Friday Highlights: Bulldogs capture first-ever playoff series

 

HAMILTON 4 – OTTAWA 1
(HAM wins series 4-1)

The Hamilton Bulldogs have captured their first OHL playoff series victory, defeating the Ottawa 67’s 4-1 in Game 5 on home ice to advance to the second round. Matthew Strome (2) had a goal and an assist while Ryan Moore pitched in with three helpers as the Bulldogs took a 4-1 series victory over the 67’s. Detroit Red Wings prospect Kaden Fulcher provided some timely saves in goal, making 24 on the night while Nicholas Caamano (2), Brandon Saigeon (7) and Isaac Nurse (2) also capitalized. Hamilton outshot Ottawa 28-25 and went 2-for-5 on the power play. Tye Felhaber (2) provided Ottawa’s lone goal as the 67’s saw their season come to an end. Veteran forward Jacob Cascagnette and overage goaltender Olivier Tremblay played their final OHL contests.
GAME CENTRE

 

SARNIA 4 – WINDSOR 2
(SAR leads series 3-2)

The Sarnia Sting proved too much for the Windsor Spitfires on home ice as Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Pezzetta (1) scored the winner 4:29 into the third period. Sean Josling (3) had another productive game with a goal and an assist while Cam Dineen (1) and Hugo Leufvenius (4) also scored for the Sting. Tyler Angle (1) and Jake Smith (2) provided Windsor goals as the Spitfires were heavily outshot once again, with Sarnia holding a 43-25 advantage on the shot clock. Michael DiPietro made 28 saves before leaving the game with an injury five minutes into the third period, Brock Baier stopped all 11 shots he saw in relief. Sarnia’s Justin Fazio made 23 saves to collect the win and give the Sting a 3-2 series edge heading into Game 6 on Sunday afternoon in Windsor.
GAME CENTRE

 

KITCHENER 10 – GUELPH 2
(KIT leads series 3-2)

The Kitchener Rangers charged out of the gate, taking out a 5-0 lead by the midway point of the game, one that ended in a lopsided 10-2 score as the Blueshirts took a 3-2 series lead against the visiting Guelph Storm. The Rangers spread the scoring around as Florida Panthers prospect Adam Mascherin (2, 3, 4) led the way with three goals and an assist. Kole Sherwood (6, 7), Connor Bunnaman (1, 2) and Jonathan Yantsis (1, 2) all scored twice for Kitchener while Rickard Hugg and Riley Damiani each had three assists. Joseph Garreffa (4) also joined in, recording a goal and an assist as the Rangers outshot Guelph 49-34 and went 2-for-8 on the power play. Mario Culina stopped 32 of the 34 shots he faced, surrendering Storm goals off the sticks of Zach Poirier (2) and Isaac Ratcliffe (4). Kitchener’s 10 goals mark just the second time in the past decade that the Rangers have scored at least nine goals in a playoff contest. The Storm try and regroup prior to Game 6 on Sunday afternoon at the Sleeman Centre.
GAME CENTRE