Colts earn 3-2 win as Saginaw's grip on top seed loosens
The Saginaw Spirit lost a 3-2 regulation decision to the Barrie Colts Thursday night at the Molson Centre of Barrie. The loss keeps Saginaw at 68 points, with a record of 32-14-3-1 keeping them in the lead in the OHL West Divison. The Spirit resume action Friday night against the Sudbury Wolves at 7:30 PM.
BARRIE, ONT --
The Colts saw all three of their goals come from winger Steven Beyers, the first coming at 5:58 in the first period from centers Colin Behenna and John Padulo. Beyers netted his second of the night at 4:32 in the middle frame, a goal again assisted by Behenna and Padulo.
The Spirit would fire back with two straight goals in the second period to tie up the contest at two apiece. Center John McFarland notched his 18th of the season at 6:05 from center Vincent Trocheck and defenseman Ben Chiarot to reduce the deficit by one, then moments later at 6:27 winger Jordan Szwarz would tally an unassisted goal to make it 2-2.
Despite the push, the Spirit found themselves down by a goal late in the third period when Beyers scored on the power play from Behenna and former Spirit blueliner Matt Ashman at the 13:00 mark. The Spirit were unable to even up the score in the remaining time, and when the buzzer sounded the Colts had the win with a 3-2 regulation decision.
Spirit netminder Mavric Parks posted 30 saves on 33 shots, while Colts goalie John Chartrand notched 19 saves on 21 shots.
