The Erie Otters defeated the Saginaw Spirit 9-5 in game two, proving that their staggering offensive output in game one was no fluke. The win gives Erie a 2-0 lead in the series as they transition to home ice for game three.
Through two games of the series, it's fair to say neither the goaltending nor the defense has been stellar for Saginaw. Spirit goaltender Kaleb Papineau is averaging 8.04 goals-against average while maintaining a .761 save percentage. These numbers are the result of allowing 17 goals in 120 minutes of play.
Game One Recaps: Erie vs. Saginaw and Windsor v Sault Ste. Marie
Did you miss game one between Windsor and Sault Ste. Marie or the explosive start to the series between Erie and Saginaw? Then look no further. Here is everything you need to know about the opening games of both series heading into game two tonight. <br>
Unlike game one, the second game of the series was a close affair heading into the third period. Though Erie held the lead, they were only ahead by one goal.
The Otters didn't balloon the score out of proportion until the game's final five minutes. However, as in game one, Erie showed a killer instinct and ability to score in bunches.
In the first period, they took the lead for the first time in the game by scoring a pair of goals just 47 seconds apart. To add insult to injury, the second goal came short-handed. Their final two goals of the game were scored 1:17 apart, with the latter being an empty-netter.
Frontenacs Smother Wolves In Game One
Anticipation was high at Slush Puppie Place last night as fans streamed into the building for game one between Kingston and Sudbury. That same energy was replicated on the ice as both teams came out of the dressing rooms like their hair was on fire.
Overage forward and University of Notre Dame commit was once again a standout player for Erie. He picked up three goals and three assists in the game, giving him a total of eight points in just two games.
Chicago Blackhawks prospect Martin Misiak also had a big game, picking up a hattrick of his own as well as an assist.
While Saginaw has struggled to keep pucks out of their net, they have managed to score five goals in each of the series' first two games. CHL leading scorer Michael Misa found his way onto the scoresheet for the first time this postseason, scoring two goals and adding an assist.
San Jose Sharks prospect Igor Chernyshov also had a strong game, contributing a goal and two assists.
The Otters have put themselves in a very advantageous spot going into game three at home. They can sit on the comfortable cushion they've created with the option to sweep if they pick up both games on home ice.
Even splitting the two games at home would put them in a position to eliminate Saginaw on the road in game five.
Meanwhile, the Spirit desperately needs to stop the downward spiral they are caught in. First and foremost, they need to tighten up defensively and limit the Otters' scoring chances.
Game three will take place on Tuesday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. inside Erie Insurance Arena.