Sting cut into series lead
Story by Brad Coccimiglio (Sootoday.com) | Photo by James Egan Photography
SAULT STE. MARIE, ON-
Without its top player, the Sarnia Sting managed to work its way back into its Western Conference quarter-final series with the Soo Greyhounds.
After dropping the opening two games at home over the weekend, the Sting recovered to beat the Greyhounds 5-2 on Tuesday night at the Essar Centre and now trails the first round Ontario Hockey League playoff series 2-1.
For the Greyhounds work ethic, or lack thereof, was an issue in the loss.
“I didn’t think we worked like we usually do and that drives our game,” said Greyhounds Coach Drew Bannister. “That was the difference for us. They won a lot of battles for pucks. Give them credit, they came to work and I didn’t feel our guys worked hard enough. It wasn’t consistent enough to win a hockey game.”
Blake Speers, and Frankie Pucci completed the Greyhounds scoring.
Bannister credited the Sting for making things difficult on the home team offensively.
“We didn’t generate any offensive zone time,” said Bannister. “They did a good job closing on us and getting their bodies and sticks in shooting lanes. They killed a lot of plays. And we were a step behind in making our decisions, giving them the opportunity to close on us.”
Pavel Zacha paced the Sting with a goal and three assists in the win. Matt Mistele scored a pair of goals while Brandon Lindberg and Patrick White also scored.
To read the full story CLICK HERE.
———-
ATTENDANCE – 3,467
RED STAR THREE STARS OF THE GAME
1- Pavel Zacha, SAR
2- Jakob Chychrun, SAR
3- Matt Mistele, SAR
Stats courtesy of the ontariohockeyleague.com
BOXSCORE RECAP | PLAY-BY-PLAY RECAP
UP NEXT;
The Western Conference best-of-seven series between the Hounds and Sting takes to Game 4 this Thursday Night – March 31st – here in Sault Ste. Marie.
(Hounds lead best-of-seven series 2-1)
Opening face-off is set for 7:07 p.m. and presented by Edward Jones.
Tickets are on-sale at the Essar Centre Box Office Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Thursday beginning at 10 a.m.
**NOTE; Unclaimed Season Ticket Holder seats will be available for general public purchase beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday
Can’t get to the game?
Fans can hear all the action beginning with the Bay Mills Resort & Casino’s pre-game show on Rock 101 (101.3 FM, www.rock101.net) beginning at 6:37 p.m..
This game will also be simulcast on Oldies 93 (93.9 FM).
It can additionally be viewed live on SHAWTV (Cable Channel 10) beginning at 7 p.m.
COMPLETE SERIES SCHEDULE
Sarnia Sting vs Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Game 1 – W 6-3
Game 2 – W 5-2
Game 3 – L 2-5
Game 4 – Thursday, March 31; SAR @ SSM, 7:07 p.m.
Game 5 – Saturday, April 2; SSM @ SAR, 7:05 p.m.
Game 6* – Sunday, April 3; SAR @ SSM, 7:07 p.m.
Game 7* – Tuesday, April 5; SSM @ SAR, 7:05 p.m.
* denotes “if necessary”
