Kingston Frontenacs Suffer Eighth Straight Loss to Flint Firebirds

The Kingston Frontenacs extended their losing streak to eight games after a 4-2 defeat to the Flint Firebirds at Slush Puppie Place on March 15, 2024. This marks the 18th time this season that Kingston has failed to score more than two goals in a game, leaving them with the second-lowest goals-per-game average in the Ontario Hockey League, just ahead of the struggling Oshawa Generals.

The Frontenacs faced a formidable challenge against the Firebirds, who were ranked eighth in the Canadian Hockey League and had secured 11 wins along with one shootout loss in their previous 12 games. Despite these odds, Kingston started strongly, with Tyler Hopkins scoring just two minutes into the match. He fired a shot from an acute angle that surprised Flint goaltender Mason Vaccari, a former Frontenac.

The early lead gave Kingston a boost, and they maintained it through the first intermission. Despite having several opportunities to extend their advantage, the Frontenacs could not capitalize. “I loved our start,” said Kingston coach Troy Mann. “We had our chances at seven to two. We won battles for pucks. There was a lot to like, but again, we’re struggling to score.”

The return of overage defenceman Maleek McGowan from injury was a significant positive for the Frontenacs. He had been missing for the last four games and his presence was felt on the ice, having been a key player in the early part of the season.

Flint equalized early in the second period when Alex Kostov scored after Kingston defenceman Matthew Henderson exited the penalty box. Kostov found space in the slot and calmly finished past Kingston goaltender Gavin Betts, who has faced challenges in recent weeks but showed improvement during the game.

Controversy arose when a potential go-ahead goal from Kingston’s Andrew Kuzma was overturned after a video review. Flint coach Paul Flache successfully challenged the play, revealing that Kingston captain Jacob Battaglia was offside by a narrow margin. The missed opportunity was particularly frustrating for Kuzma, who had been one of the team’s more reliable offensive players.

Just past the midway point of the second period, Flint took the lead with a goal from Darian Anderson. Kingston quickly responded with a goal from rookie Aleks Kulemin, his fourth of the season, showcasing the coaching staff’s confidence in their younger players.

As the third period unfolded, Kingston struggled defensively. Although they limited Flint to just three shots, they conceded two goals, with Kostov scoring his second and Ihat Pazil adding an insurance marker with less than 90 seconds remaining. Mann remarked that he believed three of the goals against Betts were regrettable, reflecting the frustrations faced throughout the season.

Despite outshooting Flint 26-23, Kingston’s power play continued to falter, failing to score on five opportunities and even allowing better chances for Flint’s penalty killers. With this latest loss, Kingston’s record now stands at 10-15-2-2, placing them in a precarious position as they approach the halfway mark of the season.

The Frontenacs will look to turn their fortunes around when they face the Barrie Colts on March 16, 2024, at 16:00. Kingston previously lost to Barrie 2-1 in their last encounter, a game in which they struggled against Barrie’s power play.