The Sarnia Sting edged the Kitchener Rangers 4-3 in a shootout Wednesday night before a capacity crowd of 4,537 at Progressive Auto Sales Arena.
Jordan Ernst scored the winning goal in the shootout to extend the OHL franchise's record-setting season to 45 wins and 95 points.
It was the Sting's first win over the Midwest Division champion Rangers this year. Adam Ruzicka, Jordan Kyrou and Anthony Salinitri scored for Sarnia, while Justin Fazio made 30 saves for his 91st career win.
Logan Brown, Logan Stanley and Kole Sherwood scored for the Rangers while Mario Culina stopped 30 shots in net.
Both teams went zero for four on the power play.
Kyrou's goal and assist lifted his season points total to 108 (38 G 70 A) to pull to within two points of the league leaders, Aaron Luchuk (Barrie) and Morgan Frost (Sault Ste. Marie).
The Sting (45-16-5) close out the regular season on the road with games in London Friday and Owen Sound Saturday.
They will open the playoffs on home ice on March 23 and 24 against either Guelph, Windsor, or Saginaw and, barring any upsets, could meet Kitchener in the second round.
Listen to all the action on 103.9 FM, 1070 AM CHOK.