The Sarnia Sting came from behind in the third period on home ice again Thursday night but lost 3-2 in overtime to the Kitchener Rangers.
Down 2-0 early in the third the Sting got two goals by top import pick Pavel Zacha, including the tying marker in the final minute, to send the game into extra time.
Zacha dashed into the Ranger zone with goaltender Taylor Dupuis pulled for an extra attacker and despite being knocked off his feet, was able to get the puck in front of the goal where it careened in off a defender.
The goal came with 57 seconds left with assists going to fellow rookie Jakob Chychrun and Daniel Nikandrov.
Zacha had brought the Sting to within a goal early in the period when he again sped past a defender and beat veteran goaltender Jake Paterson with a quick backhand. Stephen Pierog and Jordan Kyrou assisted.
The Rangers second goal was upheld by video review after a rebound off Dupuis' pad went back into the net off the skate of Brandon Robinson.
With overage goaltenders at each end of the rink, the game remained scoreless until late in the second period when Darby Llewellyn scored on a quick wrist shot from the slot.
The game was decided 1:38 into overtime by defenseman Frank Hora who was able to cut across the crease in front of Dupuis and slip the puck past his outstretched pad.
The Rangers outshot the Sting 29-27.
Despite the loss the Sting gained another valuable point in the standings to stay in fifth place in the OHL Western Conference, two points behind Guelph and two ahead of Owen Sound.
Sarnia (21-15-3-2) is back in action Friday night at home to the Plymouth Whalers and travels to London to take on the Knights Saturday.
Listen to all the action on 103.9 FM, 1070 AM CHOK.
