Defenceman Josh Jacobs scored a big goal for the Sarnia Sting Sunday afternoon before 3,469 fans at the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre.
His blast in overtime off a nice set up by Troy Lajeunesse lifted the Sting to a 4-3 come-from-behind win over the surging Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
Jacobs' fourth goal of the season gave Sarnia a much needed victory after disappointing losses to two other division rivals, the Saginaw Spirit and Flint Firebirds.
With the win the Sting stay in first place in the OHL Western Division and still hold the second seed in the conference with a record of 33-17-5-2.
Windsor remains just one point back after a 6-2 home ice win over Hamilton Sunday.
The Sting were facing the prospect of a third straight loss after 40 minutes of play, trailing 3-2 on a late second period goal by Zachary Senyshyn, his 35th of the year.
Matt Mistele scored his 27th of the season to tie the game at 12:15 of the third with the only assist going to Travis Konecny.
Sarnia got off to a fast start when Nikita Korostelev scored just nine seconds into the game on a strong move to the net. He set a new mark for the fastest goal to start a game in franchise history. The previous record was 12 seconds in 1994.
The lead would be short-lived, however, with the visitors tying the game at the 1:15 mark.
Captain Sam Studnicka would tip home his 22nd of the year to give the Sting a 2-1 first period lead with Jacobs and Ryan MacGregor assisting.
The Hounds, coming off road wins in Windsor and Saginaw, dominated the second period and scored twice to take the lead.
The Sting outshot the Greyhounds 38-22 with Justin Fazio picking up his 22nd win of the season in goal.
Jacobs was named the game's first star, Greyhounds goalie Brandon Halverson received second star honours and Korostelev was named third star.
Pavel Zacha did not play due to illness.
Sarnia has beaten the Soo in all five meetings so far this season.
The Sting close out the month of February with games at home to Barrie Friday night, in Owen Sound Saturday and back home to Guelph Sunday for a 7:05pm start.
Listen to all the action on 103.9 FM, 1070 AM, CHOK.
