Storm rally to pull even, but fall in OT to Flint

GUELPH – The comeback attempt by the Guelph Storm fell just a little short of claiming a victory Tuesday night in Ontario Hockey League play at the Sleeman Centre.

The Storm spotted the Flint Firebirds four goals in the first 63 minutes in the game and then battled back to force the game into overtime only to surrender the deciding goal with 26 seconds to go in the extra five-minute period as the Firebirds won 5-4.

Flint 5 Guelph Storm 4 (OT)

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The Storm’s comeback included one goal in the middle frame and three in the third, the first two of the final period coming 1:13 apart early in the period.

Matthew Poitras (his 10th of the season), Braeden Bowman (12th), Sasha Pastujov (22nd) and Michael Buchinger (first of his OHL career) scored the goals for the Storm. Pastujov and Matthew Papais each had two assists while single assists went to Brayden Guy, Cam Allen, Buchinger and Daniil Chayka.

Flint received goals from Amadeus Lombardi, Ethan Keppen, Brennan Othmann, Gavin Hayes and Riley Piercey. Tag Bertuzzi had two assists while Keppen, Zack Terry, James Petrovski, Piercey and Luca D’Amato each had one assist.

Jacob Oster was tagged with the overtime loss. He had 24 saves while Luke Cavallin had 44 saves for Flint.

The Storm outshot Flint 48-29 overall and 30-13 in the second and third periods combined.

Guelph went 1-for-2 on their power play while the Firebirds were 2-for-3.

The game was the first of three home games for the Storm. They’re to host the Soo Greyhounds Friday at 7:30 p.m. and London Knights Saturday at 7 p.m.

The Storm and Knights are also to play Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Budweiser Gardens.

Standings

• Guelph Sports Journal