Four-Goal Bradford Overshadowed By Four-Goal Belleville Third Period

Erik Bradford’s third and fourth goals respectively as a member of the Ottawa 67’s were overshadowed by an epic collapse early in the third period, as they dropped a 5-2 decision to Belleville.

The visitors scored four times in under three minutes to erase a 2-1 third period deficit.

“Just a couple of quick goals, we didn't have a good enough response,” said Chris Byrne.

“It's a lot more pressure on us to have a good next game.  We played well through two periods tonight, and we need to do a better job, when a team scores on us, to have good next shifts.”

Bradford, who scored in two of his first three games as a member of the Barberpoles, scored in the first 10 minutes of each of the first two periods to help his team open up a 2-1 advantage.

“Maybe he's had a little more offence than we might've expected,” said Byrne on his trade deadline acquisition. 

“He's a good two-way player, a good shot blocker, penalty killer, and he's been able to chip in so far.”

Just over a minute into the third, the wheels fell off.

Niki Petti tied the game, while Jake Worrad gave the Bulls the lead just 17 seconds later. 

Cameron Brace and Jordan Subban added two more to chase Philippe Trudeau from the net.

“With the games he’s held the guys in, at some point the guys in front of him need to help dig him out,” added Byrne.

Trudeau stopped 24 of 29 shots before leaving the game.  Liam Herbst shut the door in relief.

The two teams play the second half of their home-and-home tomorrow night in Belleville before the 67’s return home to take on Peterborough.

Although with a game in hand, the 67’s only have two points separating them from last-place Belleville. 

With a Mississauga loss, Ottawa is still only four points out of a playoff spot with four games in hand.

Game sheet here.

Assorted Notes:

• Travis Konecny suffered from the flu this past week, and only took a handful of shifts in the first two periods on Ottawa's fourth line.  He was still on the team's top powerplay unit.
• One night after his brother's goal celebration in front of the Senators' bench, Jordan Subban sat on the same bench and drew a chorus of boo's when he touched the puck, especially after a third-period shoving match with Dante Salituro.
• Jake Middleton, returning from the Prospect's Game, didn't seem to play as many minutes as usual.  Alex Lintuniemi saw more ice time than any other Ottawa defenceman as he checks in as a top-pairing blueliner again.