Carter George of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
The Attack will need a win Wednesday to save their season.
Joey Willis scored what stood as the game-winner late in the second period as the Saginaw Spirit edged the Owen Sound Attack 2-1 in Game 3 of their Ontario Hockey League Western Conference quarterfinal Monday evening at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
Nick Sima also scored for the Spirit, who now lead the series 3-0.
Colby Barlow had the lone goal for the Attack.
Carter George turned in a masterful performance, making 40 saves in front of a boisterous crowd at the Bayshore. But the Attack offence was largely held in check.
Sima gave Saginaw a 1-0 lead with 14 seconds remaining in the first period. He drove his way to the net and flicked one short side that squeaked past George to make it 1-0 Saginaw.
The Attack tied it at 17:18 of the second period. Barlow connected on a one-time shot on the power play and it found its way through Andrew Oke.
But the Spirit regained the lead just over two minutes later. It was Willis who had the puck bounce to him just outside the crease area just as a Spirit power play expired. He put it in with 11 seconds remaining in the middle frame.
George dazzled in the second period, denying scoring chance after scoring chance with his quick glove as the Spirit peppered the Attack net with 21 shots.
The Attack had some chances to tie it. Barlow had a breakaway and deked to his backhand, but Oke stuck with him and made the save.
Oke made 24 saves in the win, while George stopped 40 taking the loss. Saginaw outshot Owen Sound 42-25 while going 0 for 5 on the power play; the Attack finished 1 for 3.
Game 4 is set to go Wednesday night at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre at 7 p.m. The Attack need a win to avoid elimination and send the series back to Saginaw.