Rogers Conference Finals Roundup: Thursday Night
Here are the results from Thursday night action in the 2011 OHL Playoffs:
Windsor Spitfires 4 vs. Owen Sound Attack 2
The Windsor Spitfires rebounded after a huge Game one loss to even the Rogers Western Conference Championship Series 1-1 with a 4-2 win over the Owen Sound Attack on Thursday night before 5,927 at the WFCU Centre.
Tom Kuhnhackl pumped up the crowd early with a power play goal just 43 seconds into the game on a beautiful feed from second star Taylor Carnevale who contributed four assists.
The Attack took control of the play from there finding a late first period goal from Robby Mignardi who scored his seventh of the playoffs spinning around on his backhand with just 10 seconds to play in the first.
Former Spit Jesse Blacker capitalized on a two-man advantage for the Attack at 8:07 of the second period blasting a one-timer past Jack Campbell in a period where the Spitfires were outshot 20-8.
Despite being outplayed, the Spitfires tied the game in the middle frame when Kerby Rychel beat Scott Stajcer at 16:14 knotting the score 2-2 heading into the flood.
Zack Kassian scored his sixth of the playoffs just 1:49 into the third which held as the game-winner.
“It was nice to get a full 60 minute effort,” said Spitfires Head Coach Bob Jones. “We had our compete level back which has to be high this time of year when you have the four best teams remaining.”
Campbell was kept busy in the third with the Attack applying constant pressure in the dying minutes forcing him to make some big saves finishing the game with 33 and first star honours.
Kuhnhackl’s second of the game and ninth of the playoffs found the empty-net at 19:21.
Stajcer suffered his first loss of the playoffs making 19 saves.
“We may have lost some of our focus,” said Attack Head Coach Mark Reeds. “We won seven games in a row and were feeling comfortable. We have to come back with a response and play desperate hockey for more than just 20 minutes.”
Game three of the series will be played Saturday night in Owen Sound.
Niagara IceDogs 5 vs. Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors 3
David Pacan scored twice as first star of the game for the Niagara IceDogs who handed the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors their first loss of the 2011 OHL Playoffs.
The IceDogs trailed the game 2-1 in the second period before scoring three straight goals to the delight of 3,145 screaming fans at the Gatorade Garden City Complex.
Jesse Graham sparked the comeback with his first of the playoffs at 11:29 and Jason Wilson’s fifth of the post-season at 14:08 put the home team ahead 3-2 after 40 minutes.
Freddie Hamilton’s third of the playoffs held as the game-winner at 10:11 on the power play.
“We needed to find belief,” said IceDogs Head Coach Marty Williamson. “It was about doing the details, all of the little things that matter.”
The Majors found offense from Riley Brace who tied the game 1-1 with a first period goal with just five seconds left on the clock. Jordan Mayer got his fifth of the playoffs to open the second period, and Rob Flick scored with just over a minute to play in the game following a Majors timeout.
“Give the IceDogs credit,” said Majors Head Coach Dave Cameron. “They are a heck of a hockey club and played a good game.”
Mark Visentin made 32 saves in the win, while JP Anderson took the loss with 33 saves.
Pacan scored the first and fifth goals for the IceDogs giving him five in these playoffs.
The Majors snap a 19-game winning streak including 10 wins that finished the regular season with their last loss on February 26.
With the series now tied 1-1 Game three will be played Saturday night in Mississauga.
