Game Preview: Ottawa 67's vs Kingston Frontenacs, March 9

GAME PREVIEW: Ottawa 67’s @ Kingston Frontenacs, March 9, 7 p.m.

Radio: Team 1200

TV:  Rogers 22

The Ottawa 67’s travel to Kingston and take on the Frontenacs for the 8^th and final time of the regular season. Last game featured Thomas Nesbitt scoring a pair of goals halfway through the third period in attempts to spark a comeback. Franky Palazzese and the Frontenacs hung on to edge the 67’s by a score of 4-3 in regulation.  Michael Fine had a goal and an assist for the winning club while Palazzese (called upon for an injured Philipp Grubauer) turned aside 22 of the 67’s 25 shots.

The 67’s come into tonight’s game ridding off a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Kitchener Rangers in overtime on Sunday afternoon where Tyler Toffoli was held pointless.  Toffoli is looking for his 100^th point and has only 3 more to reach this milestone. Alike the last 50 goal season, the last 100 point season for a 67’s player was by Corey Locke in the 2003-04      OHL season where he played alongside with Matt Foy and Scott Sheppard.

The Frontenacs are coming off a disappointing 5-4 shootout loss after coughing up a 3 goal lead in the 3^rd period.  Ryan Spooner had a goal and 4 assists and added another in the shootout, but it wasn’t enough to hold on.  

Palazzese is slated to start in nets marking his 12th straight starts.  He is 4-8 in his last 12 games.  Shayne Campbell is expected to make his 3rd start in a row after filling in for Petr Mrazek who still isn’t 100% with a groin injury.  Campbell played lights out last weekend posting 2 wins and 64 saves on 67 shots.

PLAYOFF PICTURE

The 67's are five points ahead of the Generals for first in the Eastern Division (Gens have a game in hand).  The Frontenacs sit comfortably in the middle of the pack guaranteed a playoff spot but in a battle for 5^th place with the Brampton Battalion.  The Frontenacs are currently 4 points ahead of the Battalion.

Ottawa 67’s

41-19-1-2, 85pts

2^nd Eastern Conference

AWAY: 18-14-0-1

Injuries

Petr Mrazek, day-to-day, lower body

Jon Carnevale, IR, concussion

Marc Zanetti, day-to-day, lower body

Cosimo Fontana, IR, concussion

Julian Luciani, day-to-day, upper body

Top performers vs Fronts

Tyler Toffoli – 10 goals, 14 points (7 GP)

Cody Lindsay – 5 goals, 11 points (7 GP)

Thomas Nesbitt – 4 goals, 9 points (7 GP)

Shane Prince – 3 goals, 9 points (5 GP)

Kingston Frontenacs

28-26-4-4, 64pts

5^th Eastern Conference

HOME: 13-12-2-3

Injuries

Philipp Grubauer, mono, indefinite

Jeff Braithwaite, groin, day-to-day

Nathan Moon, ankle, 1-2 weeks

Corey Durocher

Top performers vs 67’s

Ryan Spooner – 4 goals, 8 points (7 GP)

Nathan Moon – 3 goals, 7 points (7 GP)

Michael Fine – 2 goals, 6 points (7 GP)

Taylor Doherty – 0 goals, 6 points (7 GP)