Hartman lifts Whalers past Sting 5-2; Plymouth takes 3-0 playoff series lead

SARNIA, Ont. - Ryan Hartman scored twice as the Plymouth Whalers beat the Sarnia Sting 5-2 on Monday to take a commanding 3-0 lead in their Ontario Hockey League playoff series.

Rickard Rakell also scored twice for the Whalers, while Stefan Noesen had a goal and two assists. Plymouth opened the scoring just 1:03 into the opening period and built a 3-1 lead after just the first 20 minutes.

Vincent Trocheck added three assists in the win as the Whalers moved a win away from advancing into the OHL's Western Conference semifinals.

Nick Latta and Anthony DeAngelo scored for the Sting, who have yet to hold a lead in this series and were outshot for the third consecutive game, this time 44-21.

JP Anderson made 39 saves in the loss, while rookie Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 19 shots for the win.

The Sting host Game 4 on Wednesday in the best-of-seven series.

Neither team scored on the power play, as Sarnia finished the night 0 for 5 and Plymouth missed on all four of its man advantages.