Saginaw Spirit Rally Past Erie Otters 7–5, End Erie’s Playoff Hopes

The Erie Otters built an early lead Sunday but could not hold on, falling 7–5 to the Saginaw Spirit at Erie Insurance Arena.

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Erie jumped out to a 3–1 lead in the first period on goals from Jake Murray, Kayden Edwards, and Julius Saari. Murray added a second goal early in the second period, and Cayden Smith later scored his first OHL goal to give the Otters a 5–3 advantage heading into the third.

Saginaw mounted a strong comeback in the final period, scoring four unanswered goals to take control. Jacob Cloutier netted the go-ahead goal midway through the third, and James Guo sealed the win with an empty-net goal.

The Otters outshot Saginaw 35–30, but the loss was Erie’s ninth straight and officially eliminated the team from playoff contention.

Erie returns to action Friday at home against the Kingston Frontenacs.