Frontenacs smooth like Buttar after winning close one against Spitfires

The second-year forward had a goal and an assist in leading the team to consecutive victories.

After an extended losing streak, the Kingston Frontenacs managed to put together two straight wins and did it against the top team in the OHL's western conference.

The supporting cast led by Nolan Buttar helped the Frontenacs get past the visiting Windsor Spitfires 4-3 Friday night at Slush Puppie Place.

Buttar's third goal of the season came late in the first period when he picked up the puck from the Front's end, skated down, made a couple of moves before wristting one past Spitfires goaltender Michael Newlove (26 saves) to make it 2-1 for Kingston. He also assisted in Kieran Dervin's goal in the second period that proved to be the difference.

Buttar's contributions in the last three games has earned him more ice time in the top-six something he says has been due to his consistent play.

The Spitfires were without their second-leading scorer in Liam Greentree who is away at the World Juniors selection camp.

But Frontenacs head coach Troy Mann says their top line of Jack Nesbitt, Ethan Belchetz and Caden Harvey were still a tough match up for his squad.

The Frontenacs benefitted from a couple of reviews that overturned goals.

With the game tie at 2-2 in the second, the Spitfires made several attempts to jam in a loose in the crease before AJ Spellacy put it past Fronts netminder Matthew Minchak. But it was called back because of goaltender interference.

Then six minutes later, Windsor thought they scored again but video review ruled that the puck was kicked in to the net.

Will Bishop and Maleek McGowan added goals while Minchak made 24 saves in his third straight start in net for the Frontenacs including one in the second where he went out of his crease and had to reach back before the puck crossed the goal line.

Mann says his play has been the reason the team has been able to stay in games.

Despite winning two in a row after snapping a nine-game skid, Kingston's power play remains dry going scoreless in their last 17 opportunities including two in the game. Windsor did not score in their lone chance with the man advantage.

The next game for the Frontenacs is Sunday night when they travel to Oshawa to face the Generals for the second time in three games. Game time is 6:05 pm and you can hear on Upper Canada Fuel and Burner Frontenacs Hockey on New Country 98.9 with Jim Gilchrist on the call.

Story by Ken Hashizume