Firebirds Surrender Weekend Finale 2-1 to the Steelheads
October 30, 2022 – Ontario Hockey League (OHL) – Flint Firebirds News Release
Flint, Mich. – The Firebirds rallied from behind in the 2nd Period, but it was the Mississauga Steelheads who earned the 2-1 victory in Flint on Trick-or-Treat at the Rink night. Brennan Othmann (New York Rangers) scored his OHL-leading tenth of the season, but it wasn’t enough as both James Hardie and Luca DelBelBelluz (Columbus Blue Jackets) found twine for the visitors. Will Cranley (St. Louis Blues) got the nod in goal and made 33 saves on 35 shots in a stellar performance. Alessio Beglieri started between the pipes for the Trout and turned aside 26 shots for the victory.
The first period was high-tempo, with both teams generating several scoring opportunities. Less than two minutes in, the Steelheads were on the game’s initial power play and generated a two-on-one down low that forced Cranley to make a pair of big saves early. Seconds later, Braeden Kressler (Toronto Maple Leafs) emerged on a shorthanded breakaway all alone on Beglieri. Again, the goaltender came up big and preserved the scoreless tie.
Although the shots taken felt fairly even in quantity, the Trout finished on top 15-9 in shots on goal. The Steelheads’ defense found ways to get sticks and bodies in the shooting lanes to deflect several of Flint’s attempts high into the net and wide of the cage. They also outdrew the Birds 11-10. The lone power-play chance of the first period went to Mississauga, but the Flint penalty-killers were able to keep them off the scoreboard.
The second period started with the Steelheads lighting the lamp just 15 seconds in. After winning the opening faceoff of the middle frame, the Steelheads used four quick passes to set up James Hardie near the left circle faceoff dot. His low wrist shot found a seam between Cranley’s right pad and the post to give the visitors the early 1-0 lead. Assists were credited to Luca DelBelBelluz (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Ethan Del Mastro (Chicago Blackhawks).
Flint would quickly strike back and even the score less than two minutes later, when Brennan Othmann emerged on a breakaway from the blue line with two defenders a half stride behind. A late fake with the stick allowed him to find twine blocker-side for his league-leading tenth goal at 2:01, assisted by Amadeus Lombardi (Detroit Red Wings) and Gavin Hayes (Chicago Blackhawks).
Mississauga reclaimed the lead at 15:08 off a bizarre play in close on Cranley. The first shot came from Zakary Lavoie on his right, only around four feet above his crease. He kicked it to the far side, where a second shot was taken from an even shorter range by Hardie. Cranley appeared to have the second save as well, but the puck trickled free from his equipment as he slid across the goal mouth, and DelBelBelluz was able to direct it behind him for his eighth of the season.
Flint trailed 2-1 after 40 minutes and had been outshot by a two-period total of 31-18. Faceoffs were even at 20 per side through two periods, and both teams were scoreless on one power-play opportunity.
The first five minutes of the final frame saw the same uptick in physicality that was apparent through the latter half of the middle stanza. Shy of five minutes in, gloves were dropped and scores were settled. The Firebirds received a two-minute power play after the dust had settled, but were unable to tie the contest before the penalty expired.
With 1:56 remaining in regulation, and with his team still trailing by one, Bench Boss Ted Dent used his timeout to strategize. Then the Steelheads took a late penalty. With the faceoff in their offensive zone and a power play, Day was called to the bench before the puck dropped. The Birds generated a few final shots on Beglieri, but the goaltender turned them all aside to earn his seventh victory of the campaign by the final score of 2-1.
Final shots ended at 35-27 to the visiting Steelheads’ advantage. Flint outdrew Mississauga 31-29. On special teams, the Birds finished 0-for-4 and held the Fish at 0-for-1.
Next Up: The Firebirds are back in action Friday night when they host the Kingston Frontenacs at the Dort Financial Center. The game is Flint’s annual Pucks for Paws Night, benefiting the Humane Society of Genesee County. Fans can bring one dog (6 months or older) to the game per each adult. No cats or other animals will be allowed, and please don’t bring any aggressive dogs. All dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet, and the leashes can’t be retractable. Fans must bring up-to-date dog license paperwork with rabies vaccine information. A minimum donation of $10 or a $10 dog ticket is required. Follow flintfirebirds.com and the team’s social media accounts for more details about acceptable donation items and additional specifics about the game. Tickets for Friday’s contest are available from ETIX.
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