Spitfires Sweep Firebirds, Advance to Western Conference Final

Windsor's secondary scoring and defensive discipline key in 5-3 series-clinching win

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:54pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and action broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, capturing the energy and intensity of the playoff matchup.The Windsor Spitfires' disciplined defense and secondary scoring power their sweep of the Flint Firebirds in the OHL playoffs.Flint Today

The Windsor Spitfires defeated the Flint Firebirds 5-3 in Game 4 to complete a four-game sweep of their second-round Ontario Hockey League playoff series. The Spitfires got contributions from up and down their lineup, with nine different players recording points, to overcome a strong effort from the Firebirds and punch their ticket to the Western Conference Final.

Why it matters

The Spitfires' series victory over the Firebirds sets up a matchup in the Western Conference Final against either the Kitchener Rangers or Soo Greyhounds. After falling in Game 7 of the second round last season, the Spitfires' sweep shows they have learned from past playoff disappointments and are determined to make a deep run this year.

The details

The Firebirds came out strong in the first period, outshooting the Spitfires 13-8, and taking a 1-0 lead. But the Spitfires responded in the second period with goals from Anthony Cristoforo and Cole Davis to take a 2-1 lead. Carson Woodall extended the lead to 3-1 early in the third before the teams traded goals, with Jack Nesbitt sealing the win with an empty-net tally. While the Firebirds' top players, including captain Nathan Aspinall and forward Jacob Battaglia, had strong games, the Spitfires' depth scoring and disciplined defensive play proved to be the difference.

  • The Spitfires took a 3-0 series lead heading into Game 4 on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • The Spitfires won Game 4 by a score of 5-3 to complete the four-game sweep.

The players

Liam Greentree

Captain of the Windsor Spitfires and a New York Rangers prospect.

Jack Nesbitt

Forward for the Windsor Spitfires and a Philadelphia Flyers prospect.

Anthony Cristoforo

Defenseman-turned-forward for the Windsor Spitfires.

Nathan Aspinall

Captain of the Flint Firebirds and a New York Rangers prospect.

Jacob Battaglia

Forward for the Flint Firebirds.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it wasn't going to be easy, but the guys really stepped up when we needed them to. Our depth scoring was huge, and Joey [Costanzo] made some big saves when we needed them.”

— Liam Greentree, Captain, Windsor Spitfires

“We gave it our all, but the Spitfires were the better team tonight. They played a solid defensive game and capitalized on their chances. Hats off to them, they earned this series win.”

— Nathan Aspinall, Captain, Flint Firebirds

What’s next

The Windsor Spitfires will face either the Kitchener Rangers or Soo Greyhounds in the Western Conference Final. Game 1 of that series is scheduled for April 22, 2026.

The takeaway

The Windsor Spitfires' ability to get contributions from throughout their lineup, combined with their disciplined defensive play, has them primed for a deep playoff run after last season's disappointment. Their sweep of the Firebirds showcases a team that has learned from past failures and is determined to capture the OHL championship.