Simpson Stops 35 as Petes Fall to Battalion 3-1 in North Bay
On Thursday, October 13, the Petes began their three game northern road trip with a stop in North Bay to take on the Battalion. The Petes would be looking for revenge after the Battalion handed them their only loss to date in the 2022-23 campaign.
The first period started off with some exhilarating back and forth play, but both goalies were up to the task. North Bay were putting the pressure on at the halfway point of the period, with multiple chances coming on the power play. While killing the penalty, J.R. Avon turned on the jets and forced a shorthanded breakaway, but couldn’t beat Dom DiVincentiis. Luckily, Justin DeZoete was following the play and would bury the rebound to take a 1-0 lead on the shorthanded goal. Michael Simpson had a busy period, turning away all 15 shots faced, making it four periods straight without surrendering a goal. The Petes would take a 1-0 lead into the second.
The second period looked like it was going to lean in the Petes favour early, with multiple chances going Peterborough’s way. That was until the 4:32 mark, when Kyle Jackson put one past Michael Simpson to tie the game. North Bay would keep pressing, going up 2-1 just five minutes later on a goal by Kyle McDonald. The Petes would battle back late, putting the pressure on in the last five minutes of the period, but would be unable to capitalize and it would stay 2-1 going into the third.
The third would see North Bay push for an even bigger lead, with several odd-man chances, including two breakaways and a penalty shot, but Michael Simpson stood tall to keep the game within reach. The game would stay 2-1 until the last minute of the third when the Battalion would capitalize on an empty net goal to secure the 3-1 win.
Tucker Robertson and Connor Lockhart both saw their point streaks end at four games. Michael Simpson continued his excellent run for the Petes, stopping 35 shots in the loss. Justin DeZoete scored his second goal of the season, and J.R. Avon had his second assist on the year.
The Petes continue their northern trip on Friday, October 14th when they visit Sault Ste. Marie to take on the Soo Greyhounds. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:07 PM, you can catch the game on YourTV Peterborough.
