Guelph Storm’s Castle

The Guelph Storm are back in the driver’s seat.

They received offensive contributions from the 21st rated North American propect and an unlikely source in a 4-2 win.

Robby Fabbri scored a pair of third period goals to overcome a 2-1 deficit and Phil Baltisberger added an empty netter – his second goal of the game – to solidify a Game Three win in London.

The Knights struck first with Bo Hrovat beating Justin Nichols at the 4:59 mark of the first period.

Jake Patterson continued his strong series by turning aside 20 Storm shots in the frame, including a great diving glove save on Scott Kosmachuk. He finished with 47 saves on the night.

London entered the second with a 1-0 lead and a powerplay.

But Guelph’s penalty kill proved to be stronger in this game than on Sunday – killing off the early penalty.

Baltisberger finally found an answer for Patterson, wiring a slap shot from the point over the netminder’s blocking arm at 14:24. Kerby Rychel picked up his first of three assists on the night.

London regained their lead in the third with a goal just 17 seconds into a 5-on-3 powerplay. Chris Tierney one-timed a shot from the slot past at 3:31.

Then came the Fabbri show.

The sophomore centre scored goals 2:13 apart to give Guelph their first lead of the game.

First, he fired a snap shot past Pattersin from the slot on a powerplay, then he picked up a loose puck to the side of the Knights net and quickly rifled a shot on the short side. Rychel assisted on both goals with Zac Leslie registering the only other.

Nichols played the part the rest of the way, shutting the door to hold onto the win and finishing with 39 saves.

Baltisberger added his second of the game in the empty net with just over a minute remaining. Scott Kosmachuk and Tyler Bertuzzi assisted.

Guelph now leads the series two game to one.

Game Four is Thursday night in London.

Guelph Storm 4 at London Knights 2 – Status: Final
Tuesday, April 8, 2014 – Budweiser Gardens

Guelph 0 1 3 – 4
London 1 0 1 – 2

1st Period-1, London, Horvat 5 (Anderson, Mermis), 4:59. Penalties-Kosmachuk Gue (cross checking), 6:34; Anderson Ldn (interference), 17:43.

2nd Period-2, Guelph, Baltisberger 1 (Rychel), 14:24. Penalties-Basso Ldn (hooking), 7:49; Ebert Gue (tripping), 8:09; Rupert Ldn (diving), 8:09; Baltisberger Gue (roughing), 10:48; Smith Ldn (roughing), 10:48; Ebert Gue (high sticking), 12:00; served by Auger Gue (too many men), 17:36; Bertuzzi Gue (cross checking), 19:13.

3rd Period-3, London, Tierney 6 (Marner, Zadorov), 3:31 (PP). 4, Guelph, Fabbri 2 (Rychel, Leslie), 9:29 (PP). 5, Guelph, Fabbri 3 (Rychel), 11:42. 6, Guelph, Baltisberger 2 (Kosmachuk, Bertuzzi), 18:56 (EN). Penalties-Horvat Ldn (tripping), 0:20; Bertuzzi Gue (check to the head), 3:14; Leslie Gue (high sticking), 3:14; Zadorov Ldn (interference), 8:07; Bender Ldn (tripping), 19:09; Yakimowicz Ldn (high sticking), 20:00.

Shots on Goal-Guelph 20-15-16-51. London 12-17-12-41.
Power Play Opportunities-Guelph 1 / 6; London 1 / 6.
Goalies-Guelph, Nichols 6-2-0-0 (41 shots-39 saves). London, Patterson 2-2-0-0 (50 shots-47 saves).
A-8,940
Referees-Scott Ferguson (35), Scott Oakman (23).
Linesmen-Devin Berg (97), Kevin Hastings (61).