Game Review - 67's Clinch East Division With Win Over Generals

67’s clinch Eastern Division title

As always, special thanks to Kathryn Jean (twitter.com/msconduct) for the Game Preview.

Marc Zanetti scored the game-winner to clinch Ottawa the East Division title.
Photo courtesy Krista Windsor 

Marc Zanetti scored the eventual game winner at the 2:56 mark in the third period to give Ottawa a 4-3 lead over the division rival, Oshawa Generals.   Dalton Smith stole the spotlight after scoring a goal and adding two more helpers in the win.

The 67’s, who were already playing a short bench, suffered another loss early in the game forcing the 67’s to play with only 14 players.  Less than two minutes into the game Tyler Graovac suffered a fractured forearm after a collision with a Generals player.  Graovac was re-evaluated after the game and is expected to miss the next 5-6 weeks.

With Mark Petaccio in the box for elbowing, Dalton Smith got on the board first for the 67’s after he gained possession off a rebound from Jake Cardwell’s shot from the point.  The Generals responded a few minutes later after a turnover created an odd man rush. Mrazek made a great initial save but Boone Jenner was right there on the door step and made no mistake to snap it in. 

The 67’s found themselves killing off a long 5-on-3 man advantage halfway through the first period.  As the first penalty expired, Dalton Smith sent a nice outlet pass to Toffoli who drove the puck past Di Salvo on a bit of a breakaway.   Moments later, J.P. Lobardo tied the game up again after a scramble in front of the net.  After 40 minutes of play, the shot clock read 21 to 10 in favour of the 67’s.

 The game continued with back to back action as both teams took their turns scoring.  Early in the first period Ben Dubois helped retake the lead by deflecting the puck past Di Salvo off Cardwell’s on the powerplay.  Halfway through the second period, Ottawa native Calvin de Haan capitalized on their powerplay opportunity as his shot deflects off of defender Adam Sedlak and up over Mrazek.

Marc Zanetti became the hero of the game scoring after receiving a great pass from Toffoli and went upstairs on Di Salvo to score his first goal since returning from a lower body injury late last week.  The 67’s were able to hang on to edge the Generals after some glorious chances both ways.

Next game:

Saturday, March 19^th – Brampton Battalion @ Oshawa Generals, 7:05pm

Sunday, March 20^th – Sudbury Wolves @ Ottawa 67’s, 2pm