SmartStop Post-Game Recap – Opening Weekend Sweep

The Steelheads secure back-to-back victories over the Erie Otters with a 5-3 victory. 

 

First Period

The Steelheads head into the matchup looking to continue the momentum they created in yesterday’s home opener, as they defeated the Erie Otters by a score of 5-0. 

Setting the tone early for the Steelheads was Adam Zidlicky, who connected on a massive open ice hit, which caused a loud gasp in the Erie Insurance Arena. The physicality did not slow down as forward Mason Zebeski reintroduced himself to the Otters. 

The Steelheads headed to the powerplay and just as the power play was set to expire, the Steelheads converted. Newly acquired Marc Boudreau set up in front of the net and deflected a point shot by Parker Von Richter to give the Trout the 1-0 lead!

The momentum seemed to shift in the favour of Erie, but Ryerson Leenders, who started his second game in as many nights, was steady and made numerous stops to calm things down. Von Richter also made a great defensive play, denying a high quality scoring chance for the Otters. 

With all the momentum in favour of the Otters, the Trout got themselves into penalty trouble. After killing off the first penalty, the Steelheads took another, which proved lethal. Erie converted on the man-advantage with a bullet of a one-timer off the stick of Ondrej Molnar, which brought the score to 1-1. 

The Steelheads seemed to step on the gas after giving up their lead. A great defensive play by Jakub Fibigr drew a penalty and provided the Trout with a late man-advantage. 

On the ensuing power play, Porter Martone was left all alone on the left circle. Martone showcased great patience and made no mistake, picking his spot to beat the Otters netminder and restore the lead for the Blue and White. 

The game entered the first intermission with the Steelheads on top 2-1. 

 

Shots on Goal – 11 ER/5 MISS

 

Second Period

The second period started with a furious pace, play was flying from end to end. This seemed to help the Otters more than the Trout, as Malcom Spence flew into the Steelheads zone but Leenders was equal to the task and made the stop on the ensuing play. 

The Steelheads found themselves with back-to-back power play opportunities, and the Trout did not fail to produce numerous high quality scoring chances. Goaltender Nolan Lalonde had to deal with a solid flurry of action, as the Steelheads were pounding shots on goal, however, nothing found a way through. 

With the Steelheads in on the penalty kill, a great stick by Porter Martone produced a 3-on-1 rush. After heading up the ice, Martone and Angus MacDonell seemed to connect with a tic-tac-toe play, however goaltender Lalonde robbed Martone, reaching across with his stick. The score remained 2-1. 

In the latter stages of the period, the Steelheads headed to the box. Leenders was called upon to make a massive glove save, however the Otters pounced on the rebound and gained control of the puck once again. Chicago Blackhawks prospect Martin Misiak made no mistake this time and knotted the game at 2-2. 

Just as a Steelheads power play expires, the Otters pounce on a loose puck and head down the ice on a 2-on-1 opportunity. Sam Alfano scored for Erie to make the score 3-2 in favour of Erie. 

 

Shots on Goal – 12 ER/14 MISS

 

Third Period

There was non-stop end to end action to kick things off in the final frame. It was Zidlicky who had the best of the chances for the Blue and White early. The speedy winger used his skating ability to enter the zone before making a power move towards the goal, but the Erie goaltender had the answer. 

Steelheads goaltender Leenders was called upon to make a 10-bell stop at around the 13 minute mark of the period. Otters forward Brett Hammond found himself with tons of space in front of the Trout goal, but it was Leenders who didn’t bite and kept his team within one. 

With the Steelheads looking for offence and constantly pressuring the Otters, they were finally rewarded with a power play opportunity. On the ensuing man advantage, the Trout were able to connect in no time. It was Luke Misa who came out from behind the net and threw the puck on net from a sharp angle. The puck found its way through and the game was all tied up at 3-3. 

The Trout didn’t stop there, as Lucas Karmiris flew off the bench and jumped into the play. Zander Veccia made a silky pass to find Karmiris in front of the goal, and he made no mistake rifling it past the Erie netminder to give the Steelheads the 4-3 lead. 

The Otters pulled their goalie with around 2 minutes to play in the final frame. Leenders was called upon numerous times and as he did all game, stood tall for the Blue and White. Newly appointed alternate captain Angus MacDonell skated the puck up the ice and secured the empty netter to make the score 5-3. 

 

Shots on Goal – 12 ER/11 MISS

Total Shots – 35 ER/30 MISS

 

Three Stars:

1. Lucas Karmiris (1G, GWG)
2. Ondrej Molnar (1G, 1A)
3. Ryerson Leenders (32 SAV)

 

The Steelheads will look to build off these two opening wins as they head to Niagara next week. Watch all away games by purchasing CHL TV, accessible on the CHL mobile app, in addition to Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire, and online at watch.chl.ca.