Guelph Storms Back for 4 - 3 Win Over Ottawa

That, or some version of it, will headline a number of summaries of this game. 2 goals in the final 30 seconds of the game gave Guelph the tie and then the win with just over 10 seconds left.

Click here for the game sheet.
The Guelph Storm played their third game in three and were coming off a 5 - 2 loss in Belleville last night. But they came to play and play they did. The first period was an even affair with both teams getting a goal and getting 13 shots on goal.

Cody Lindsay started the scoring with his 19th goal of the year in a goal-mouth scramble that got the puck past Garret Sparks. Thomas Nesbitt with the assist. But just 1:15 later, Richard Panik tied it up. It too was a goal-mouth scramble.

The Guelph Storm play a very aggressive penalty kill that limited Ottawa's shots on goal but with an 11-second 5-on-3 power play Marc Anthony Zanetti gave his team the lead with 4 seconds left. Cody Lindsay with the assist. But Ottawa was unable to score on the remaining PP.

Thomas Nesbitt gave Ottawa a two goal lead early in the third (assists to Cody Lindsay and Cody Ceci but it was a series of penalties in the middle of the third period got Ottawa off their game entirely. Guelph captain Taylor Beck got his team within one with 13 seconds left on a 5-on-3. Ottawa withstood the rest of the man-disadvantages but also stayed on their heels.

They were unable to play for puck possession and Guelph maintained momentum. With Sparks pulled for the extra attacker, Taylor Beck tied the game with 31 seconds to play.

The Ottawa 67's were unable to manage their nerves for 31 seconds and a chance at overtime. Cody McNaughton popped the puck 5-hole on Mrazek with 10 seconds left and secured a great come-back win for his team.


Three Stars as selected by the Team1200 (Lindsay did not take a turn - understandably)

Hardest Working 67's as selected by the Team1200: Travis Gibbons

Random Thoughts:

• Shane Prince left the game in the second period with what is reported as an upper body injury Timeline: 1 - 2 weeks (so far). Dalton Smith moved up to the first line.
  
• Wonder if the boys are believing their own press a little too much. Losing a game like this, against a team that was playing their third game on the weekend .... well, there aren't any excuses for it. In his post-game interview with Jon Abbott Thomas Nesbitt was pretty straight-up about this not being acceptable. A full 60 minutes every game will be necessary if this team as aspirations of going deep in the playoffs.
  
• Certainly teams are going to target the top line but to my eye, they just were not clicking today. RST hasn't been so taxing lately.
  
• Meanwhile, while they were getting ice-time, the 4th line of D-rookies Shipley and Fielding centred by Foglia were putting a lot of energy into their time. Foglia moved up to the third line once Prince was out of the game. I like him on the first PK unit - he reminds me of Kiriakou.
  
• On the upside, secondary scoring accounted for all the goals today and 5 of 6 the goals this weekend. Cody Lindsay had a great game with a goal and two assists. His breakaway on the PK drew a penalty when Richard Panik cross-checked him in frustration.
  
• Adversity like this can bring focus to a team. Better to hit this challenge now while there is time to correct it. They are at home for the next 5 games (18 days) and can work on what they need to work on without the distraction of traveling. They'll be OK.

More Pictures: OHL Rule Book: 54.2 Minor Penalty - A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player or goalkeeper who holds an opponent by using his hands, arms or legs. A player or goalkeeper is permitted to use his arm in a strength move, by blocking his opponent, provided he has body position and is not using his hands in a holding manner, when doing so. Click here to see more pictures from the game.