FNL 3 (12-14-12)
By: Craig Smylie
Updated: December 15, 2012
Kitchener, Ont. - A dominating effort from the Erie Otters that included a four-goal second period helped propel the visiting Otters to a 6-2 win against the Kitchener Rangers Friday night.
Connor Crisp picked up where he left off as he banged home a rebound from a Connor Brown shot for his 13th goal of the season at the 13:45 mark of the first period.
In the last minute of the first period, Brown intercepted a clearance from Evan McEneny at the right point and found an open Connor McDavid in the slot, and the rookie blasted home his 18th goal of the season to make it 2-0.
The Otters continued to put on the pressure in the second period, starting with a pair of goals by Jake Evans (his third) at 3:40 and Stephen Harper (his eighth) at 5:04 to give the Otters a 4-0 lead.
Spencer Abraham then capitalized on a great pass by Luke Cairns at the side of the crease for an easy tap-in goal at 6:47, Abraham's fourth of the season.
Harper then scored his second goal of the game at 14:56 on a great second effort as he pushed the puck through the left pad of John Gibson for his ninth goal of the year. Ben Fanelli scored late in the second period to break the shutout for the Rangers.
Darby Llewellyn scored the lone goal of the third period for the Rangers, who were held at bay for most of the third period as the Otters gave up just five shots in the final 20 minutes.
Devin Williams made 31 saves to earn his second straight win for the Otters, who were a perfect 5-for-5 on the penalty kill.
Locastro-Bonini Insurance Three Stars of the Game
No. 1 Star - Connor Crisp, Erie - one goal, two assists
No. 2 Star - Connor Brown, Erie - three assists
No. 3 Star - Stephen Harper, Erie - two goals
Saturday night at 7:00 p.m., the Otters host the Rangers at Erie Insurance Arena. The first 1,000 fans receive a Connor Brown poster courtesy of Erie Sports Store. Bring a item from the ANNA Shelter's needs list (posted on OttersHockey.com) and get into the game for $2 to celebrate Pucks and Paws Night! For tickets, call 814-452-4857 or go to OttersHockey.com.
