The Sarnia Sting dropped a hard fought 3-2 overtime decision at the hands of the Kitchener Rangers at The Aud on Friday night, despite firing 49 shots on goal.
The victory pulls the Rangers ahead 3-2 in the best-of-seven second round OHL playoff series, putting the Sting in a must-win situation on Sunday evening at Progressive Auto Sales Arena.
Sting Assistant Coach Jeff Barrett says his team put forth a solid effort in game 4.
"We got chances, but we just have to bury them and the powerplay has to come through at the end of the day," he says. "But you can't poke any holes on the effort that we put in today and when you put in that effort you're going to end up being rewarded for it."
Defenceman Jack York opened the scoring for Kitchener 5:24 into the second period. Sean Josling tied the game 1-1 just 1:35 into the third after Jordan Ernst stripped his man of the puck. Hugo Leufevnius added another nine minutes later off of a Theo Calvas point shot. Ryan McGregor also picked up an assist.
Kitchener's Nick McHugh tied the game four minutes after that to force the extra frame. Rickard Hugg was the overtime hero for the Rangers, notching his first goal of the playoffs after scoring six in the regular season.
Sting goalie Justin Fazio made 31 saves on 34 shots faced. Sarnia went scoreless on three powerplay chances and killed off both penalties against.
You can hear Sunday's game live on 103.9FM and 1070AM CHOK beginning at 5pm. Game seven would be on Tuesday in Kitchener, if necessary.