road trip as they traveled to the nations Capital Wednesday evening to take on the Ottawa 67’s. Wednesday night’s meeting between the two squads would be the final time these two meet this season, albeit there is still a slight chance they could face each other in round one of the playoffs.
Wednesday night’s game started strong for the Colts as they put up two goals to take a first period lead. However, similar to their game Tuesday night in Peterobrough, the Colts would give up four straight goals, and wouldn’t be able to crawl back, falling to the 67’s 5-3. The Colts and 67’s would ultimately split the season series, with each team earning one home win and one road win.
The Colts were able to get on the board early in Ottawa when Murray put home his third of the season. Chiodo carried the puck deep in the 67’s zone before turning back towards the point. Chiodo fed Murray who was breaking in on the point and Murray beat a screened Lazarev to give the Colts a 1-0 lead only 3:24 into the first period.
Just past the midway point of the period, the Colts extended their lead to 2-0 when Nattinen buried his 22nd goal of the season. Mangiapane dropped the puck for Sadowy after they broke into the 67’s zone. Sadowy then fed Nattinen who was streaking back door, and he put it home.
The Colts wouldn’t be able to get out of the first period though with a two goal lead. With 2:22 to play in the period, Artur Tyanulin was sprung on a partial breakaway after the 67’s intercepted a Colts breakout. Tyanulin was able to beat Blackwood for his 17th goal of the season, making it 2-1 for the Colts before the end of the first frame.
Early in the second period, the Colts had a great chance when Manigapane and Sadowy were going in two on one. Their chance would ultimately be rejected though as Mangiapane’s feed to Sadowy was denied by Lazarev who was cutting hard through the crease.
It would be the 67’s who would strike first in the second period. On the power play and 2:17 into the period, Dante Salituro would keep the puck in the Colts zone, and Nathan Todd would pick it up off the boards, walking in towards the slot. Todd would fire a snap shot as he was cutting, scoring top shelf to tie the game at 2-2.
Nearly five miuntes into the period and with the 67’s on the man advantage, Blackwood came up with a clutch save as the 67’s went in on a 4 on 1. With some nice passing from the 67’s, they nearly had an empty net chance, but Blackwood came across the crease and shut the door.
But, the Colts had a middle frame slump as they gave up two more second period goals, including a shorthanded tally for the 67’s.
Almost seven minutes into the period with the Colts on the power play, Stephen Falkovsky got the puck in the Colts zone and over to Jeremiah Addison in the corner. In a weird play, Addison came out of the corner, landed on his backside, and somehow squeaked one shortside on Blackwood for his 27th goal of the season, giving the 67’s their first lead of the game at 3-2.
Less than four minutes later, the 67’s would extend their lead when Connor Graham would net his 7th goal of the season, with Travis Barron and Evan de Haan recording the assists on the 4-2 goal.
The third period would see the Colts attempt to chip away at the deficit, but they were unable to do so until the final minute. With 30 seconds to play, the Colts pulled Blackwood for the extra attacker, and were able to deflect a goal home. Webster threw a shot on net and Sadowy was able to deflect home his 44th goal of the season. Nattinen also recorded an assist on the Colts goal to bring it within one late in the game.
But it was short lived, as fourteen seconds later Dante Salituro would net an empty net goal for the 67’s, giving them a 5-3 lead and solidifying their win.
Despite having seven power play opportunities in the game, they couldn’t generate any substantial chances and went 0 for 7 on their chances. The 67’s were able to go 1 for 3, as well as recording a short-handed goal.
In goal, Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 18 of 22 shots that he faced, while Leo Lazarev stopped 13 of 15 before leaving the game due to injury. Liam Herbst stopped 11 of the 12 shots he faced.
The Colts return home Saturday night for their final home game of the season when they take on the Sudbury Wolves at the BMC. Following Saturday’s game, the team heads out to North Bay to take on the Battalion in their final game of the regular season. For tickets to Saturday night’s game, visit the BMC Box Office or www.ticketbreak.com.
