The Buffalo Jr. Sabres captured a dominating 11-4 victory over the Mississauga Chargers in OJHL action at HARBORCENTER Wednesday night, thanks in large part to a seven-goal second period.
Jr. Sabres captain Zach Evancho registered a six-point night, with 13 other skaters registering a point or more for the Buffalo squad in a strong offensive showing that included three power-play tallies.
The Chargers opened the scoring just 1:21 in with a goal by Scott Docherty, but the Jr. Sabres would dominate from that point on.
Buffalo’s campaign began roughly five and a half minutes later as Evancho potted his 15th goal of the season on the power-play. Tim Nicksic and David Baskerville were credited with assists on the opening goal.
The Jr. Sabres and Chargers played a relatively calm game for most of the first period. However, with about four minutes remaining, Mississauga’s Daniel DeSousa was served with minors for roughing and head contact as well as a 10-minute misconduct, putting Buffalo back on the power play.
For the second time that period, the Jr. Sabres took advantage, this time at the hands of Griffin Lunn. Evancho had the lone assist.
The middle frame is when things really split open between the teams, as the Jr. Sabres notched seven goals for nine unanswered consecutive tallies.
Chris Berger opened the scoring in the second period with his 11th of the year just 2:35 in. Michael Benaquist Jr. then made it 3-1 just 1:08 later.
Immediately following the goal, a fight broke out that resulted in multiple penalties on both sides. Mississauga’s Jake Harrison and Buffalo’s Matthew Buchbinder each received 4-minute penalties for roughing. Benaquist was handed a five-for-fighting and game misconduct, while Chargers F Alexandros Acosta got two for instigating, five for fighting and a game misconduct.
Twelve seconds after play started back up, David Baskerville potted one on the power-play to make it 5-1. That goal came shortly after the Chargers swapped netminders, putting in Andrew Cipollone to relieve Tyler Richardson.
The rampage continued for the Jr. Sabres, as they would finish the second period with four additional goals.
Josh Biasillo would tally twice for his 12th and 13th goals of the season. Evancho and Nicksic also scored, putting Buffalo up 9-1 at the end of 40 minutes.
Thomas Lattavo would tally a hat trick for Mississauga in the third period, but it wouldn’t be enough for a Chargers comeback.
Bryce Ferrell and Griffin Lunn added goals in the third to help Buffalo to the eventual 11-4 win.
Jr. Sabres netminder Brian Kowalski had 16 saves in the win, while Chargers goalies combined for 30 saves on 41 shots faced.
Buffalo will round out the month of November with a visit to the Pickering Panthers on Friday, November 27. The Jr. Sabres then return home on Wednesday, December 2nd to host the North York Rangers.
