SmartStop Post-Game Recap – A Point Against the Spits

The Steelheads nearly complete the comeback but lose in overtime against Windsor.

First Period

The Steelheads enter the Saturday night matchup against the Spitfires on a three-game win streak, and look to extend it amidst a tight playoff race. Standing in front of the Trout is a tough task in Windsor, who currently sit first in the Western Conference, and were the first team to clinch playoff berth this season.

It was not the start the Steelheads wanted, as they went down 1-0 under three minutes into the game. The shots were 6-0 for the Spitfires as Windsor took the lead. Ryerson Leenders, starting in back-to-back games made multiple stops prior to the goal, but the Trout could not withstand the pressure. 

The Steelheads really struggled to generate offence in the opening 10 minutes, as the Spitfires were pouring on pressure. The shots were 9-1 in favour of Windsor in the opening half of the period, with the Spitfires also controlling the pace of play and possessing the puck in the Steelheads zone for lengthy periods of time. 

Some solid defensive play from the Steelheads alongside solid goaltending by Leenders was able to keep the deficit to one goal as the Trout were struggling mightily in the first period. The best offensive chance of the period for the Steelheads came off a rush chance by Kai Schwindt, who fired it into the glove of spitfires netminder Joey Costanzo.

Thanks to multiple blocked shots and great goaltending from Leenders, the Steelheads managed to leave the first period down just one goal. 

Shots on Goal – 11 WSR/5 MISS

Second Period

The Steelheads start to the second period was much better than the first. The Trout were able to generate some quality chances early. The best of the bunch came off the stick of Brice Cooke, whose slot shot rattled off the knob of goaltender Costanzo’s stick. 

A solid shift for the Steelheads first line of James Hardie, Luke Misa, and Zander Veccia provided some much needed pushback for the Trout. To back them up, the Mississauga blueliners played a strong defensive game and held the Spitfires to just 3 shots in the opening 10 minutes of the second frame. 

The game eventually found its way to four-on-four, with the Steelheads receiving a brief power play once the fast-paced open ice action concluded. Mississauga was able to keep control of the puck during the four-on-four play, allowing for a seamless transition into the power play. On the ensuing man advantage, the Steelheads wasted no time and tied the game as Hardie rifled one into a wide open cage to make it 1-1. Misa and co-captain Charlie Callaghan picked up the assists. 

Shortly after the Steelheads tied the game, they found themselves shorthanded for a lengthy period as Lucas Karmiris was called for a double-minor high sticking penalty. The Blue and White were able to kill off the first two minutes of the power play thanks to several stops by Leenders and some crucial blocks. Unfortunately the Spitfires gained the zone in the second half of the man advantage and regained their lead, as Michael Renwick rifled a one timer past Leenders to make it 2-1. 

After the Spitfires took the lead once again, the game mellowed out and there were not many chances for either team. The game entered the final intermission with the Steelheads down 2-1. 

Shots on Goal – 8 WSR/11 MISS

Third Period

With the Steelheads entering the third period with a one goal deficit, they were looking for offence. The final frame started with rapid pace, which seemed to suit the Trout as they dominated play early. Callaghan found himself on a breakaway, attempting a forehand backhand move, the Steelheads captain had his shot saved by Costanzo.

The Steelheads pressure did not stop there, as Porter Martone gained the zone quickly off the rush. Martone slid the puck across to linemate Jack Van Volsen who rifled a one touch pass straight back to Martone. The rookie wasted no time and hammered a one timer past Costanzo to tie things up once again at 2-2. Jack Van Volsen and Dylan Gordon picked up the assists on Martone’s 12th of the year.

After the Steelheads did a great job killing a penalty assessed to Stevie Leskovar, there was a lengthy stoppage in play due to an ice issue. Directly after the game resumed, the Spitfires won a faceoff in the Steelheads zone. Rookie netminder Leenders showed great poise and concentration and turned aside two grade-A scoring opportunities for the Spitfires top line. 

A funky bounce allowed Misa to pounce on a loose puck and fire one on goal. The Windsor netminder was able to make the save, however the Spitfires dodged a bullet as the puck bounced off a Windsor defender and narrowly missed the wide open net. 

The final few minutes of the game were played very safe by both teams, as neither team wanted to make the mistake that led to the game winning goal. As time winded down, the game was not solved in regulation and headed into extra time with a score of 2-2. 

Shots on Goal – 9 WSR/7 MISS

Overtime/Shootout

For the second straight game, the Steelheads looked to find a hero to win it in overtime. 

Saginaw won the opening faceoff, which gave them puck possession early in the extra time, however a great play by Callaghan allowed the Steelheads to get a chance on net. A cross seam pass narrowly missed MacDonell, which was the Steelheads best chance of the overtime period. 

The Spitfires took advantage of a turnover by Kasper Larsen, and Ryan Abraham scored for Windsor to win it in overtime. 

Shots on Goal – 1 WSR/0 MISS

Total Shots – 29 WSR/23 MISS

Three Stars:

1. Jacob Maillet (1A)
2. Michael Renwick (1G)
3. Jack Van Volsen (1A)

The Steelheads close out the season series with the Windsor Spitfires by picking up three out of four points. Mississauga returns to the Paramount Fine Foods Centre on Family Day for a brotherly match up against the Saginaw Spirit. Click here to purchase your tickets.