Special Teams Shines over Guelph, Otters Win Third-Straight
Erie, Pennsylvania – Chance for revenge from an early season embarrassment would lead the Erie Otters into their final game of the week, hosting Midwest Division foe Guelph. In the team’s third game of the year, the Storm would down Erie 8-0 at the Sleeman Centre. A new-look Otters team would come into the Saturday night affair with wins in back-to-back games, including a 4-1 road win at Niagara just days prior. With the return of former Erie goaltender Kyle Downey in net for Guelph, it would prove to be a night of exciting divisional battles.
Goaltending would be the star of the show early in the game, especially on the Erie side of the net. With a 13-6 shot advantage through 20 minutes for the Erie Otters, they would be the first to find the back of the net on a Malcolm Spence (6) breakaway. The goal would give Spence points in three-consecutive games, and be the lone goal of the opening frame. Both teams would go 0/1 on the power play, as Erie’s defense would get the job done early for the Otters to take a 1-0 lead into the break.
The second period would continue the offensive pressure, but the defense would continue to be the catalyst for success in a scoreless frame. The Erie penalty killers would have to come through again twice to move to 3/3 in the game, as the Otters would be outshot 9-7 in the period. Erie’s first period lead would carry over to the final frame, 1-0.
The respective offenses would be staggered no longer, as the Otters would get their second power play opportunity of the night. On the opportunity, Martin Misiak (13, PPG) would score the game-winning goal just 7:19 into the period for his sixth power play goal of the season. On the other side of a failed power play opportunity themselves, Guelph would finally find paydirt as Jake Karabella (10) would get his golden goal to make it a one-goal game. In the closing minutes of the game, Erie would do just that, finding goals from Brett Bressette (6, PPG) and Carey Terrance (22, ENG) – tonight’s ceremonial puck drop participants – to close out a well-earned Otters victory. Erie would go 6/6 on the penalty kill, 2/3 on the power play, and finish with a 4-1 win for the second-straight game.
The Otters will enjoy a few nights rest until their next game, as they close out the pre-holiday portion of the schedule on home ice. Erie will welcome North Bay to town on Friday night for the final 3-2-1 Friday of the season. This game will also be in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, with special events to be announced. On Saturday night, the Otters will send everyone into the holidays with Winter Wonderland Night – with appearances from Santa Claus and the Grinch, and a whole lot more holly jolly fun to be had.
