Williams tames IceDogs in 2-1 win
Erie, PA – Devin Williams had one of the finest performances for a goaltender in Erie’s hockey history as the rookie netminder made 61 saves to lead the Erie Otters to a 2-1 win over the Niagara IceDogs.
A scoreless first period set the tone for Williams’ standout night. The Saginaw, Mich. native stopped 21 shots in the first period, including many from close range, that frustrated the IceDogs offense.
The game would remain scoreless until the IceDogs got a power play with just over five minutes remaining in the second period. Freddie Hamilton capitalized with what amounted to be the only goal allowed by Williams as the IceDogs took a 1-0 deep into the third.
The Otters power play, which was quiet on their first three chances, woke up at the right time. With less than six minutes remaining, Connor Brown banged in a rebound through former Otters goalie Chris Festarini for his 19th goal of the season to tie the score.
After Jesse Graham took a checking from behind penalty with less than two minutes to go, the Otters made the IceDogs pay as Sondre Olden fired a shot from the right circle through the glove side of Festarini for his seventh goal of the season with 43.7 seconds remaining.
The IceDogs tried for a final push but could not solve Williams, who made saves 60 and 61 in the final seconds and helped the Otters earn two points over one of the best teams in the CHL.
Williams set an Otters record for most saves in a win with 61, breaking the previous record set by Kevin Beech on February 1, 2007. Beech stopped 56 Windsor Spitfires shots in a 3-2 shootout win.
