Knights’ Swords Cut Through the Spitfires’ Engines as London Wins 3-2 Sunday Afternoon at the WFCU Centre
Sunday March 25th, 2012, 9:28pm
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Photo by: Kevin Chauvin
The Windsor Spitfires lost a tough one this afternoon as the London Knights came back from a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 at the WFCU Centre. The Knights now lead the best-of-seven series 2-0.
The beginning of the game seemed completely different from Friday night’s game in London. The Windsor Spitfires came out with energy, recording the game’s first 4 shots. Shortly after, London gained control and got 6 straight shots. A Spits giveaway later led to a Knight shot hitting the post. Despite the pressure against them, the Spitfires got the first goal. As the London penalty was running out, Adam Bateman kept the puck in the zone and quickly slid it to Jeff Braithwaite. Braithwaite’s slapshot was tipped in front by Nick Czinder and into the net. Czinder got his 2nd of the game later in the period after Jordan Maletta threw the puck out front. He was able to direct the puck behind London goalie Michael Houser. The Spitfires finished the period on top of their western rivals 2-0.
The teams equally started the period with good puck control. Windsor began playing defensive hockey, trying to protect their 2-goal lead. London was able to produce good cycling and chances, but the Spits stayed solid. Those chances by the opposing team led to a Windsor penalty. However, the Knights were unable to score; Windsor kept the puck away from them. Assistant coach D.J. Smith told fans after the game, “We limited their chances. We played perfect up to the two-minute mark in the 2nd.” Late in the period, the Spits were called for a pair of penalties too much dislike from the fans. Seth Griffith scored his first on a powerplay after receiving a cross-ice pass from Greg McKegg. Spits goalie Jaroslav Pavelka couldn’t make it to the other side of the net in time and London was now within one. 49 seconds later, after another Spitfires penalty, the Knights struck on the same type of play. Griffith scored his second of the afternoon with less than a minute to play to tie the game at 2 after 20 minutes. Windsor was outshot that period 15-4.
In the 3rd, only one thing mattered for both teams: a goal. Former Spitfire Austin Watson completed the comeback for his team. He let a quick wrist-shot over Pavelka’s glove and into the top right corner. Windsor had a few chances after they pulled the goalie, but they could not capitalize. The London Knights defeated the Windsor Sptifires 3-2.
After the game, both Nick Czinder and D.J. Smith talked about what is needed for the next game.
“We need to come out hard for a full 60 minutes and I think we’ll win,” said Czinder, who received the game’s second star.
D.J. Smith said, “We’re gonna play tight defensively and get some goals.”
Windsor’s next game is tomorrow night in London at 7pm for game 3. Game 4 returns to Windsor this Thursday at 7:05pm.
Go Spits Go!
