SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – A.J. Favot’s first goal of the season, coming 57 seconds into the third period, proved to be the game-winner as the visiting Espanola Express went on to pull out a 4-3 road triumph over the Soo Eagles in a Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League match-up Wednesday at Pullar Stadium.
Espanola would score first in the contest, just past the four-minute mark of the opening period, on a Diego Pasula effort that was assisted by Jaydyn Parnell.
Sault Ste. Marie came back to level the proceedings at 8:02 compliments of Bobby Price’s eighth marker of 2019-20.
The Eagles then went in front before the session was complete with Malik Ali getting his 11th as he also extended a modest point streak to three games.
Moving to the middle stanza, it was more Pasula as his second of the night and seventh overall at 12:01 knotted the affair at 2-2.
Than on a late power play, the Express struck just before time expired to take a 3-2 lead after 40 minutes thanks to a Zachary Matyasik effort at 19:59 as he collected his 14th and now also has points in three straight.
Building on the momentum of that late tally, Favot picked up his initial goal of the season early in the third to put the guests up by a pair.
Back and forth they went with the Eagles answering that moments later as George Orfanos’ 10th brought the hosts to within one with plenty of time remaining.
From there though no further scoring would be supplied before time ran out as Espanola held firm to secure the victory.
Lukas Lyszyk dished out two assists for the Express in the win.
Shots on net finished 39-33 in favour of the Soo with Carson Boutin getting the victory while Shane Brancato suffered the loss.
