HIGHLIGHTS: Knights 6 | Sting 1

By Yannis Economopoulos

Gazizov scores twice as Knights thump Sting

LONDON, ON – Ruslan Gazizov reached the 30-goal plateau with two markers on Friday night as the London Knights defeated the Sarnia Sting 6-1.

Five minutes into the game, London (44-14-1-3) blueliner Isaiah George put the Knights ahead 1-0 with his sixth tally of the season. The New York Islanders prospect completed a gorgeous give-and-go play with Landon Sim before wiring a shot past Sarnia (23-34-3-1) netminder Nick Surzycia from the slot.

Just before the midway mark of the opening frame, Gazizov had an opportunity to put London ahead 2-0 on a penalty shot, but Surzycia shut the door with a great right pad save.

With less than a minute remaining in the first period, Kasper Halttunen converted on the man advantage to put the Knights ahead 2-0. The Finnish winger’s 31st goal of the year was assisted by Easton Cowan, who extended his point streak to 31 games.

Although Gazizov was unsuccessful on the free breakaway, he scored a power-play goal in the second period to give London a 3-0 lead. After Sam Dickinson’s point shot was stopped, the Russian winger tracked the rebound, controlled the puck, and wired in his 29th of the year. In the final frame, Gazizov converted on the man advantage again.

Owen Willmore made 16 saves for London in his 14th win of the season, while Surzycia turned away 28 shots for Sarnia.

William Nicholl and Kaleb Lawrence, who recorded a Gordie Howe hat-trick, rounded out the scoring for the Knights. Easton Wainwright scored the lone goal for the Sting.

London is back in action on Saturday afternoon as they host the division rival, Kitchener Rangers.