Spirit Take Two Game Lead in Series with 3-2 Win over Storm
(Guelph, ON) The Saginaw Spirit secured a 3-2 regulation victory over the Guelph Storm Sunday night, giving the Spirit a two game advantage in the best-of-seven playoff series between the two teams. Jack Combs continued his scoring ways, posting two goals in the effort for a total of four goals and one assist in the two post season games played. Combs earned the games first star, while goalie Edward Pasquale earned the third star for stopping 38 of 40 shots.
Center Jack Combs opened scoring for the Spirit with a power play goal at the 10:20 mark of the first period. Defensemen T.J. Brodie (NHL CALGARY FLAMES) and Adam Comrie (NHL FLORIDA PANTHERS) assisted on the goal. Brodie followed with a goal of his own at 1:04 in the second period, a power play maker assisted by winger Chris Chappell. The Spirit exited the second period up 2-0.
Guelph would battle back in the third period, with winger Brandon Buck moving the score to 2-1 with a goal at the 5:39 mark. Defenseman Ben Chiarot and winger Tyler Melancon assisted on the goal. The Spirit pressed the attack, and after their concerted effort was stymied by an unfair play, were awarded a penalty shot. Combs took the shot for Saginaw, scoring at 11:41 in the third. The penalty shot goal moved the score to 3-1 Saginaw.
Guelph's Melancon would respond later to reduce the deficit, courtesy a goal from winger Yves Bastien and defenseman Nathan Martine at 12:44, but the Storm were unable to even up the contest.
Saginaw Spirit goaltender Edward Pasquale posted his second win of the playoff series, with 38 saves on 40 shots. Storm netminder Brandon Foote earned 39 saves on 42 shots.
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar Three Stars of the Game*:
1. Jack Combs (SAG)
2. Brandon Foote (GUE)
3. Edward Pasquale (SAG)
*As denoted by the official Ontario Hockey League game sheet
For a complete game sheet, please visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com
The Spirit resume action against the Storm for Game Three of their first round match-up this Tuesday at TheDow Event Center, 7:11 PM. The Spirit will also host Game Five, if necessary, on Saturday March 28. Tickets are on sale now for Game Three - contact the Official Saginaw Spirit Ticket and Merchandise Store at 989-497-7747 or 5789 State Street in Saginaw for tickets or more information!
The Spirit fan bus is also heading out to Guelph for Game Four of the series! Fans can sign up at the Spirit Store for the trip, which leaves the Horizons Conference Center at 2:00 PM this Thursday and returns to Saginaw later that night. The cost per person is only $60, and includes a ticket to that night's game and a seat on the bus. Contact the Spirit at 989-497-7747 for more information.