January 19th - OHL Game Previews

by Dwayne Williams

Plymouth @ Brampton
Plymouth continues it’s road trip after a contest in Owen Sound last night where they scored in the waning seconds to make it 5-4. The Whalers had an average powerplay (2 for 7) and ran up against a
resilient Owen Sound team. Both teams scored 3 times in the 3rd period. The Whalers are known for their potent offensive attack from many different sources.  Noersen has been their spark plug recently – and was even seen ‘tebowing’ after a recent goal. Brampton clings to a 1 point lead over the Icedogs for the 2nd spot in the conference and only 1 point behind the Conference leading Ottawa 67’s. This should be a great litmus test of the Battalion’s defensive play - sporting the lowest GAA in the OHL. Should be a highly skilled contest to watch!
My prediction Plymouth 4 Brampton 3 OT
Sault Ste Marie @ Sarnia
The Greyhounds have had a disappointing 2012 – their 5 game home stand saw them outscored 27-12. Needless to say the goaltending and defensive play have been under a great deal of scrutiny. Mike Schwindt – who is frequently matched up against the oppositions’ top line - has been saddled with a -24  +/-  for the season. Jack Campbell has recorded one win and one loss in 2012 to go along with a GAA of 6.00. After a horrible streak where they lost 8 of 9 games, the Sting may be starting to pull things together. In their last 2 games they have outscored the opposition 11 -2.  (Charles now has more points this year – 66 - than the last 3 years combined in the OHL - 63 points) This game is #3 of the 5 game home stand where the Sting need to earn these points in order to keep their position in the middle of the pack of the Western conference.
My prediction Sault Ste Marie 2 Sarnia 6

Ottawa @ Peterborough
In 2012 the 67’s have recorded a solid 4 wins and 2 losses – scoring 22 goals and surrendering 15 goals against. They creeped up to #10 in the CHL rankings last week and were named as an honorable mention for
this week. Peterborough trails them by 11 points in their division, but they only lead the Eastern Conference by 1 point over the Battalion and 2 points over the surging Icedogs. The Petes have been ‘up and down’ in the win/loss ledger. They have a record of 4-3 in 2012 which is much better than their December record of 2 wins and 8 losses.
My prediction Ottawa 5 - Peterborough 1

Guelph @ Windsor
The rematch of last week's contest should be a hard fought affair. The visitors from Windsor handed the Guelph squad a 5-0 loss last Friday the 13th. Rychel with 2 goals and Holden with 2 assists. The Storm turned around the next day at Peterborough and were victorious - handing the Petes a 3-0 loss. Menard with 2 goals and an assist. Windsor played on Monday at Plymouth in a special afternoon game. The Whalers outmatched the young Spits squad with a score of 5-1 - peppering the Spits with 23 shots in the second period alone and 54 shots for the game. There were numerous minor and major penalties assessed in that game.
My prediction Guelph 2 - Windsor 4

Saginaw @ Barrie
Saginaw continues to cling to the #8 spot in the Western Conference with 40 points - Windsor and Sault Ste Marie only 2 points ahead of them and Guelph only 1 point behind. This is the first game of a central Ontario road trip for the Spirit. They have scored 4 goals in each of their last 3 games (2 wins and 1 loss). Barrie comes off a tough home and home series with the surging Niagara IceDogs where the Colts lost 2-1 and 4-1. Their goaltender Alex Fotinos kept both of those scores respectable with his stellar performances.
My prediction Saginaw 2 Barrie 4