Zhilkin, Wassilyn propel Spirit to OT win in Brampton
Brampton, Ont. – The Saginaw Spirit got their second win of the season on Saturday after defeating the Brampton Steelheads 2-1 in overtime at the CAA Centre. Braidy Wassilyn (1G-2A) and Dima Zhilkin (2G-1A, GWG) both continued their point streaks as they combined for all three of Saginaw’s goals in the game. Brady Knowling made 24 saves out of 26 shots for his second win with the Spirit.
Brampton opened the scoring late in the first period thanks to a powerplay goal by Keaton Ardagh. A deep pass from Carter Hicks found Nathan Amidovski, who set up a one-timer for Ardagh from the top of the right circle.
After 1: SAG 0 – 1 BRAM (Total shots: 11 – 6)
Braidy Wassilyn continued his goal streak into a sixth game for Saginaw to tie the game at 12:24. A back-and-forth passing play with Zhilkin ended with a close-range shot from the middle by Wassilyn, who found the back of Oskari Ahmajarvi’s net.
Dima Zhilkin fired the Spirit into the lead at the very end of the second. Jacob Cloutier passed short to Braidy Wassilyn in the right circle, who combined with Zhilkin on the left. The Spirit captain shot the puck straight into the top corner of the net for a powerplay goal.
After 2: SAG 2 – 1 BRAM (2nd period shots: 9 – 9, Total shots: 20 – 15)
Brampton tied the game at 18:48 of the third period with the goaltender pulled. Nathan Amidovski passed from the left to Troy Patton, who tipped the puck behind him. Geno Carcone was there on the right to beat Knowling with the equalizer.
After 3: SAG 2 – 2 BRAM (3rd period shots: 6 – 9, Total shots: 26 – 24)
Dima Zhilkin scored his second of the night and seventh of the season to win the game for Spirit in overtime. Braidy Wassilyn passed to Zhilkin on the left wing, who carried the puck into the right circle. The Spirit forward shot through traffic and over the goalie to win the game at 4:27.
Final: SAG 3 – 2 BRAM (Overtime period shots: 3 – 2, Total shots: 29 – 26)
Powerplays: SAG 2/3 BRAM 1/3
Goaltenders: SAG: Brady Knowling (24 saves, 26 shots, W) BRAM: Oskari Ahmajarvi (26 saves, 29 shots, OTL)
Saginaw’s next game will be against the Kitchener Rangers on Saturday, October 10th, at the Dow Event Center. Puck drop is at 7:05pm.
