Sadikov impressive in 5-1 Otters win
Terrific goaltending by Ramis Sadikov set the tone for the Erie Otters (1-0-0-0) in a dominant 5-1 victory over the Brampton Battalion Friday night at Powerade Centre.
The first period resulted in a stalemate after the first 20 minutes of play, thanks to Sadikov. The Russian netminder made 17 saves including several from point blank range to keep the Battalion off the scoreboard.
The Otters made sure to reward their goaltender with improved play in the second period, starting with a shorthanded breakway goal by Mike Cazzola over the right shoulder of Jacob Riley 1:45 into the frame.
Sadikov continued to impress on the penalty kill for the Otters, and then Erie made their opposition pay once again. Mitch Gaulton started his overage season on the right foot with a blast from the top of the right circle that ringed off the crossbar on the power play at 11:21. Cazzola set up Anthony Luciani 39 seconds later to make it a three-goal game going into the third.
Chris Marchese made his OHL debut and pleased 80 of his friends and family in attendance after picking up his first OHL point. Marchese fought off Battalion defenders in the right corner and dished off a pass to Brett Appio in the high slot, and Appio fired it past Riley’s glove hand to make it 4-0 at 2:26 of the third. Riley was replaced by Dennis Saikkonen in net after the goal.
It appeared after Sadikov continued to make more saves in net for the Otters that he would earn his elusive first shutout, but continued pressure by the Battalion power play spoiled his milestone with 1:38 remaining. The Otters regained their four-goal lead with a power play goal of their own by David Broll in the final minute to put the exclamation point on the victory.
Broll tallied a goal and two assists for his first three-point night of his OHL career. Cazzola (1g, 1a), Marchese (2a) and Shawn Szydlowski (2a) each had two-point nights for the Otters, as Sadikov stopped a career high 46 shots in the win. The Otters finished the game 2-for-3 on the man advantage.
The Otters return to Erie to host the Saginaw Spirit at 7:00 p.m. with their 15th home opener at Tullio Arena. The event begins with a free pre-game party at Jerry Uht Park at 5:00 p.m. featuring entertainment by Thirst N Howl and food and drink for a reduced price. The first 2,500 fans into the game receive a free magnetic schedule courtesy of Springhill Suites. Before the game, the Otters will retire the No. 18 of the late Vinny Scott.
