Whalers still in first, defeat Otters Friday

Chris Terry’s goal at 8:45 of the third period snapped at 3-3 tie and the first-place Plymouth Whalers came from behind to defeat the Erie Otters, 5-3, Friday night before 3,927 at the Tullio Arena in Erie.

Terry’s goal gave Plymouth their first lead of the evening. The Whalers came from behind three different times, tying the game at 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3 before taking the lead for good.

Besides Terry (pictured above), Joe Gaynor, Evan Brophey, Jared Boll and Andrew Fournier scored for Plymouth. John Armstrong and James Neal added two assists apiece for the Whalers.

Justin Peters made 27 saves for the win in goal.

Plymouth’s victory over Erie eliminates the Otters from the OHL’s Western Conference playoff race.

Plymouth hosts Sault Ste. Marie on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. The Whalers have three games remaining in the regular season after Sunday’s game. The Whalers play in Saginaw next Wednesday and in Sarnia next Friday before hosting Saginaw on March 18.

Terry photo by Walt Dmoch.