Questions Asked Around the OHL

This time of the year in the OHL is always filled with Questions. Should Team X have traded for more? Maybe Team Y should have chose rebuild instead of go for it? Is there an issue in the dressing room? If these players were not injured what would be different. At the 40+ game mark in the OHL, it is time more than ever, to make every 2 point game count. More importantly make the 4 point (divisional game) count in your favour or lose ground fast.

This season, like every other season, you begin to see trends that show who these teams really are. Lets take a look at some of these trends.

The Knights are Bullies

            The London Knights have always been able to pull off the move of the year at the trade deadline and this years was no different, getting opposing GM’s to pull the trigger on deals that sent Greg McKegg and Austin Watson to the Black Gold and Green. Now make no mistake about it. Erie and Peterborough had to make deals, and I can continually beat this horse to death, but again the chosen target is London. Both players had lists of preferred destinations they wanted to go to. Both had London on the list, and GM Mark Hunter knew this. Hunter used this knowledge to twist the arm of his OHL GM Brothers and get what the Knights need to hopefully fend off all the other players in the Western Conference.

Bulls with no Horns

            The Belleville Bulls, unless they are completely going for the championship, are always enigmatic. They go up, they go down. They go up, they go down. In the month of November the Bulls had Two 6 game winning streaks. They did not always play a full 60 minute game as they had help from one Malcolm Subban and John Chartrand helping them through the games... Malcolm Subban has been hurt since the league started back up after the holiday break but I am not placing the blame on him. John Chartrand and call up, now full time, goaltender Charlie Graham has done everything in their power to help their teammates right this ship. Alas, the Bulls only seem interested in playing 20 minutes of a game and hoping their goalie can keep them in the game.

These Wolves have Bite

            A team I was hoping would turn it around are the Sudbury Wolves. This roster has too much talent to have bottomed out early and work their way up the Central division ladder. Fortunately for them, their winning ways and the teams ahead of them sliding down the ladder has brought them up to 3^rd in the division. Currently sitting 4^th in the Conference, their acquisitions of Michael Kantor, Derek Schoenmakers and their top line (Sgarbossa, Leivo and Kuchin) returning to their dominant ways will make this team a player as they still need to play catch up to Niagara and Brampton.

Lucky son of a Pete

            The Peterborough Petes like the Wolves, are benefitting from the recent slide of the Eastern Conference. With Belleville, Oshawa and Kingston in their division, a just over 500 record gives the Petes a second seed in the East Division. They did start hot, and that has helped Peterborough stay with the competition in the conference. The Petes have done a good job of beating up on teams outside their division as only 6 of their wins have come from Divisional opponents. The Petes are 6 for 16 this year against the East Division and with 11 games to go, that is not only 22 points up for grabs, but 44 points in total as they can end a divisional opponents playoff hopes. If this year has proven anything for Peterborough it is that their W’s will come from the Central division, 6 of 11 this year.

Spirit’s are High

            The Saginaw Spirit have basically been in a tail spin since the puck drop opened their 2011/12 season. The Return of Brandon Saad gave them a respectable surge but that fizzled out once the Power forward was injured. Slowly but surely the Saginaw Spirit have fought and clawed for points and finally worked themselves into the playoff race. By no means am I suggesting they will climb the Western Conference ladder. 25 points currently separate 1^st and 8^th in the West (14 pts separate 1^st and 9^th in the East), which is a big hill to climb but do not be surprised if this new Spirit team climb as high as 5^th in the West. The horses are there and after making changes in the dressing room, this may be what the Spirit have needed all along.

More Questions will be asked, and many are left to be answered. Are these the real Niagara IceDogs? Will Oshawa shoot up the division and conference? The Soo paid a lot for Jack Campbell, was the deal a bust? and a whole lot more.

Ottawa 67's Split homestand

by Alex Quevillon

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The Ottawa 67’s (26-11-4-1) split a two-game weekend and pull into sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference.  The Niagara Ice Dogs briefly pulled even with Ottawa, but a Sunday win gave the Barberpoles the advantage. 

Friday, January 13 vs. Peterborough

The Peterborough Petes recovered from a rough start on Friday night to register their first win in their divisional rivalry with the 67’s this season.  Ottawa had taken the previous four meetings.  Andrew D’Agostini made 27 saves to preserve the win for Peterborough (20-17-3-3).

Early on, it seemed as though Ottawa had the Petes on the ropes, taking advantage of a tired opponent that had lost at home the night before and had to travel through a treacherous Eastern-Ontario storm.  The newest member of the 67’s, Mike Cazzola, only needed twelve seconds to make his presence felt, scoring his third of the season to give Ottawa the early advantage.

Ottawa continued to pour it on in the first ten minutes, and Shane Prince gave them a two-goal advantage with his 20th of the season.    After that, the Barberpoles seemed all too happy to coast with the lead.  The visitors had other plans.

Before the first period was done, Joey West got Peterborough on the board with a powerplay marker, his 15th of the year.  Luke Hietkamp had the only tally in the second period, an unassisted, shorthanded goal to draw even.

West continued to contribute, setting up Andrew Yogan for the go-ahead goal in the final frame.  Prince scored his second of the night, assisted by Cazzola, to tie the game but it was short-lived.  23 seconds later, Ottawa-born Alan Quine put the Petes ahead for good.

Yogan was taken down on an empty-net breakaway by John McFarland and credited with the goal.  Yogan, an overager, is having a solid start to 2012 with five goals in his last six games.

This game did not feature a re-match between heavyweights Dalton Smith and Derek Mathers, who have fought each other three times in their OHL career, despite Ottawa captain Marc-Anthony Zanetti being decked by a questionable hit from behind from Mathers.  The game did have its fair share of nastiness however.

Brett Gustavsen took on the much taller Stephen Pierog in a short but spirited second-period bout.  Pierog landed more shots, but Gustavsen knocked Pierog down with a big left hand, call it a draw.  The Petes may be without Cole Murdoff after this weekend; he dropped the gloves with Ryan Van Stralen, ripping the rookie’s helmet off.  Van Stralen found out about the helmet infraction the hard way, receiving a two-game suspension earlier in the season for removing the helmet of Owen Sound’s Kurtis Gabriel.

Petr Mrazek made 26 saves in his first loss since the quarterfinals at the World Juniors.

Sunday, January 15 vs. Belleville

Petr Mrazek had a huge bounce back game with 25 saves, while Jake Cardwell scored twice and Tyler Toffoli recorded his 300th OHL point to help Ottawa coast to a 6-1 win over Belleville, their third win against the Bulls in eight days.

For the second game in a row, the 67’s came out flying.  They didn’t take this lead for granted, however.  Cardwell snuck in from the point to open the scoring at 7:47 of the first period.  Within five minutes, Tyler Toffoli and Shane Prince had opened up the lead to three.  In the second, Dalton Smith, who collected the puck after the second goal to commemorate Toffoli’s 300th point, tipped home a Cody Ceci point shot to give Ottawa a 4-0 advantage.

Cardwell scored his second of the game, after Tyler Graovac made a nifty play to set him up.  Joseph Cramarossa ruined Mrazek’s shutout bid but before the period was up, Mike Cazzola scored his second goal in as many games, giving Ottawa a 6-1 lead that they would carry through the final period for the win.

Mrazek made 37 saves and has only allowed six goals in his last five starts.  At the other end, Charlie Graham stayed in through all six goals and finished the day with 34 stops for the Bulls (22-19-1-0), who fall to third in the division and seventh in the conference.

Final thoughts:

-Ottawa’s new “second” line is clicking perfectly.  Shane Prince had three goals and three assists with his new line.  Mike Cazzola has already added two goals and three assists while John McFarland, who has switched jersey numbers (wore 26 last weekend, 21 this weekend), had an assist of his own.

-Cazzola, as expected, brings a lot of what Cody Lindsay brought last year as an overaged second-line center.  Not a lot of size, but he’s going to finish every check, battle for pucks and create open ice for his linemates.  He scored twice this weekend but look for him to be Ottawa’s primary playmaker from here on out.  Cazzola, by the way, is wearing number 39.

-Rookie Mike Vlajkov continues to improve and receive more icetime, but his solid play is being overshadowed by that of Jake Cardwell.  With or without his two goals, Cardwell was still Ottawa’s best defenceman.  Ottawa’s new forwards are nice to have, but they are getting a lot of scoring from the blueline as well.  Cody Ceci is second to only Dougie Hamilton in points by a defenceman, while Cardwell is tied for tenth.

-Ryan Van Stralen stayed on the bench, but was not playing amongst his regular linemates Tyler Graovac and Steven Janes at the end of the third period.  No word yet as to whether they were simply double-shifting Toffoli or if there was anything with Van Stralen.  Dalton Smith was shaken up after taking a Vlajkov shot to the upper body but didn’t appear to miss a shift.

-The 67’s and Petes will square off again on Thursday in Peterborough, before the 67’s return home to take on the Oshawa Generals.

ITO Three Stars & Power Rankings

This week, we will name the ITO Three Stars for the week of September 26 to October 2, and will take our first look at the OHL Power Rankings for the year. The Power Rankings should not be confused with the CHL Rankings, as they rank team’s records, while we look at what teams are hot, and what teams are not. Expect to see lots of movers and shakers on the Power Rankings each week, as a big week could send you up the charts, and a bad week can send your team spiralling.

ITO 3 Stars

1. Seth Griffith (London Knights) – Seth would score a goal and an assist in Friday’s victory over Sudbury, but would light it up the following night in Plymouth, scoring a goal to go along with 3 more helpers. In two games, Seth was able to rack up 6 points, including two goals, and is our ITO First Star for the week of September 26^th- October 2^nd.

2. Sean Monahan (Ottawa 67’s) – Big things were expected from Sean this season, and to date, he hasn’t disappointed. Sean would score both Ottawa goals in a 3-2 loss in Plymouth on Friday, and add a goal and two assists in Saginaw the next night. Not done yet, Sean would score another goal and add another assist in an overtime loss in Windsor. Scoring four goals and three assists in a three game weekend earns Sean Monahan this week’s ITO Second Star.

3. Riley Brace (Mississauga St. Michaels Majors) – Riley would be a scoring machine this week, hitting the back of the net five times in three games. His third goal on Thursday night would turn out to be the game winner in Niagara, and he would score the game winner again the next night, as part of a two goal game versus the Owen Sound Attack. Despite not making it onto the scoresheet in a 2-1 shootout win over Kingston Sunday afternoon, Riley’s five goal weekend is enough to earn the ITO Third Star selection.

ITO Power Rankings

1. London Knights – Projected to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference, if not the entire league, the Knights haven’t disappointed, jumping out to an impressive 4-0 start to the season. Newcomer Max Domi joins an experienced group of scorers in London, and with Michael Houser in net, the Knights will be tough to beat this year.

2. Mississauga St. Michaels Majors – Perhaps picking up where they left off, last year’s OHL and Memorial Cup Finalists have won each of their first five contests. J.P. Anderson continues to shine in net for the Majors, and the offence is led by Riley Brace, who has 9 points through 5 games.

3. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds – While still early, the surprising start by the Greyhounds has caught the attention of the league. New GM Kyle Dubas has had his hands full trying to overhaul his young squad, and early returns are positive. Matt Murray has been dynamic in goal for the Hounds, and could be an early candidate for Top Goaltender.

4. Peterborough Petes – Nearly as surprising as the Hounds, the Petes have had a great start to the 2011-12 season, starting on opening night when they beat Niagara 7-1. Now 3-0-1-1, the Petes have found stability in net with former Rangers netminder Mike Morrison, and are lead up front by versatile winger Matt Puempel.

5. Barrie Colts – Even without top scorer Mark Scheifele, the Colts have had a great start this year. At 3-1-0-1, Barrie is chasing Mississauga for the Central Division lead. Tanner Pearson, Zach Hall, and Colin Behenna have combined for a staggering 37 points in the Colts’ first 5 games.

6. Guelph Storm – With 3 wins in their first five games, the Storm have gotten off to great start, and sit just one point behind London for first place. Garret Sparks gives them solid goaltending each night, and the team scores by committee, making them a tough team to beat on any given night.

7. Ottawa 67’s – The 67’s were expected to be one of the top teams in the East this season, and they haven’t disappointed. With a 3-1-1-0 record, and veteran goalie Petr Mrazek in goal, the 67’s look poised to make a run at another East Division Crown.

8. Sarnia Sting – With two of the top prospects available in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, all eyes will be on the Sting all season long. Alex Galchenyuk and Nail Yakupov will bring all the attention, but if they are to be successful in Sarnia, it will truly be a full team effort.

9. Kitchener Rangers – In one of the few feel-good stories so far this season, Defenceman Ben Fanelli made a successful return to the Rangers lineup, after nearly two seasons out of hockey. 2-1 so far, the Rangers have their work cut out for them this season, missing many key contributors from their team last year. The tandem of John Gibson and Franky Palazzese will be counted on to lead this team from the net out.

10. Owen Sound Attack – Last year’s OHL Champions, the Attack have only played .500 hockey so far in this young season. With returning netminder Jordan Binnington, and Daniel Catanacci joining veterans such as Cameron Brace and Jarrod Maidens, it should be another successful season in Owen Sound, though they will be hard-pressed to recapture last year’s magic.

11. Niagara IceDogs – Predicted to be a top contender this season, the IceDogs seem to be heading in the right direction after a rough opening week. Mark Visentin will provide a steady influence in net all season long for the Dogs, but they are missing last year’s top scorer, Ryan Strome, who is still with the New York Islanders. If the Isles keep Strome, the IceDogs will need to find offence elsewhere.

12. Windsor Spitfires – At 3-3, the Spitfires find themselves tied with the upstart Greyhonds for the Division lead. American Jack Campbell is an experienced veteran who will give the Spits a good chance to win each night, but Kerby Rychel and Alex Khokhlachev will be counted on heavily for offensive production.

13. Oshawa Generals – Another team suffering from players attending pro camps, the Generals have stumbled out of the gate this season, suffering losses to both the Greyhounds and Bulls. With the chances of Scott Valentine and Andy Andreoff returning dwindling every day, the Generals will need to find a way to replace their output if they hope to contend this season. Rookie goalie Dan Altshuller has been hot and cold to start the season, but there seems to be as many questions as answers in Oshawa.

14. Plymouth Whalers – One of a handful of teams who many think are underperforming to date, the Whalers are still 2-2 and looking to make some noise in the Western Conference this season. Scott Wedgewood will play the majority of games for Plymouth this year, and if he can remain consistent, the Whalers should have a good year.

15. Brampton Battalion – Even at 2-2 so far in the season, the Battalion are one of a handful of teams who are expecting to be significantly better than last season. Matej Machovsky is back in goal for another season in Brampton, and Tuesday’s addition of Brett Mackie from Belleville will improve the Battalion offence.

16. Belleville Bulls – The Bulls are a team that many expect to have a breakout season, but a 2-3 record has seen more downs than ups so far. Malcolm Subban is now the number 1 goalie in Belleville, and up front, the Bulls have plenty of scoring potential, with Luke Judson, Adam Payerl, and Brendan Gaunce.

17. Kingston Frontenacs – It’s shaping up to be a long year in Kingston, as many expect the rebuilding Frontenacs to miss the playoffs this season. New GM Doug Gilmour has been at work revamping his lineup, which is now lead by Captain Tyler Brown. Gilmour also acquired Igor Bobkov from London to shore up his goaltending. At 1-4, more work is needed.

18. Saginaw Spirit – A tough 1-4 start for the Spirit has seen them slip behind the pack in the Western Conference. Tadeas Galansky and Jake Paterson comprise a young goaltending tandem, and they will rely on a potentially high-powered offence, led by John McFarland and Vincent Trocheck.

19. Erie Otters – More was expected of the goaltending tandem of Tyson Teichmann and Chris Festerini coming into the season, but so far, it hasn’t materialized. Averaging 7 goals against per game, the Otters have sputtered to an 0-4 start. Even with offensive weapons such as Greg McKegg, Sondre Olden, and Brett Thompson, Erie will need to be better defensively to have any hope.

20. Sudbury Wolves – Perhaps no OHL fans are as disappointed as Wolves fans are early into the new season. Coming off of a stunning 4 game sweep of the East Division Champion 67’s last year, Sudbury seemed poised to have a big year, and compete for home advantage in the playoffs. Instead, they have nothing to show from their first four games, and sit at the bottom of the Power Rankings.

Be sure to check back next week to see where your favourite team ranks. If you can’t wait for your OHL fix, find me on Twitter, @N24Nicholson.

Interview with Peterborough Petes, Nicholas Ritchie

With an offensive showing at the OHL Showcase Cup it was still not enough for Nicholas Ritchie to be selected first overall in this year's OHL Priority Draft. But that doesn’t matter to the younger brother of Brett Ritchie, forward of the Sarnia Sting. Like many players it is an honour to be selected and have the opportunity to fight for playing time in the OHL. Nicholas has already signed his OHL contract with the Peterborough Petes who selected him 2^nd overall and will take to the ice in a few short weeks for not only the exhibition but the 2011/12 OHL regular season in hopes of helping the Peterborough Petes get right back on track.

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Nick firstly, thank you for taking the time for this interview. It isn't until the OHL Showcase Cup when players of your caliber really begin to shine. You get noticed at the tournament and the proverbial light shines brighter on you as the tournament progresses. Did you at all get spooked at the types of crowds that the Toronto Marlboros were
getting for the round robin and playoff games of the OHL Showcase Cup?

Yes there was a fair amount of people at our play-offs/OHL Cup games, but I was never got spooked by the size of the crowds because that is what I was expecting.

What about the type of people in the stands. With my naked eye you can spot all 20 OHL General Managers, Scouts and Players, NHL Management and Scouts and the infamous Don Cherry was there to not only watch you but your team as well. Did you or your teammates happen to catch these people in the stands and were there times when
teammates had to be say, 'calmed down' because of these eyeballs watching?

We definitely saw and new that these people were in the stands. Our team never worried about who was in the stands, and we just played hard and had fun.

The Marlboros win the OHL Showcase Cup; I have talked to your Goaltender Alex Fotinos and Jordan Subban about raising the Championship at the end of the weeklong tournament. Other than the actual Championship victory, what was a memorable moment for you that you know will stay with you over the course of the next few years?

Our entire Minor Midget team had a remarkable year. We were very a close-knit team with great team balance and coaching. I will remember our team accomplishments and all of the enjoyment we had for the next few years.

Taken by the Peterborough Petes number 2 overall. A lot of pressure gets put on those shoulders as the team is clearly looking to move upwards from last season. The Team is rolling over their lineup and you are a hard-nosed player who isn't afraid of much. Is there any type of fear that you must change your game, or learn something completely new that may take away from your natural ability on the ice?

I know that your first year in the OHL can be a challenge. My attitude going into training camp is to work as hard as I possibly can, and try to improve my game every day. I have never felt fear in any sport that I have played.
Obviously when people here the name Ritchie they instantly think of your brother Brett as he is fresh on the brain as a result of him being selected by the Dallas Stars. Since he is older he must have taught you something that has helped you get to where you are now.
What has been his biggest contribution to you growing as a person and a player?

Yes, my brother had been huge asset in my success in hockey. Brett is only two years older than me, and when we were younger I always played against him in anything we did. Playing against my older brother made it very difficult to beat him. The biggest contribution for me as a person and a player had been my brother and also my mother and father. My family has helped me and supported in anything I do.

There are 2 dates on the calendar have been circled in the Ritchie household I am sure. December 1st and December 11th. I am sure it is going to be the battle of every Ritchie for himself but what do you expect when you think about playing your brother?

I expect in these games to have a little bit of a weird feeling. I have never played against my brother in a real game before. It will be a very interesting and a fun two games that I am look forward to.

10 days separate those 2 games and then two weeks later it is Christmas? Even if the worse happens in the game do you think you could still sit next to your brother and sing Christmas carols or will the 'war' continue through the holiday season on say... NHL12?

Yes, I will definitely be able to sit beside my brother and sing carols after the games are completed. I am sure he will challenge me and I will challenge him. We are very close brothers that will be able to drop something that happened on the ice.

And lets end it on this Nick, Petes recently acquired Andrew Yogan, Alan Quine is returning, Slater Koekkoek is a stud on the blueline. Is there a Petes' player or two that you can’t wait to get on the ice with to make some 'magic' happen?

There are several very good players returning. I am looking forward to be able to play and learn from these players. I hope as a team we can all make magic.

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Nicholas Ritchie, like many of the players interviewed through out the summer is on his personal mission to not only make his OHL team, but also be a dominant rookie on the team, and following the heels of Slater Koekkoek and Matt Puempel. The ‘rookie’ bar has been set very high for young Nick Ritchie. But if his showing at the OHL Showcase Cup is any indication, this 6’02” 210 pound 16 year old will be taking the league by storm this year.

2007/12 Team Needs - East Division

As we continue the content-a-day giveaway... We get to the final division, the East. So lets take a look at who these teams may be targeting on Saturday. and don't forget the OHL Priority Draft this Saturday May, 7th live on ontariohockeyleague.com.

To preface, the lists of what the team declares as 'holes to be filled' is not FACT. These are my opinions and are corroborated with others and is a general guess as to what they may be trying to fill come draft day. If they are not adressed during draft day remember that they can also trade for players already in the league. Also, this is 'in a perfect world scenario' as the first 7-10 picks will be best player available and defy the logic of what I am talking about.

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Kingston Frontenacs - With all the scrutiny that this team goes through in terms of not having this, or giving away that. This is Kingston's time to get this or that. But the question is where to begin. This team needs a better blueline, they need confident goaltending and they need people to put the 'biscuit in the basket'. So i guess with my babbling I would have to say, Kingston's draft board will be filled with the best available players. I do have to say that even though many are not to happy about the potential of a Palazzese, Perry goalie tandem. You have to understand it could be worse... and that the Fronts will not be contending next year so it is not that big of an issue.

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Belleville Bulls - It came down to the wire to earn the playoff spot and whether you believe in Teichmann or not. The team has quality goaltending in Subban, and possibly Altshuller. Or even another year with Tyson. Their defence is basically returning as a whole unit for the 11/12 season so that leave the forward position for the Bulls. The team has a top pick so more likely they will fall into a best available but they would kill for an impact forward the likes of a Brendan Gaunce... hopefully not the playoff hair. then again... a Subban is eligible to be drafted... so all bets out the window here.

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Peterborough Petes - Peterborough had a tough year, on and off the ice. With all of the changes around the team nailing one position will be difficult. Peterborough needs to have confidence between the pipes, but a 95 birth year goalie wont bring that. Their young Defence is not comparable to Brampton, but with all the ice time and experience they gained this year, could be a force next year. That leaves the forward position for the Petes and considering they draft 2nd overall... they have the pick of any 95 birthday they want. Nicholas Ritchie.

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Oshawa Generals - This team is poised for a tremendous run come 2011/12. What do they need... nothing. No one this team can draft in the first round will help them improve in terms of pushing them over the age. They do need a goaltender, because if the team believed in Kevin Baille... they wouldn't have traded for DiSalvo. The D will suffer a bit as an OA moves on, De Haan will be in NYI of the NHL and Maggio or Zupancic will be your veteran defender. as for offence... a big CHECK! so stick with a defenceman here.

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Ottawa 67's - After the disappointing first round exit by the 67's this year... They will be looking for a spark plug to show the fans the best is still to come... even though they will more than likely lose Martindale and Toffoli to the AHL if not NHL next season. Mrazek is back. So no worrying about Goaltending as there are two goalies who could come on up for experience. Their young forwards really stepped up in the later third of the season so there is no reason to think they will regress. That leave the blueline which will lose an OA to graduation and possibly 1 or both 91 birth years. to the Dfence could be young and need some more top quality help.

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We are done the divisions and you now know what to possibly expect from each team when they are on the clock. Make sure you look at In The O... Mock Predictions for the First Round in the OHL Priority Draft. Starting Monday there will be a more indepth look at each of the 20 rosters in the OHL.

Game Review - Brampton Battalion vs Peterborough Petes, March 6

By: BRANDON SUDEYKO

BRAMPTON - What a very different place the powerade centre was on Sunday when compared to Friday's game when the Sudbury Wolves were in town. Even though the announced attendance was better on Sunday than fridays game. The game with Peterborough in town was so listless and dead. Both teams.

The Battalion peppered the Petes like they did against Sudbury only to a better result.
The final score of 4-1 was thanks to Andrew D'Agostini standing on his head, since the Peterborough defence was no where to be found. In fact if you remove the goal by Geoff Bezruchkko. The highlight of the game for the Petes was a defensive effort by Steven trojanovic in the 2nd where he hurried back to interrupt Same Carrick on a partial break.
And I am not talking about the defensive play of the day. The actual highlight of the game for the petes was that. Very Lame.

A minute and a half in Scott Tanski scores. And right from those 90 seconds. I think everyone in the building knew the game was over. The defensive breakdown by Peterborough was not an accident. It is what they have been doing all year long. And it continued for the remaining 58:30 of the game.

After the first period the shots were 12-1 in favour of the Battalion, like a carbon copy of Friday's game only they were leading instead of trailing.
The first period also featured a good heavy weight tilt between BRA's Alex O'Neil and PBO's Derek Mathers. Both stayed standing and it had to go to the judges cards...

In the same period there was another tilt as well as PBO's Clark Seymour stood with BRA's Matt MacLeod. Another judges decision. This one would go to MacLeod as Seymour needed stitches afterwards.

After 20 minutes. I didn't care any more and was hoping for another BRA St. Jacques shutout or an amazing highlight reel save by Andrew D'Agostini. I got neither.
In fact. After the first, I spent the rest of the game texting Matt Puempel (name drop). Discussing the game. His hip. And flying pucks. Listen to this TPG interview to understand what I mean.

What I did notice is that Austin Watson wasn't alive in the first period and I tweeted about it. (twitter.com/intheoradio) and he must have saw it. Because either the first or second shift. He practically killed a Battalion player into the boards.
There was a lot of line shuffling by PBO Coach Mike Pelino, I counted 5 different people who played with Jack Walchessen, but nothing could get going.

All in all. Whether you are a Battalion fan or a Petes fan. You didn't miss anything. Except for the Petes being pissed that they missed out on an opportunity to tie Belleville for 8th place.

Post Game Interview with Petes' Captain Jack Walchessen