Brent Moran made 39 saves and was named the game’s first star as the Battalion edged the Saginaw Spirit 3-2 in OHL action on Saturday night in Saginaw.
It was a key win for the Troops who move back into the 8th playoff spot in the Eastern Conference (22-32-3-1) ahead of the Niagara IceDogs who also have 48 points but three less wins.
Bradley Chenier opened the scoring in the road game with his sixth of the campaign with an assist from affiliate Andy Baker at 5:51, as the Sudbury area native beat former Battalion netminder Evan Cormier who got the start against the OHL team that drafted him in 2013.
Brady Gilmour evened things up at 17:14, however just over a minute later Justin Brazeau fired home his 19th of the season with helpers from Brett McKenzie and Adam McMaster at 18:30 as the Battalion took a 2-1 lead into the dressing room after 20 minutes of play.
After a scoreless second period, Brazeau struck again for his 20th of the season at 1:41 of the third.
The Spirit poured on the pressure the rest of the way, outshooting the Battalion 17-5 in the final frame.
Kris Bennett finally cashed in with his 21st of the season at 18:29 of the third but that was as close as it would get as the Battalion held on for the big road win in Michigan.
Spirit goaltender and former North Bay Jr. Trapper Evan Cormier finished with 24 saves in the loss for Saginaw as they fall 7 points behind the Sarnia Sting for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The Troops don’t have much time to celebrate as they will head north to face the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in a matinee in the Lock City Sunday afternoon.
BayToday.ca will carry a live blog courtesy of SooToday.com’s Sports Editor Brad Coccimiglio.
