RECAP: Nelson Makes 36 Saves as Otters Fall to Ottawa
Erie, Pennsylvania — The Otters would return to home ice for the first time in two weeks as they would take on the Ottawa 67’s to wrap up their brief two game season series with the 67’s. Looking to win their third game in-a-row, the Otters would hope to use the home crowd to their advantage against a strong opponent.
The first period of this matchup with the Erie Otters and the visiting Ottawa 67’s was a track meet from the moment the puck dropped. Both teams raced to get the puck to the back of the net first, but neither was successful because of goalies Liam Karbowski (Erie) and Jaeden Nelson (Ottawa) denying any goals in the first. Neither team was willing to give the other an inch, as the Otters and 67’s traded offensive chances and continued to apply pressure at both ends of the ice. Despite the constant back-and-forth action, both defenses held strong, preventing either side from finding the breakthrough. The 67’s and Otters stayed step and step, including both getting 11 shots on goal in the electric first period. The teams end the first 20 minutes 0-0, both looking for more opportunities to score.
The Otters bursted out of the gate after starting the second period with a power play after a crosschecking call after the first 20 minutes ended. The Otters continued to generate scoring chances and move the puck around the offensive zone, searching for the opening goal of the matchup. However, Nic Whitehead (1) of Ottawa turned the tables, using Erie’s offensive pressure to his advantage. Whitehead broke through the Otters defense and fired a shot, and it deflected into the net for his second goal of the season, giving the 67’s the first lead of the night. Despite falling behind, Erie continued to push offensively, looking to respond and even the score. The Otters tested goaltenderNelson throughout the period, but he remained strong in the crease, turning away Erie’s attempts and keeping the visitors in front. Through the first 40 minutes, Otters maintained control of the puck with 26 SOG’s to the 67’s 19 SOG.
The third period opened with both teams bringing plenty of intensity, as the Otters looked to even the score and the 67’s aimed to extend their lead. The pace remained fast, with both sides creating offensive opportunities and battling hard for possession. The physicality picked up throughout the period, as the teams traded hits and emotions were running high. Ottawa continued to pressure Erie’s defense, and Ondrej Ruml (1) capitalized on an opportunity to find the back of the net for his third goal of the season, giving the 67’s some breathing room. The Otters responded by pushing the pace and searching for a way back into the game, but Ottawa continued to make things difficult in the offensive zone. In the last seconds, Ottawa’s Zach Houben (ENG, 1) added the last blow, sending it into the empty net to end the game 3-0. Despite Erie’s efforts to mount a comeback, the 67’s held their ground as the clock wound down. Erie led in shots in goal with 36, to the opposed 29.
The Otters will return to the ice Sunday as they welcome in the Barrie Colts on Sunday Family Funday as they continue the four-game homestand. For tickets and more information, head to Ottershockey.com.
