Erie Holds on in Barrie for 6-5 Win

January 9, 2014 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Erie Otters Barrie, Ontario - The Erie Otters shook off losing a three goal lead in the second to pull away from the Barrie Colts 6-5 Thursday night at the Barrie Molson Centre.

The Otters were invigorated with the additions of Connor McDavid, Adam Pelech Dylan Strome and Andre Burakovsky, who joined the team today for their first game back following international play. Oscar Dansk also joined the club, but did not start.

Barrie jumped out to an early lead just 1:22 into the game when Brendan Lemieux tallied first. Erie Answered back with a pair of goals, one from Connor Brown and the other shorthanded from Michael Curtis, to take a 2-1 lead. Jake Dotchin tied the game on the power play at 14:57 of the first. Dane Fox answered back with a power play goal of his own just 20 seconds later to regain the lead. Curtis fired home another at the end of the period to give the Otters a 4-2 lead into the break.

The Otters were in a good spot after Connor McDavid scored another power play tally 33 seconds into the second period. Barrie wasn't going to give easily at home as a pair of goals in just 17 seconds would re-energize the team and building. Garret Hooey tallied first with a power play goal at 5:31 of the second. Then Tyson Fawcett made it a one goal game shortly after, chasing Devin Williams from the net after making 11 saves on 15 shots. Oscar Dansk entered the game, but became the goaltender of record after surrendering the tying goal to Cordell James late in the period.

After spending most of the second period on the penalty kill, the Otters finally got back to playing hockey at even strength. Using that to their advantage, Erie went to work. On the forecheck, McDavid handed the puck over to Andre Burakovsky, who then found a wide open Travis Dermott at the left point. Dermott walked in and blew the slap shot past Daniel Gibl, giving the Otter a 6-5 lead. The Otters fended off the Colts at the end of regulation for the win, despite being on the penalty kill and Barrie taking their goaltender off.

Andre Burakovsky recorded four assists on the night, extending his assist streak to 10 games. Dansk picked up his 17th win of the year. Erie will travel to Owen Sound to take on the Attack Friday night at 7:30.

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Erie Holds on in Barrie for 6-5 Win