The Oshawa Generals-Sarnia game ended in a 3-0 home loss Sunday, extending the Generals’ losing streak to three games despite a 35-shot performance against the Sting.
Oshawa gave goaltender Cruz Reznik his first start as a General and the second Ontario Hockey League start of his career. Sarnia countered with Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko, who stopped every shot to record his first OHL shutout.
Scoreless opening period despite Oshawa pressure
Neither team generated sustained pressure early, but the Generals found more offensive-zone time in the second half of the first period. Tyler Hinde appeared to open the scoring when he put the puck through Tkach-Tkachenko’s five-hole, but the goal was overturned because the play had entered the zone offside.
Oshawa also failed to convert two power-play opportunities in the opening period. The teams went to the first intermission tied 0-0.
Sarnia breaks through on the power play
The Generals carried an 18-8 shot advantage through two periods, according to the team’s game report. Tkach-Tkachenko kept the game scoreless with several key saves, including consecutive stops on Kane Cloutier during an Oshawa rush.
Sarnia capitalized on its opportunity in the second period. Defenceman Cole Emerton moved the puck to Easton Walos, who scored on the power play after Reznik lost his footing.
The goal sent Oshawa into the third period trailing for a fifth consecutive game.
Walos adds second goal before empty-net finish
Sarnia widened the lead in the third. After Reznik stopped a point shot, Parker Holmes retrieved the puck in the corner and found Walos in the slot. Walos scored his second goal of the night to make it 2-0.
The Sting added an empty-net goal to complete the 3-0 result. Tkach-Tkachenko finished with 35 saves, while Oshawa was held without a goal after also scoring only once in Friday’s 4-1 loss to Ottawa.
The result leaves the Generals searching for more finish around the net. The team report said Oshawa created chances and controlled much of the opening 40 minutes, but could not convert either at even strength or on the power play.
Following the Oshawa Generals-Sarnia game, the teams are scheduled to meet again Friday, October 9, in Sarnia. That rematch begins a road weekend for Oshawa before a Saturday game in Windsor.
