Firebirds Fall 2-1, Trail Attack 2-1 Now in the Series
Owen Sound, Ont. – The Firebirds and Attack played a very tight Game 3 in Owen Sound Monday. In the end, it was the series scoring leader Julian Fantino netting the game-winner and earning ‘First Star’ honors for his efforts. The goaltenders were named second and third stars, with the Attack’s Nick Chenard earning the victory off 38 saves and Flint’s Luke Cavallin stopping 36 of 38 shots faced. Braeden Kressler (Toronto Maple Leafs) scored his first of the playoffs and first goal since December 29 after missing most of the latter half of the season due to injury. Cedrick Guindon potted the other goal for the Attack. In total, the clubs combined for 11 minor penalties, one major, and game misconduct, despite there being less physicality from either side.
Braeden Kressler kicked off the offense in the game. He chased a rebound into the left offensive corner and won a battle along the boards. Kressler carried to the bottom of the left-wing circle before wristing the puck near-side just over Chenard’s right pad for his first of the postseason at 6:14, unassisted.
Kressler’s marker served as the lone tally of the opening frame. Flint outshot the Attack 12-10 and outdrew them 12-7. Neither team converted with one power-play opportunity.
The Attack scored the lone goal of the second period within the first minute of play. While on the power play, William Portokalis sent a bank pass off the neutral-zone boards around a defender. The puck hit Cedrick Guindon on the tape as he crossed the blue line. The only defender back was forced to focus on the potential pass as a two-on-one developed. This allowed Guindon to carry across the top of the crease before slipping a low shot past Cavallin on the glove side. Guindon’s first of the playoffs was assisted by Portokalis and Igor Chibrikov at 0:59.
The game was knotted at one after 40 minutes of play. The Birds outshot the Bears 12-11 but were outperformed in the faceoff circles 18-5. Both teams had four power-play chances, including a five-minute call to Owen Sound and a two-man advantage for the Attack late in the period.
After scoring only three goals in 55 regular-season matches, Julian Fantino scored his third of the playoffs, the eventual game-winner. He took an initial shot from the top of the right circle, but Cavallin kicked it aside to the far wall. As his teammate Deni Goure gathered the loose puck, Fantino tapped his stick on the ice to call for a second chance. Goure fed Fantino high at the right point, and the ensuing one-timer found twine high to the glove side at 6:18, assisted by Goure and Sam Sedley.
Flint would pull Cavallin with around 80 seconds remaining in regulation but to no avail. The Attack held on for the 2-1 victory and the 2-1 series lead. The final shots ended with the Birds getting a slight 39-38 edge. Owen Sound outdrew Flint 36- 24. Both teams finished with five total power-play chances, on which the Bears scored once and the Firebirds were held scoreless.
Next Up: The Firebirds remain in Owen Sound for Game 4 Wednesday evening. Be sure to tune in to US 103.1 FM or online at www.us103.com beginning at 6:40 p.m. (ET) to follow the Firebirds on the road with broadcaster Jack Sznewajs. Fans in the Flint area are welcome to join the official Game 4 Watch Party at Blackstone’s Smokehouse downtown on S. Saginaw St. Game 5 will be played in Flint Sunday, May 1 at 4:00 pm. Tickets for Game 5 are available from ETIX HERE, or at the Dort Financial Center Box Office or by calling 1-800-514-3849 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday morning.
Story: Brandon Mills / flintfirebirds.com
Photography: Greg Cowan / Sun Times
For more information, contact:
Jack Sznewajs
Director of Broadcasting & Communications
Flint Firebirds Hockey Club
[email protected]
(810) 742-2004 ext. 223
