This week in sports

NHL

The Detroit Red Wings hosted the Ottawa Senators on April 4 at the Joe Louis Arena. With the playoff spot in view, the Senators came ready to win. The Senators scored 13 minutes into the first period, but the Wings fought back hard holding them off until the second period where the Senators were able to find twine again. The Wings stuck with it, holding the Senators off for the rest of the game but were unable to add a point themselves with the final score of 2-0 for the Senators.

The Toronto Maple Leafs played Tampa Bay Lightning at the Air Canada Centre on April 6. The two teams faced off in a fierce game and while no one scored in the first period, the Bolts came out strong in the second scoring two for themselves with the Leafs answering back with one of their own. In the third period the Lightning were able to capitalize on two more, ending the game with a 4-1 win. This brings the Leafs one win away from securing a playoff spot.

MLB

Opening week has kicked off for the MLB. The Detroit Tigers started their season away in Chicago against the White Sox on April 4 after their first game was postponed. The Tigers came away with a 6-3 win over the White Sox for a great season starter. The Tigers played again on April 6 where they were wiped aside by the White Sox with a final score of 11-2.

The Toronto Blue Jays started their season in Baltimore against the Orioles for their first game. Nine innings weren’t enough: the two teams tied at two and sent the game into extra innings. They went until the bottom of the eleventh where the Orioles scored, winning 3-2. The Jays had more luck later in the week when they played the Tampa Bay Devil Rays winning 5-2.

Spitfires

The Windsor Spitfires played the London Knights in Game Seven on April 4 to dictate who would be moving on to the next round of the playoffs. After coming out with a big 3-1 series lead the Spitfires began to lose their grip, letting the series stretch to Game Seven where they were defeated with a score of 3-2. This knocks them out of the playoffs and moves last year’s Memorial Cup Champions, the London Knights, on to play the Erie Otters in the second round.

PJHL

For the third straight year the Essex 73’s play the Ayr Centennials in the race for the Schmaltz Cup. The teams played Game Two on April 6 in Essex where they kept it close, resulting in a 2-2 tie after regulation. This sent the game into overtime and then into double overtime. The 73’s Eric Shaw broke the tie, taking the game 3-2. The series currently sits tied at one game each. Game Three will be played April 9 in Ayr while Game Four will take place April 11 in Essex.