Zack Kassian scored a pair of power play goals Tuesday to help Windsor stave off elimination with a 7-5 win over Kitchener. The win gets the Spits on the board in the Western Conference Championship, as the defending Memorial Cup champs now trail the Rangers 3-1 in the best-of-seven.
Kassian, who shaved his beard Sunday after Windsor's third straight loss, was promoted to the Spits top line with Adam Henrique (two goals) and Taylor Hall (game winning goal) for game four. After scoring off a defender's leg in the first, Kassian later tipped in a Ryan Ellis shot to give the Spits a 4-1 lead at the end of two periods before a wild third that featured seven goals between the two clubs. Through 12 playoff games, the physical presence has six goals and eight assists. The Spits will look to carry their 'stay alive' momentum into Thursday's game five.
On Monday, Nick Crawford posted an assist as Barrie gained control of the Eastern Conference Championship series with a 3-1 win over Mississauga. The power play helper gives the steady rearguard nine points, all assists, and a +6 rating through 12 playoff contests. The Colts will look to close out the Majors when game five goes on Wednesday.
