Michael Pelech’s goal 43 seconds into overtime capped the comeback win for the Majors (10-13-0-1) and his four-point effort on Saturday night at Tullio Arena.
Teammate Jesse Messier’s goal with 4:22 left in regulation tied the score at 3 and forced overtime. The Majors rallied from a two-goal, first-period deficit and the 3-2 deficit in the third. As in Friday’s 4-3 win in Mississauga, the Otters began the game strong.
Rookie Edgar Rybakov capitalized on his recently increased ice time, as his physical play and timely pass from behind the Majors’ net led to his first OHL point. He assisted on Zack Torquato’s team-leading 11th goal of the season 3:05 into the opening period.
Greg McKegg’s rebound goal – the first goal of his career – less than three minutes later extended the Otters’ lead to 2-0 and set off a wild celebration with his teammates. The celebration continued on the bench, with coach Robbie Ftorek offering a much-needed congratulatory pat on the back.
The Majors sliced the Otters’ lead to 2-1 with 2:59 left in the period, as defenseman Cameron Gaunce’s rebound beat goaltender Jaroslav Janus and Erie’s top-ranked penalty kill.
Then the Majors capped their first comeback on rookie Devante Smith-Pelly’s goal with 5:14 left in the second period. Mississauga also received a power play to start the third, as Otters center Justin Hodgman (two assists) earned a roughing penalty at the end of the second.
The Otters’ power play silenced the Majors. Seven seconds after Hodgman’s penalty expired, he assisted on Torquato’s tiebreaking score, his second goal of the night. The Otters also held Mississauga to three shots on goal in the third. But one shot, Messier’s rebound, slid past Janus to tie the score and force the Otters’ second overtime game of the season. The Otters are 0-2 in overtime this season.