Sault Ste. Marie drew first blood as they opened the first round series with a road win in Sarnia Friday ngiht, doubling up the Sting 6-3.
The Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre was loud early, with 4,199 fans in attendance readying for what would be an up and down game for the home side.
Sarnia scored a pair of powerplay goals in the game's opening five minutes, capitalizing on loud and involved fans, who are looking to cheer the Sting to their first series win since 2008.
Sarnia gave up a goal midway through the first period but still carried a 2-1 advantage through 20 minutes, out shooting Sault Ste. Marie 13-9.
The Greyhounds took control of the hockey game in the second period, scoring four goals to open a 5-3 lead.
The game's biggest turning point came with the Sting killing a penalty down 4-3. Travis Konecy stole a loose puck and walked in alone on Greyhounds goalie Brandon Halverson. He fired a shot just wide on Halverson's blocker side. Shortly after, Blake Speers bounced a shot by Charlie Graham to give the visitors a 5-3 lead.
Sault Ste. Marie added another goal in the third, capping off the 6-3 victory.
The Sting scored three powerplay goals on five opportunities and out shot the Soo 36-31.
Game two is 4pm Sunday at the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre. The Sting will look to even the series before it shifts to Sault Ste. Marie for games three and four next week.
