Spitfires take series lead with 8-1 victory
(Windsor) The Spitfires have taken the lead in the series, two games to one over the Plymouth Whalers following a solid 8-1 victory Sunday evening at the WFCU. Dale Mitchell led the way with two goals and two assists while Andrei Loktionov scored two goals and added one assist.
Although the Spitfires and Whalers failed to score in the opening period, the Spitfires found life in the second period scoring four unanswered goals. Adam Henrique opened the scoring at the 1:46 mark of the second with his second goal of the playoffs. The assists were awarded to Justin Shugg and Lane MacDermid. Russian star Andrei Loktionov would score back to back goals, at the 5:00 mark and the 10:46 mark increasing the Spitfires lead. The assists on his goals were awarded to Dale Mitchell (two) and Harry Young. At the 16:54 mark, Dale Mitchell would score his team leading eighth goal of the playoffs with Eric Wellwood and Andrei Loktionov gaining the assists. The Spitfires went to the dressing room with a commanding 4 – 0 lead.
The third period featured a display of special teams with all five goals coming on the powerplay. Greg Nemisz opened the scoring at the 6:51 mark with his fifth goal of the playoffs. The assists were awarded to Rob Kwiet and Ryan Ellis. Beau Schmitz would break Andrew Engelage’s shutout bid with his second goal of the playoffs at the 9:50 mark. The Spitfires Taylor Hall would respond just over a minute later with his eighth goal of the playoffs. The assists were awarded to Scott Timmins and Ryan Ellis. Forward Dale Mitchell would net his second goal of the game at the 14:36 mark with Taylor Hall and Rob Kwiet gaining the assists. The final goal of the game would be scored by Adam Henrique, his second goal of the game, at the 16:42 mark with Ryan Ellis and Austin Watson gaining the assists.
The Spitfires outshot the Whalers 50 – 30 enroute to an 8 – 1 victory. Goaltender Andrew Engelage won his second consecutive game sitting the second round opener.
The Spitfires and Whalers play game three Tuesday night in Plymouth, game time is 7:05 pm.
