January 21st Game Previews

by Dwayne Williams

Peterborough @ Erie
Erie had a good effort last night against the understaffed Icedogs – dropping a close game 3-2.  Dane Fox and Connor Brown with the goals - Sadikov with 43 saves. On Thursday night Peterborough scored 4 times, but allowed 9 goals against a solid 67’s team. The Petes have lost 2 in a row and can’t look too far ahead in this short weekend road trip (Sunday afternoon game vs. the Icedogs).
My prediction Peterborough 3 Erie 1 

Sudbury @ Niagara 
The Head Office will be watching this game intently based on last weekend’s match in Sudbury. Out of this match will be Dougie Hamilton (the top defenceman for Niagara earned a 10 game susupension for a check to the head) and one of their top playmakers Ryan Strome. (received a fractured nose plus other unconfirmed damage). Sudbury’s Brody Silk was handed a 12 game suspension for his involvement in that tussle.  Niagara leads the Wolves by 8 points in the Eastern conference race - Sudbury is tied for 4^th with Barrie.   Last night Saginaw defeated the hometown Wolves by a score of 9-8 – Niagara is not interested in getting into that type of score with this opponent.
My prediction Sudbury 4 Niagara 2

Kitchener @ Belleville
Kitchener exploded for 9 goals vs. the lowly host Kingston Frontenacs. Every player on the Kitchener scoresheet had a point! Ryan Murphy with a  +4 rating.  The Rangers are in third place in the Western Conference – staying with the slumping Whalers and the steady Knights. Belleville is on a 3 game losing streak and is 2-7-1 in their last 10 games. Look for Kitchener to control the tempo and the scoreboard as well.
My prediction Kitchener 4 Belleville 1

Kingston @ Oshawa
After the embarrassing 9-1 loss to the Rangers, the Fronts will be looking to get back on track at Oshawa.  Both teams are on losing streaks so that will end for one club tonight.  Kingston has won 3 of their last 10 contests and Oshawa has won 6 of their last 10.  December 30 the Gens defeated the home Fronts by a score of 5-2.
My prediction Kingston 2 Oshawa 3

Sault Ste Mare @ Plymouth
As the Hounds continue their weekend road trip, they are looking to get out of their 2 game losing streak.  Last time these teams met up, the home Whalers were the victors by a score of 8-0 (only 15 players dressed for Sault Ste Mare – Campbell allowed 7 of the 8 goals).  Plymouth was shutout 3-0 in their last match (@ Brampton) so they are eager to get back on track.
My prediction Sault Ste Marie 0 Plymouth 4

Guelph @ Barrie
After being shutout by the Spitfires on Friday Jan 13, the Storm have registered 2 straight shutouts of their own – one at Peterborough and then at Windsor – Garret Sparks in the nets both times.   Guelph is one point out of a playoff spot and three points away from the #6 slot in the Western conference.   Barrie were victors in a home ice shootout with Saginaw on Thursday – and will travel to Oshawa for a game on Sunday to finish their weekend.  Barrie is tied with Sudbury for the fourth spot in the East (and has 2 games in hand) – and has the same .500 record in their past 10 games.
My prediction Guelph 4  Barre 1
 
London @ Owen Sound
This rematch of yesterday’s contest should be another dandy in this heated rivalry.  London was solid in their 3-0 home win on a Sportsnet televised match of the week.  McKegg with 2 goals, Tinordi with a solid game at both ends of the ice, and Houser with the shutout.  Binnington (OS) will be looking for a better result – Halmo will also be eager to get the game started in the favour of the home team.  The penalty box timekeepers should be busy as well.
My prediction London 3  Owen Sound 2