The London Knights on paper are by far the better team when facing the Flint Firebirds. In this game the Firebirds, who are currently in a race with the Kingston Frontenac’s to finish last in the league, gave the Knights a “run for their money.” Things went wrong for the Knights before the puck had even dropped. The sound system at Budweiser Gardens was dealing with some technical difficulties. This went on for the entire first period, the Knights looked dry, and the building was quiet. The Firebirds capitalized and would open the scoring… 1-0 Firebirds after 1.
In the second period the sound and music was up and running. The Knights found themselves with a bit of life, and momentum. Even though the Knights found themselves short handed to begin the second, they had a response. Coming in on a 2 on 1, Liam Foudy makes a dazzling move and feeds Regula a gift, and they tied it while short handed. The Knights had taken over the game. Later in the frame the Knights now on a man advantage, gave the puck to Evan Bouchard, who is known for his wicked slap shot. The puck found its way past Emanuel Vella, 2-1 Knights.
Heading into the third, the Firebirds were now looking for an answer, and they got one. We then had a tie game, and then it got interesting. The London Knights were absolutely firing bullets at Vella, but the man would not give in, and put on a highlight reel performance. So, we head into overtime and this happens…
Vella would put on, what is arguably one of his best performances of his OHL career. Unfortunately he came up short, and Chicago Blackhawks prospect Adam Boqvist put in the OT winner.
Vella played so well that the Knights, and Knights fans acknowledged his stellar performance.
Here is a brief recap of this thrilling game:
The Knights now have another tough task when they take on the Saginaw Spirit in a Saturday night matchup at Budweiser Gardens. That game will be the Knights final home game of the regular season.
