Petes Clinch 2023 Playoff Spot With Bounce Back 4-2 Win Over Frontenacs
After a frustrating OT loss to the Kingston Frontenacs on Thursday night, the Petes hopped right back on the bus and up the 401 to Kingston looking for revenge in the final game of the season series between the two teams. A win for Peterborough meant clinching a spot in the 2023 OHL Playoffs, while Kingston was looking to keep pace for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Michael Simpson was between the pipes again on Friday night, looking for a bounce-back statement win against the Frontenacs.
It was a crazy start to the first period, with blood clearly still boiling from last night’s game. A total of 27 minutes of penalties and a game misconduct were handed out within the first 6:07 of the period. The Petes would take advantage of all of the penalties, scoring two powerplay goals in the first 10 minutes. It started on a five on three, when Connor Lockhart teed up a shot that trickled through Frontenacs goalie Mason Vaccari. With the puck sitting on the goal line, Tucker Robertson tapped it into the net to give the Petes a 1-0 lead. Just 40 seconds later, on the same major powerplay, Jonathan Melee one-timed a pass from Avery Hayes past Vaccari to extend Peterborough’s lead to 2-0. The Petes would take the 2-0 lead into the break, also leading 11-6 in shots.
The second period would see the game settle down a little bit after the wild first. The game was still very physical, with Sam Mayer, Chase Stillman, and Konnor Smith all throwing their weight around on a number of occasions. Michael Simpson would shut the door on multiple Kingston scoring chances and keep the Petes lead intact going into the break. Heading into the third period, the Maroon and White led 2-0 on the scoreboard and 24-15 in shots.
The third period would see Peterborough extend their lead early. Just two minutes into the period, on the powerplay, Gavin White would send a pass to Avery Hayes who sent a one-timer top shelf. The goal was Hayes’ 38th of the season and gave the Petes a 3-0 lead. Kingston would get one back halfway through the frame, with Owen Outwater snapping a shot past Michael Simpson to make it 3-1. The Frontenacs would add another one late with the goalie pulled, but Brennan Othmann scored an empty netter to put the icing on the cake for a Petes victory and a playoff clinch.
Tucker Robertson, Avery Hayes, and Brennan Othmann all led the way for the Petes with a goal and an assist each. Owen Beck added two assists. Jonathan Melee scored, and Connor Lockhart and Gavin White each picked up an assist. Michael Simpson stopped 24/26 for his 24th win of the season.
The Petes are back in action on Tuesday night when they welcome the Mississauga Steelheads to the PMC for their St. Patrick’s Day Game. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 PM. Fans can get tickets to the Petes second last home game by clicking here, or by contacting the PMC Grant Thornton Box Office in person or at (705) 743-3561.
