Series HQ: Windsor vs. Flint
Game 2 – Flint Firebirds 5 at Windsor Spitfires 6
- Conor Walton scored the game winning goal with exactly one minute remaining.
- Caden Harvey scored twice, giving him his second career multi-goal game.
- Cole Davis had a goal and an assist.
- Nate Aspinall scored twice for the Firebirds.
Game 1 – Flint Firebirds 2 at Windsor Spitfires 4
- Jack Nesbitt scored the go-ahead goal with five minutes left, which stood as the winner
- Joey Costanzo made 22/24 saves to stay undefeated in the playoffs
- Ethan Garden (3) and Max Brocklehurst) each scored for Windsor, as the 2008-born forwards continued their success
- Darian Anderson (5) and Brady Smith (3) scored the Firebirds’ goals in the loss
(2) Windsor Spitfires (44-15-6-3) vs. (3) Flint Firebirds (44-17-4-3)
In one of the most anticipated second-round matchups in the league, the Windsor Spitfires and Flint Firebirds renew what has already been a fiercely competitive rivalry this season. Windsor edged out Flint by just two points to claim top spot in the West Division, yet with nearly identical regular-season records and a season series that finished deadlocked at 3-3, separating these two clubs on paper is no easy task. With both teams having had over a week to rest and prepare, expect two sharp, motivated rosters ready to go from puck drop.
Flint arrives at this series on the back of a truly historic first round. The Firebirds swept the Owen Sound Attack and did so in stunning fashion, outscoring them 35-3 to set an OHL record with a plus-32 goal differential. It marked the first time in franchise history that Flint had swept a playoff series, and the performance earned them a trip to the Western Conference semifinals for just the second time as an organization. At the heart of it all was overage goaltender Mason Vaccari, who was absolutely stellar. Allowing just three goals throughout the series, including a 32-save shutout in Game 3, the first of his playoff career. His 0.75 goals-against average and .974 save percentage lead the league this postseason and set new franchise highs for any single playoff series. Up front, Jacob Battaglia has been equally impressive, leading both the Firebirds and the entire OHL with 10 assists and 15 points, both franchise records for a single playoff round. Captain Nathan Aspinall, meanwhile, has been a scoring machine, potting six goals to lead the team and the league, another new single-round record for Flint, while ranking second overall in postseason scoring with 13 points.
Windsor, for their part, took care of business efficiently against the Guelph Storm, sweeping the series and punctuating it with an 11-goal performance in Game 4. The Spitfires now enter the second-round with something to prove. Last year, they were reverse-swept in this very round, a result made more painful by a wave of injuries that derailed their postseason. This group remembers it, and the hunger for redemption is palpable. One of the pillars of their run so far has been the penalty kill, which has been nothing short of perfect, going a flawless 14-for-14 through the first round. That could prove to be a critical edge in this series, given that Flint boasts the league’s best power play percentage at 61.9 percent. If Windsor can continue to shut down the man advantage, it takes away one of the Firebirds’ most dangerous weapons. Between the pipes, overage netminder Joey Costanzo has been steady and composed, posting a 1.25 goals-against average, a .952 save percentage, and a shutout of his own. Offensively, Liam Greentree and Jakub Fibigr pace the club with seven points apiece, while John McLaughlin has announced himself on the playoff stage, earning OHL Rookie of the Week honours after netting three goals across two wins.
The matchup at the centre of this series may well come down to goaltending. Vaccari has been otherworldly, but Costanzo has been no slouch, and whichever netminder blinks first could be the deciding factor. Flint’s offence has been historic in its production, while Windsor’s structure and discipline, particularly on special teams, give them a different kind of edge. This is a series between two teams that know each other well, separated by almost nothing in the standings, and with legitimate reasons to believe they can be the ones to advance.
Flint’s momentum is undeniable, but Windsor’s experience, depth, and burning desire to erase last year’s disappointment make them a dangerous opponent. Everything points to a series that could genuinely go either way, and for OHL fans, that makes it must-watch hockey.
Series Schedule:
* if needed
Game 1 – Fri., April 10 at Windsor, 7:05pm
Game 2 – Sun., April 12 at Windsor, 4:05pm
Game 3 – Tues., April 14 at Flint, 7:00pm
Game 4 – Thurs., April 16 at Flint, 7:00pm
Game 5 – Sat., April 18 at Windsor, 7:05pm*
Game 6 – Sun., April 19 at Flint, 4:00pm*
Game 7 – Tues., April 21 at Windsor, 7:05pm*
Season Series:
Series tied 3-3
Nov. 2 – FLNT 2 at WSR 5
Dec. 28 – WSR 4 at FLNT 1
Jan. 23 – FLNT 4 at WSR 2
Jan. 24 – WSR 4 at FLNT 1
Feb. 22 – FLNT 2 at WSR 1
Mar. 7 – WSR 2 at FLNT 4
Playoff History:
This marks the second time that Windsor and Flint have met in the OHL Playoffs.
2022 WSR def. FLNT 4-3 – Third Round
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