Robertson keeps his hot streak going for Petes win

Overtime goal puts sophomore at seven goals, 12 points in six games since return

Nick Robertson has found his groove.

The Peterborough Petes’ sophomore forward continued a hot streak scoring 1:42 into overtime in Thursday’s 4-3 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs at the Memorial Centre. The Petes only other game this weekend is a Sunday afternoon visit to the OHL’s first place Ottawa 67’s.

Robertson’s NHL draft season started roughly when he injured his wrist two games into the season and missed several weeks. He came back briefly before being sidelined again by the injury.

In the six games since he’s returned, Robertson has seven goals, 12 points and a +10 rating. In overtime, Matt McNamara’s pass sent Robertson down the ice on a breakaway where he roofed a backhand deke to secure the Petes (17-12-0) their fifth win in six games. It improved their overtime record to 4-0 this season.

“Luckily the defenceman fell over and I had a breakaway,” said Robertson. “I didn’t know who was backchecking on me all I knew if I had a breakaway and I had to capitalize on it. I do some pre-video on their goalies and I knew his glove was kind of weak and when I move it from one side to the other it’s pretty quick and I don’t think pretty much any goalie can stop that.”

Robertson also added two assists. Adam Timleck scored twice and Semyon Der-Arguchintsev added two assists as that line with Robertson continues to roll.

“I have to thank my linemates,” said Robertson. “It’s much easier to play with guys who know where you are and have the same skillset.”

“I play with two amazing linemates,” said Timleck. “I find myself sometimes on the ice watching them more than I am playing with them sometimes. It’s a lot of fun.”

Petes head coach Rob Wilson wouldn’t tip his hat on what they are but he said he has some rules about overtime his players have abided by and it’s leading to success.

“I give the credit to the players because we have some very important rules for three-on-three and they really stick to it and its paid dividends for us,” said Wilson.

“Nick has great hands and great skill and he can pull different moves that are difficult for a goaltender to know which one he is going to use. He’s a goal scorer and he’s opportunistic. You feel like you got a shot when he’s going in on a breakaway, for sure.”

Cole Fraser left the game midway through the second period and did not return after a collision with a Hamilton player.

“We think it’s nothing serious,” said Wilson, “but we thought he’s been playing so well we’re not going to take any risks.”

The Petes had lost three of four games against Hamilton until picking up their second win.

“It doesn’t seem like too many other teams have an issue with these guys but we certainly do,” said Austin Osmanski, named hardest working Pete.

“They have a lot of good forwards and a couple of studs on the back-end. They’re tough to defend and they’re big and strong and fast but as long as we play our way we can beat them.”

Next up for the Petes is a road trip to Ottawa to play the 67’s at 2 p.m. on Sunday.