Saginaw hosts London Tuesday night
LONDON, ONT -- The Saginaw Spirit battled the London Knights to a 4-1 loss Sunday night, taking the best-of-seven playoff series to 3-0 London.
Joe Underwood scored the lone Spirit goal. Saginaw hosts Game Four Tuesday at TheDow Event Center, 7:11 PM.
The first period saw the London Knights jump to an early 1-0 lead. Center Phil Varone continued his strong post season play with his eighth goal of the playoffs, tallied at the 19:28 mark. Defensemen John Carlson and Michael Del Zotto assisted on the goal.
The Spirit responded in the opening minutes of the second period, evening up the contest 1-1. Defenseman Joe Underwood notched the goal at 1:58 in the second, courtesy assists from wingers Jordan Skellett and Jordan Szwarz. The Knights would respond to the Spirit rally quickly however, scoring two power play goals to secure a 3-1 lead exiting the second frame. Center Nazem Kadri scored at the 9:15 mark, assisted by center Justin Taylor and Carlson. London blueliner Matt Clarke doubled the Knights lead moments later with a power play goal, his first of the post season. The unassisted goal came at 12:56 in the second.
The Knights momentum carried into the third period, where a unassisted goal from winger Daniel Erlich moved the score to 4-1 London. The Spirit continued to battle the Knights, but despite the effort were unable to reduce the deficit. The Knights earned the win, for a three game edge on the playoff series between the two teams.
Spirit netminder Edward Pasquale turned aside 28 of 32 shots, while Knights goalie Trevor Cann posted 21 saves on 22 shots.
