Wednesday Highlights: IceDogs, Spitfires come through in OT

(Photo Credit: Niagara IceDogs – Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images — Windsor Spitfires – Tim Cornett/WindsorSpitfires.com)

On the ropes in Game 4 of their first round series with the Kitchener Rangers, the Windsor Spitfires wouldn’t stay down on Wednesday night, rallying behind a hat-trick from Brendan Lemieux and a pair of goals from Bradley Latour for a 5-4 overtime win.

Latour’s second of the night came 10:19 into the extra frame as the overage veteran finished off a three-way passing play on the man advantage with Christian Fischer and Logan Brown.

The Spits overcame a 2-0 deficit as Brendan Lemieux buried a natural hat-trick in a span of 2:01, striking three times in the same five minute powerplay to give Windsor new life.

With the win, the Spitfires force Game 5 in Kitchener on Friday.

Here’s a look at Wednesday’s action across the league.

WINDSOR 5 KITCHENER 4 OT
KIT leads series 3-1
The Windsor Spitfires live to play another day after overcoming a 2-0 deficit behind a natural hat-trick from Brendan Lemieux to eventually take a 5-4 overtime win over the Kitchener Rangers. Bradley Latour’s powerplay marker 10:19 into OT secured the victory as his second of the night forces a Game 5 on Friday in Kitchener. Returning from suspension, Lemieux scored three times in a span of 2:01, netting three goals in the same five minute powerplay to give the Spits new life. Windsor outshot Kitchener 35-21 and 13-1 in the second period while going 4-for-5 on the powerplay in the game. Logan Brown had three assists while Mikhail Sergachev chipped in with two. The Rangers had a two goal performance from Adam Mascherin. After falling behind 3-0 against Kitchener in 2010, the Spits charged back to take the series in seven games. They’ll look to replicate that effort this time around.
GAME CENTRE • HIGHLIGHTS

NIAGARA 2 OTTAWA 1 OT
NIAG leads series 3-1
Vince Dunn sprung Jordan Maletta in alone 46 seconds into overtime as he lifted a backhander over the blocker of Leo Lazarev to give the Niagara IceDogs a 2-1 victory. The Dogs take a 3-1 series lead behind 30 saves from goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic while Pavel Jenys also scored. Nathan Todd provided Ottawa’s lone marker while Lazarev came up with 28 saves in the crease. Dunn assisted on both Niagara goals as the IceDogs return home for Game 5 on Friday looking to close out the series.
GAME CENTRE • HIGHLIGHTS

LONDON 8 OWEN SOUND 5
LDN leads series 3-1
Four goals by top 2016 NHL Draft prospect Matthew Tkachuk lifted the Knights to an 8-5 win in Owen Sound. After being shut out in a 2-0 Game 2 loss on home ice, the Knights responded with road wins in Games 3 and 4 to take a 3-1 series lead. Tkachuk (4-1–5) and Mitchell Marner (1-4–5) finished the night with five points while Cliff Pu scored twice and Christian Dvorak had three assists. The Knights and Attack were tied at three midway through the second period before London pulled away with Tkachuk’s second half trio. Owen Sound outshot London 39-38 despite the loss, getting goals from Petrus Palmu, Josh Sterk and Bryson Cianfrone. The two clubs went a combined 4-for-9 on the powerplay on the night. Game 5 goes Friday night back in London.
GAME CENTRE • HIGHLIGHTS

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