Rangers Fall 3-1 in Owen Sound
The Owen Sound Attack defeated the Kitchener Rangers 3-1 on Saturday night, overcoming a 41 save performance by Franky Palazzese. Rookie Joesph Blandisi scored the game winner for the Attack.
The first period was a scoreless affair featuring strong play from Kitchener netminder Franky Palazzese. He withstood heavy pressure from Owen Sound, who out-shot the Rangers 24-7 through 20 minutes. The Attack were unable to capitalize on the power play, failing to score despite twice having a two-man advantage.
The Rangers broke the deadlock midway through the second period. Andrew Crescenzi threw the puck on net and it took a bounce off the crossbar, ricocheted off the shoulder of Jordan Binnington and landed in the back of the net. Crescenzi’s tenth of the year was his first tally since returning from injury on December 9. The veteran centre has four goals in three games against the Attack this season. Assisting on the goal were Eric Ming, who has recorded at least one point in each of his last five outings and Julian Melchiori. Melchiori sits just one point shy of his career high total of 19, set last season.
Mike Halmo evened the score with less than two minutes to play in the frame. The fourth-year winger extended his point-streak to seven games, jamming the puck by the left skate of Palazzese. Brendan Childerley and Matt Petgrave were credited with the assists on Halmo’s 20th of the season.
The Rangers stepped up their pressure on the Owen Sound net in the second, with a 9-7 advantage in shots on goal.
The Attack took the lead early in the third period when rookie Joseph Blandisi picked up a pass from Daniel Zweep and fired the puck by the glove hand of Palazzese. Blandisi’s eleventh of the season was also assisted by Binnington.
Owen Sound added one more in the final minute of play. Cameron Brace was tripped up entering the Rangers’ zone with the net empty and was awarded the goal to make the final score 3-1. The third year forward has twelve goals this season.
The Attack out-shot the Rangers 13-8 in the final frame, and 44-24 overall. Palazzese was given first star honours for a second straight game after stopping 41 shots. The lostswas the Ranger goalie’s first in his last eight starts.
The win was Owen Sound’s first of the season against the Rangers, who lead the series two games to one. The Attack improve to 18-14-2-2 this season, but sit five points behind Kitchener (22-10-1-0) for second place in the Midwest Division.
Scoring
2. KIT A. Crescenzi, (10) (E. Ming, J. Melchiori), 9:26
2. OS M. Halmo, (20) (B. Childerley, M. Petgrave), 18:13
3. OS J. Blandisi, (11) (D. Zweep, J. Binnington), 3:43
3. OS C. Brace, (12) (unassisted), 19:41 (EN/SH)
Three Stars
1. KIT #32 Franky Palazzese
2. OS #28 Mike Halmo
3. OS #10 Joseph Blandisi
Attendance: 3079
The Rangers’ season resumes on December 29 in Windsor when they visit the Spitfires for a 7:05pm start. The team returns to home ice on December 30 for a 7:30 pm rematch against the Owen Sound Attack. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 519-578-1570 or 1-800-265-8977, via the internet or in person at The Aud Box Office or Centre in the Square Box Office.
