Three New York Rangers prospects took the ice for Game 2 between Flint and Windsor, and all three had completely different nights. One earned a star with a two‑goal performance. One was ejected after a second‑period fight. And the third struggled to get anything going as the game slipped away from the Firebirds.
Flint will feel this loss. They built a 5–3 lead in the second period and still watched it disappear in the third, turning what should’ve been a momentum‑building win into a frustrating setback. For Windsor, it became a rallying point — especially after captain Liam Greentree was tossed late in the second. Instead of folding, the Spitfires pushed back and scored three unanswered to take the game and a 2–0 series lead.
Nathan Aspinall — C, Flint
2 goals, +1, named the game’s Third Star
Aspinall was the standout Rangers prospect and earned the game’s Third Star for good reason. He completely changed the pace of the second period with two goals that pushed Flint into the driver’s seat. His first came on a rebound he jumped on in front to tie the game 3–3. A few shifts later, he slid into the right circle, set his feet, and hammered a one‑timer off a Jimmy Lombardi feed to give Flint a 5–3 lead.
He now has eight playoff goals, tied for the OHL lead, and continues to show strong instincts around the net and the ability to finish in tight. Even in a loss, he delivered the kind of performance you expect from a rising prospect.
Liam Greentree — LW, Windsor
1 goal, ejected late in the second period
Greentree’s night was short but impactful. He scored early to help Windsor build its initial lead, then was ejected at 15:41 of the second period after a fight with Darian Anderson. Losing their captain could’ve derailed the Spitfires, but instead it became a rally point. Windsor tightened up, pushed back, and scored three times in the third to complete the comeback.
Greentree didn’t factor into the finish, but he still left his mark before the ejection.
Jacob Battaglia — RW, Flint
0 points, –3, 5–7 on faceoffs
Battaglia had a tough night. He didn’t generate much offensively, finished –3, and struggled to get clean touches as Windsor’s pace pushed him back. His 5‑for‑12 line on faceoffs reflected the same issue — nothing came easy, and he never found the rhythm he had in Game 1.
Flint needed more from him in a one‑goal game, especially once Windsor started tilting the ice in the third.
This series by all rights should be tied at 1-1 but instead heads to Flint with Windsor having a 2-0 series lead. Game three is Tuesday night but this series is far from over.
