Canadian Press
Jan 7, 2007, 5:04 PM EST
TORONTO (CP) - Steven Stamkos scored twice as the Sarnia Sting trounced the Toronto-St. Michael's Majors 8-3 in Ontario Hockey League action Sunday.
The OHL rookie sensation gave his team a 3-0 lead midway through the first period, fighting off a check behind the net, cutting into the slot and backhanding a shot past goalie Chris Carrozzi. Carrozzi was then pulled in favour of Wayne Savage.
Stamkos struck again late in the third period, putting the game out of reach at the 17:11 mark for a 7-3 lead. He was alone in the slot, taking a Justin DiBenedetto pass and firing it under Savage's glove.
"They beat us the last time and we knew we had to come out strong," said Stamkos.
The win gave the Sting (24-11-2-3) a perfect six point weekend. They entered the game in fifth spot in the Western Conference, just two points out of first place.
Stamkos said the team is feeling the pressure to win and chase top spot.
"(Coach Dave MacQueen) did something he normally doesn't do before the game - he posted the number of points we had and the first place team had (in the dressing room). We normally don't think about that, but today we did."
FULL STORY
Jan 7, 2007, 5:04 PM EST
TORONTO (CP) - Steven Stamkos scored twice as the Sarnia Sting trounced the Toronto-St. Michael's Majors 8-3 in Ontario Hockey League action Sunday.
The OHL rookie sensation gave his team a 3-0 lead midway through the first period, fighting off a check behind the net, cutting into the slot and backhanding a shot past goalie Chris Carrozzi. Carrozzi was then pulled in favour of Wayne Savage.
Stamkos struck again late in the third period, putting the game out of reach at the 17:11 mark for a 7-3 lead. He was alone in the slot, taking a Justin DiBenedetto pass and firing it under Savage's glove.
"They beat us the last time and we knew we had to come out strong," said Stamkos.
The win gave the Sting (24-11-2-3) a perfect six point weekend. They entered the game in fifth spot in the Western Conference, just two points out of first place.
Stamkos said the team is feeling the pressure to win and chase top spot.
"(Coach Dave MacQueen) did something he normally doesn't do before the game - he posted the number of points we had and the first place team had (in the dressing room). We normally don't think about that, but today we did."
FULL STORY
