Goaltender Michal Neuvirth stopped 45 shots and added three more in the shootout as the Plymouth Whalers defeated the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 5-4 in Ontario Hockey League action Saturday.

"It was my first time ever playing in a game with the penalty shootout," said Czech native Neuvirth, a 2007 second round selection of the Washington Capitals, through an interpreter. "I was not nervous at all, it was fun."

Sault centre Matt Lyall's goal with 2:06 remaining in regulation sent the game to the extra session, where Plymouth's James Neal was the lone scorer.

Dan Collins paced the Whalers attack with a goal and two assists, while Tom Sestito, Chris Terry and Steve Ward added singles.

Dustin Jeffrey scored twice for the Hounds, while defenceman Tyler Cuthbert had the other.

Greyhounds netminder Matt Hache finished with 30 saves.