Tyler Boughner snagged the overtime winner in the Essex 73s' 3-2 win over the Ayr Centennials Sunday afternoon at North Dumfries.
The overtime winner gives Essex a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven OHA Schmalz Cup semifinals over the defending Schmalz Cup champions. It was a highly physical contest complete with penalties on both sides.
Ayr scored first with the only goal in the opening period. Quinn Diamond found the net at 5:14 in the first frame. Both teams were accessed eight penalty minutes each in the period, though Diamond's goal was an even-strengther.
The Centennials doubled their lead with the only second period goal in the game. This time it was Hudson Michaelis putting the puck in on the power play with just 47 seconds left in the period. Zachary Masterson of the Centennials was smacked with a game misconduct following a major slashing penalty.
Eric Shaw singlehandedly brought the 73s back into the game by scoring both goals in the third period. His first was unassisted with a man advantage at 7:50 in the stanza, the second later in the period with Tyler Scott and Dalton Langlois on the assists. Ayr again seemed to lose their composure in the third period when Connor MacLean picked up a head contact penalty and a ten-minute misconduct.
Boughner scored the game winner at 16:21 in the overtime period.
Game 4 is Tuesday night at the Essex Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm.
