Prospect Files: Trevor Carrick

Stouffville, Ontario is the home of a successful OHL hockey family. This player’s older siblings have and are playing in the O and this little brother is following along nicely in the family’s footsteps. Although he is only in his first OHL season, NHL central scouting sees something special already, putting him in the 45^th spot amongst North American skaters in the mid-term rankings. Let’s get to know Trevor Carrick’s game better…

The Line:

Height: 6’ 2”

Weight: 175 lbs

Shoots: Right

Plays: Defense

Draft Eligible: 2012

After having a great rookie season in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, putting up 19 points in 40 games, Carrick earned a spot on the blue line with the Ontario Hockey League’s Mississauga St. Michaels Majors and over the course of the season, and with the help of a key injury to Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, Stuart Percy, he has started to take on the shutdown role for his team’s defense corp. He has been doing a good job of it too, shutting down top players like the high-flying Mark Scheifele who he held off the score sheet just one week ago.

Carrick is your steady, stay at home, kind of defender who isn’t afraid to play the body or get physical and drop the mitts. He has been used in offensive situations at times this year and has had some small success but this is the part of his game he will need to improve on if he is to become a better-rounded player.

Carrick has the defensive game down already at a very young age. His gap control is some of the best that I have seen in a draft-eligible player and his closure rate is very surprising for most players coming at him because you wouldn’t expect him to be as fast or explosive as he is. He also uses his long reach very well and because of that he keeps guys to the outside effectively, keeping them out of the dangerous scoring areas.

One part of his game I would like to see improved on is his panic-tolerance. When the puck is on his stick he looks almost unnatural when he handles it, and that gets him into trouble and then he rushes the play to get the puck to someone else and mistakes can be made here when he is forced to make a fast decision. This is not uncommon for a young player, not to mention a rookie in the OHL.

Carrick’s upside is going to be where many place his value. He plays an extremely sound, minimal-mistake game and as his offensive game matures he has the chance to develop into a special hockey players. That is what teams will draft, not the kid with 11 points to date who is a shutdown D in the O. If Carrick works at his game, there is an infinite room for growth. He will be a player to watch.

NHL Player Comparison: Trevor Daley—Dallas Stars

ITO Hot-Stove: Who is the best draft eligible player in the Ontario Hockey League?

Considering we at InTheORadio.com have been debating who the best teams and goaltenders in the league are as of late, I figured it was time to examine who the best  draft eligible player in the OHL is. There was one condition: nobody could select Nail Yakupov as most, if not all of us, would select him which would make the Hot-Stove pretty plain. Joining me in this week's hot-stove is Thayne Hallyburton, Jason Ray, Brandon Sudeyko, Phil Phillips and Alex Quevillon.

Without further ado I'd like to introduce you all to this week's debate question: who is the best draft eligible player in the OHL (besides Nail Yakupov)?

Todd Cordell

My choice for this question will be another member of the Sarnia Sting (go figure). I'm going to go with Alex Galchenyuk. He has all the tools you look for in a player and took the OHL by storm last year. His skill set is unbelievable and his hockey IQ is through the roof. I truly believe that if he were healthy and had been playing all season long he'd be up there with Yakupov and Mikhail Grigorenko. Luckily for Galchenyuk, there's a solid chance that he can return to the Sting's lineup in time for the end of the regular season and their playoff run.

Thayne Hallyburton

Matt Finn.

I know people will look at a high-end guy like Alex Galchenyuk or Cody Ceci but Matt Finn is so dynamic. He is the best all-round defender
available in this draft besides Ryan Murray. He has an innate ability to find space on the ice. He is like a veteran down low in how he handles guys much bigger than him. Finn also has a lot of offensive upside, as he matures, so too will his shot and he will begin to jump into the rush even more. You can see his confidence growing over time and as it grows he will start to take a few more risks. Matt Finn's game is extremely similar to Nicklas Lidstrom's game. Not a bad guy to be compared to.

Jason Ray

I have to say Malcolm Subban of the Belleville Bulls. This is a deep draft so there's going too be a ton of offensive and defensive talent. But Malcolm Subban looks like this kid is going too be a stud in between the pipes. Ask the Tampa Bay Lightning how important goaltending is. As most of you know, they went from a deep playoff run too "see ya" - back too the basement they went.

Brandon Sudeyko

While other players are making them case, I still believe in the Sarnia Duo as 1-2 from the OHL. Yes a Subban is close, a few defenceman even. But after what Alex achieved last year, how do you discredit what he is? You saw him as a 16 year old completely destroy the competition. He was bigger and stronger than the year prior. Yes, he has played what 3 games this season? Take a look at his high ceiling of potential and talent. No one can come close to it (except Nail). Where several players can move up and down while playing, I don't find any reason to keep yo-yoing Galchenyuk. Number 2 in the OHL hands down. Could have been one but injuries happen.

Phil Phillips

The best draft eligible OHL player other than Nail Yakupov is Belleville Bulls Center Brendan Gaunce.

Gaunce has what it takes to become an NHL player, both on and off the ice, from skills, to diet, to attitude, he's the real deal and will play in the NHL. Its up to him whats role he plays when he gets there. Brendan is a big (6'2" 215lbs), physical forward who has speed and scoring touch but also plays well defensively. He thrives playing under Coach George Burnett and his two way system. He will join the impressive list of Forwards that Burnett has developed, like Keith Primeau, Manny Malhotra, Nathan Horton, and former Bulls Shawn Matthias, and Matt Beleskey. If he adds a little more grit to his game.

Brendan put up 55 goals and 93 assists in 86 games in 09-10.  Great totals that made him the highest-scoring player of his age in Ontario that season. That season also seen him captain the same minor midget team, the Markham Waxers, he grew up watching his brother Cameron Gaunce a Colorado draft pick play for. Brendan won a Gold Medal with Team Canada in 2011 at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament. This season he was invited to play and wear an "A" in the Top Prospects game. He currently wears a "A" with the Belleville Bulls and is the fans pick to wear the "C" next season. Next year he will get a real good look from Team Canada's World Jr Team selection committee. "As a young man, he’s very mature, very focused, very dedicated...he doesn't have a chink in his armour." is how Bulls assistant coach Jake Grimes has described him.

He currently leads the Bulls in scoring this season. Next year even when continuing to play in a defensive system he should be a top ten OHL point producer. Every year he gets better and better at both ends of the ice, something that makes NHL teams take notice. Two way players have never been as important as they are in today's Pro Game. He fits the bill, and it would surprise few he is drafted very early this June in Pittsburgh.

Honourable Mention to Radek Faksa of the Kitchener Rangers.

Alex Quevillon

Although he isn't eligible in this question, I just have to throw in that Nail Yakupov IS the #1, and I don't know why Grigorenko is being mentioned as a candidate to go first. It's going to be the Fail for Nail with NHL teams losing now, not the fail for Mikhail. 

But after Yakupov and, potentially Galchenyuk as we haven't seen enough of him to come to a verdict, I would love to pick a defenceman but I'm going to have to go with Brendan Gaunce.  Gaunce might not be the most stunning player on the ice at all times, but he's as solid as they come at the age of 17.  Last season, scouts said that Gabriel Landeskog reminded them of Mike Richards but down the middle.  Well, I don't think Gaunce-Richards is quite a fair comparison, but I see a lot of Landeskog in Gaunce's game, of course with Brendan being a center.  Gaunce is the most NHL ready in this draft, I believe.

Honourable mention to Ceci and Koekkoek - most drafts I would peg the defenceman over the forward no matter what.  The offensive talent in this draft makes me think otherwise, but I still do believe that these two Ottawa-area-born d-men will go higher than expected.  

Does Igor Bobkov = Best in the OHL?

by Phil Phillips

Who is the best goalie in the OHL?

Is it Malcolm Subban of the Belleville Bulls? When he has played his numbers say he is in the conversation, what about London Knights Star Michael Houser, Mark Visentin of the IceDogs, Scott Wedgewood or Matt Mahalak in Plymouth, maybe 67's Peter Mrazek. But on this day I'm not looking for just great numbers, I'm looking for which goalie is the best, based on what he means to his team. The search leads me to The K-Rock centre in Kingston Via Surgut Russia and Igor Bobkov. I was surprised he wasn't moved at the deadline to a team like Belleville. The Bulls have great goal tending when Subban is healthy, and John Chartrand and Charlie Graham have been very good in some games, But with injuries to Chartrand and a 16 year old goalie in Graham who has been good, but its just not fair to put the pressure on a kid who didn't even start the year in the OHL, to lead you in to the playoffs.

I think Chartrand for Bobkov straight up would have been a great deal for everyone, Bobkov comes and helps Belleville through the injuries and Chartrand gets to be a full time starter, he wont want to be 2nd banana next year. And I don’t feel he will be back anyways because next year Belleville goes with Subban and Graham.

But by not trading him shows just how important GM Doug Gilmour and Coach Todd Gill believe Bobkov is to the young team that Kingston has. Before coming to Kingston this year Igor already had an impressive resume, he was a Silver medal winner and goaltender of the tournament at the U18s in 2009. Bobkov was drafted that year by the Anaheim Ducks 76th over all. He was the fourth goalie taken in the 09 draft. The Ducks have signed him to an entry-level contract. He also came with a Gold medal from the 2011 WJC.

This year with the Fronts he has been outstanding. He's GAA 3.46 and SV% .905 don't top the OHL. But when it comes to Kingston goaltenders it leaps and bounds better, then the other options, both of the other goalies Kingston has used, have GAA over 6.14 and SV% under .825, but that doesn't tell the whole story, He is first in the league in Shots against, facing on average over 35 a night, 14 times he has faced more then 40 shots. He is also first in saves with 1427; Bobkov is 2nd in the OHL in minutes with 2585 and games played (45). The Fronts have 15 wins on the season; Bobkov has 15 wins on the season. He gets very little PP support, Kingston's PP is last in the OHL, or even strength goal support only Erie has scored less goals then the Frontenacs. Lots of nights he has to be the teams best penalty killer, their PK is also in the bottom half of the OHL. He has beat some good teams like Niagara, Brampton, London, and in division games he has beat Ottawa and Oshawa three times, Belleville twice and Peterborough once. He has been named a 3 Star selection 14 times; in 7 of those he has been the games 1st Star. 3 of his 1st Star selections have been on the road. His highlight so far has to be the 50 save performance he put in against his former team the London Knights on JAN 13th. I know when the Bulls face the fronts, we know who Darcy Greenaway, Cody Alcock are and what they do, but it’s Bobkov we worry about.

ITO Three Stars and OHL Power Rankings: Week 19

With Groundhog’s Day behind us, a look at the calendar tells us that there are only six weeks left in the Ontario Hockey League season. Very little has been decided as of yet, meaning the next month and a half looks to be very interesting. No team looks completely secure in a Conference or Division lead, and, with the exceptions of Erie and Kingston in the West and East respectively, every team still has a chance at post-season play into April. Most teams found themselves hitting the 50 game mark of the season over the last seven days, and as always, we’ll take a look at our weekly OHL Power Rankings, right after we take a look at the ITO Three Stars for week 19. This week, I deferred selection of our weekly stars of the league to our fearless leader, Brandon Sudeyko.

ITO 3 Stars

1. Mathias Niederberger (Barrie Colts) –It would be hard to be any more perfect than this week’s First Star, Mathias Niederberger, who would be unbeatable in the last seven days, stopping every shot he faced in back to back shutout performances. Mathias is the second straight German Import to take the ITO First Star selection, following up on Tobi Rieder’s performance last week for Kitchener. Niederberger would make 23 saves on Friday night, and each one was important, as Barrie won 1-0 in Mississauga. The next night, Mathias was even better, stopping 29 shots in a 5-0 blanking of Sault Ste. Marie. With no goals against over 52 shots, Mathias Niederberger earns the ITO First Star of the week.

2. Brandon Saad (Saginaw Spirit) – Brandon makes his second appearance in the ITO Three Stars this season, picking up a First Star selection in the season’s first half, and has been instrumental to the recent success of the Spirit. Brandon would earn points in all three contests for Saginaw this week, including a pair of multi-point games over the weekend. Friday night, Saad would earn an assist in a win in Guelph, and would score two goals as part of a three point night Saturday in Erie. Brandon would finish the week strong with another three point game Sunday in Kitchener, scoring another. With three goals and seven points in his three game weekend, Brandon Saad earns our Second Star selection for week 19.

3. Kerby Rychel (Windsor Spitfires) – Kerby Rychel may be one of the league’s most underrated players, so it’s only right that Kerby earns our Third Star selection for week 19, getting some credit for quietly putting together a good season in Windsor. Rychel would help his club earn a pair of victories this weekend, scoring goals in all three of the Spitfires games. Kerby would score the tying goal and assist on the overtime winner on Friday night in Owen Sound, and had Windsor’s only goal the next night, a 5-1 loss in Plymouth. Rychel would finish the week with a huge game, scoring twice and adding a helper in a victory Sunday afternoon at home to Mississauga. With four goals and six points in three games, Kerby Rychel in the ITO Third Star this week.

ITO Power Rankings

1. London Knights – (Last Week: 1) The London Knights continue to be the league’s best team, and, in my opinion, are clearly the team to beat in the Ontario Hockey League this season. This Knights have led the OHL Power Rankings now for 17 of 19 weeks to date in the 2011-12 season, and they have led the OHL standings for most of the season. London split their two weekend games this past week, losing a tough game at home to Niagara on Friday night, but rebounding well to defeat Mississauga at home a night later. The Knights play three more games in the coming week, beginning on Thursday night in Windsor. The team returns home to London on Friday, hosting Plymouth, and remaining home for a Sunday matinee with Kitchener.

2. Niagara IceDogs – (Last Week: 5) Don’t look now, but the Niagara IceDogs, one of last year’s top teams, are right back in the thick of things, climbing up three spots to number two after a pair of huge wins last week. Niagara would win an important game in London on Friday night, before returning home to knock off Brampton the next night. The IceDogs face three more important games in the upcoming week, starting Thursday when Mississauga comes to town. From there, the ‘Dogs head out on the road, playing in Barrie on Saturday, and in Oshawa Sunday.

3. Ottawa 67’s – (Last Week: 4) The Eastern Conference’s top team, the Ottawa 67’s, climb into the top three in the OHL Power Rankings, despite earning just a split in a pair of games over the last week. Ottawa found themselves in tough at home on Friday night, but would earn a hard-fought two points, but would lose a night later at home to Kingston. The 67’s are another team with three games this week, beginning Thursday night in Peterborough. Ottawa returns home for a contest the next night with Guelph, and wrap up the weekend with a Sunday afternoon game at home to Belleville.

4. Plymouth Whalers – (Last Week: 3) The Plymouth Whalers trade places with Ottawa this week, despite posting identical records over the last seven days, in one of those strange statistical occurrences. Still amongst the league’s top teams, the Whalers split a pair of games last week, and have won five of their last six games. After a tough loss in Sarnia on Friday night, Plymouth returned home to defeat Windsor, finishing the week even. The Whalers face a three game weekend, playing in London on Friday, then coming home for games with Kitchener and Saginaw respectively.

5. Kitchener Rangers – (Last Week: 2) The Rangers are down three spots this week, landing at number five after a pair of home ice losses to teams fighting for a playoff spot. Defeated by Belleville on Friday night, Kitchener would lose again Sunday afternoon when Saginaw visited town. The Rangers have ample opportunity to right things this week, playing four times in the next seven days, beginning when they host Guelph Tuesday night. Kitchener then faces a three game weekend, hosting Brampton on Friday, then playing on the road in Plymouth Saturday night, and in London Sunday afternoon.

6. Saginaw Spirit – (Last Week: 9) Perhaps no team has been as hot as of late as the Saginaw Spirit, a team with points in nine of their last ten games. The Spirit climb up three spots this week in the OHL Power Rankings, winning all three games in a weekend road trip that began in Guelph Friday night. Saginaw would also earn victories in Erie on Saturday, and in Kitchener on Sunday, keeping their recent hot streak going. The Spirit face another three game weekend ahead, hosting Erie on Friday night, before Sault Ste. Marie visits on Saturday. Saginaw finishes the weekend Sunday afternoon, playing in Plymouth.

7. Barrie Colts – (Last Week: 8) The Barrie Colts climb a spot this week, landing at number seven after a pair of impressive shutout victories extends their winning streak to four games. The Colts were fantastic in all three zones this past week, earning a big shutout win in Mississauga Friday night, and following that performance with an even better one the next night, white-washing Sault Ste. Marie. With momentum on their side, Barrie plays three times in the coming week, beginning with a visit from Sarnia on Thursday evening. The next night, the Colts find themselves in Sudbury, before returning home to play host to Niagara Saturday night.

8. Sudbury Wolves – (Last Week: 7) The Sudbury Wolves fall a single spot this week to land at number eight, but remain on quite a roll themselves, winning two out of three games over the past seven days. The week didn’t start out well for the Wolves, who were bounced off of home ice by Sault Ste. Marie on Friday night, but the team responded well over the weekend, earning wins in Peterborough on Saturday, and in Brampton on Sunday. Looking ahead, Sudbury gets a quick chance at redemption when they play in Sault Ste. Marie on Wednesday night, before coming home to play host to Barrie Friday night. The Wolves wrap up the week on Saturday night when Sarnia visits.

9. Brampton Battalion – (Last Week: 6) The Brampton Battalion continue to suffer without Stan Butler at the helm, and they fall three spots this week to land at number nine after losing six of their past eight contests. Brampton would fail to earn a single point this week, losing three games over the weekend, including Friday night, when they were shocked in Erie. From there, the weekend went downhill quickly, as the Battalion would drop decisions in Niagara on Saturday, and back at home to Sudbury on Sunday. The schedule gets no easier in the week ahead, as Brampton begins the week on Thursday, hosting Owen Sound. A night later, the Battalion are in action in Kitchener, before returning home for a Sunday afternoon tilt with Peterborough.

10. Sarnia Sting – (Last Week: 14) The Sarnia Sting wind up climbing four spots to land at number ten this week, even though they played just one time in the last seven days. The play of the teams they passed have much to do with the sudden spike for the Sting, which is to take nothing away from a team that has been playing good hockey as of late. Sarnia seems to have recovered after sputtering through much of January, and won in their only contest this week, winning on home ice against Plymouth. The Sting will be busier this week, heading out on the road to start a five game road trip with three games this week. Thursday night, Sarnia plays in Barrie, before heading north to play in Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday and Sunday, in that order.

11. Oshawa Generals – (Last Week: 10) The Oshawa Generals have climbed back into a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and are currently lurking as a team no Eastern Contender would want to draw in the opening round. Oshawa falls one spot this week after splitting a pair of games of the weekend, beginning Friday, when they would fight hard but fall in Ottawa. The Generals would bounce back Sunday afternoon, defeating Guelph on home ice to wrap up the week. Oshawa will be extremely busy this week, playing four times in the next seven days, including a three-game weekend. On Tuesday night, the Generals play in Peterborough, before making a trip to Mississauga Friday night. Oshawa returns home for a pair of weekend tilts, hosting Kingston on Saturday night, before Niagara visits on Sunday evening.

12. Owen Sound Attack – (Last Week: 13) After a rough week last week, the Owen Sound Attack are back up one spot this week in the OHL Power Rankings, earning three out of four possible points in a pair of games. The single point was earned on Friday night, when the Attack were defeated in overtime by the visitors from Windsor, but Owen Sound rebounded the next night, defeating Belleville. The Attack have three games this week, starting on Wednesday when they head to Pennsylvania to play Erie, before returning to Ontario to play in Brampton the next night. Owen Sound ends the week back at home on Saturday night, hosting Peterborough.

13. Windsor Spitfires – (Last Week: 16) One of the week’s bigger climbs, the Windsor Spitfires are up three spots this week, climbing to number thirteen with wins in two out of three games in the past seven days. The Spits would earn the extra point in overtime Friday night, winning in Owen Sound to start the weekend off on the right foot, but Windsor would lose a night later when they played host to Plymouth. The Spitfires finished the week the way it started on Sunday afternoon, with a win, this time at home to Mississauga. Another three games lie ahead for the Spits, who are in action Thursday night, when they host London. On Saturday, Erie visits, before Windsor ends the week Sunday afternoon in Mississauga.

14. Peterborough Petes – (Last Week: 15) The Peterborough Petes managed to stop the slide over the last week, and climb back up one spot this week to land at fourteen. With a split in their two contests, the Petes remain in control of one of the eight valued playoff positions so far, but if their recent slide continues, Peterborough could find themselves on the outside looking in. After earning a win Friday night in Kingston, the Petes would be blown out on home ice a night later by the visitors from Sudbury. Peterborough is another team with a busy week ahead, playing four times, including a big contest Tuesday night, at home to Oshawa. Thursday, the Petes play host to Ottawa, before hitting the road for games in Owen Sound on Saturday, and in Brampton Sunday afternoon.

15. Guelph Storm – (Last Week: 11) For every step forward, there seems to be the inevitable step backwards for the Guelph Storm this season, as they slide four spots this week after losing both contests over the weekend. Friday night, the Storm were outmatched by Saginaw on home ice, and Guelph would lose again Sunday afternoon in Oshawa. Guelph has four chances to get things going, all on the road, beginning Tuesday night when they play in Kitchener. Friday night, the Storm travel to Ottawa, before making stops in Belleville Saturday, and Kingston Sunday.

16. Mississauga St. Michaels Majors – (Last Week: 12) The Mississauga Majors are now looking in their rear-view mirror, as they find themselves quickly sliding out of contention in the Eastern Conference playoff race. While still in eighth, Mississauga has not played well as of late, and slide four spots in this week’s OHL Power Rankings after losing all three games in a three game weekend. Friday night, the Majors were shutout on home ice by Barrie, and Mississauga would follow that game with losses in London on Saturday and in Windsor on Sunday. The Majors have three games this week to try and stop the slide, playing in Niagara on Thursday, before coming home to face Oshawa on Friday, and Windsor Sunday afternoon.

17. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds – (Last Week: 17) It was a week of the best and worst of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, who earned a split in a pair of games that couldn’t have been more polarizing. Friday night, the Hounds looked unstoppable, scoring almost at will in a big win in Sudbury, yet, a night later, the Soo couldn’t find a goal, getting blanked in Barrie. If the Greeyhounds are to get back into the playoff picture in the Western Conference, they will need to get it started this week, when they play three times, beginning Wednesday at home to Sudbury. Saturday night, the Hounds travel to Saginaw, then return home to face Sarnia Sunday night.

18. Belleville Bulls – (Last Week: 18) If the Belleville Bulls are to be excluded from post-season play this year, it won’t be without a fight, as they continue to pick up points to keep pace with the final spots in the East. Belleville picked up a pair of points in as many games over the weekend, winning a big contest in Kitchener on Friday night, but losing a tough contest the following night in Owen Sound. The Bulls are one of many teams with a three game weekend in front of them, which begins Friday night, when they play in Kingston. On Saturday, the Bulls host Guelph, then travel to Ottawa to finish the weekend Sunday afternoon.

19. Kingston Frontenacs – (Last Week: 19) Long out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, the Fronts are now playing for pride, but have been doing an excellent job of picking up points down the stretch. Kingston split a pair of games again this week, dropping a close game at home to Peterborough on Friday night, but heading down the highway to defeat the division leaders in Ottawa a night later. The Frontenacs have a three game weekend to deal with, which starts Friday night at home to Belleville. Kingston will play in Oshawa on Saturday night, before coming home to finish the weekend Sunday afternoon against Guelph.

20. Erie Otters – (Last Week: 20) Long ago planning for next season, the Erie Otters have been playing good hockey as of late as well, proving that there are no more easy games in the Ontario Hockey League. The Otters would split their games over the weekend, and have earned six points in their last six games, despite being 29 points out of the final playoff spot with 19 games left. Friday night, the goal scoring showed for Erie, as they would pot seven en route to a home ice win over Brampton, but the next night, the Otters were unable to score at all, getting shutout at the hands of Saginaw. Erie plays three games this week, playing host to Owen Sound on Wednesday, before hitting the road for a pair of games. Friday night, the Otters play in Saginaw, and the next night, Erie travels to Windsor to end the week.

The ITO Three Stars and Power Rankings can be found every Tuesday here at In The O… The Radio Show and OHLWriters.com. Be sure to check back next week to see the week’s best players, and to find out where your favourite team ranks. If you can’t wait for your OHL fix, join me on Twitter for conversation anytime, @N24Nicholson.

February 7th Game Day Previews

by Dwayne Williams

Guelph at Kitchener

The Guelph squad has dropped 2 games since losing to the Rangers on Sunday January 29 by a score of 5-3.  In that game the Storm fell behind and could not catch up despite outshooting the Rangers 13-5 and outscoring them 2-1 in the 3^rd period. Tanner Richard with 1 goal and 1 assist (2 of his 11 goals this season have been on the powerplay).  Francis Menard had 1 assist (3 assists in the last 3 games) and had a game low -3 rating.  Zack Mitchell scored 1 goal in 5 straight games – until the last game where he had 2 assists and no goals – he is #20 in the OHL in scoring.  The Storm are fighting for the last playoff spot – tied with Sault Ste Marie with 47 points – their record is 21-22-2-3.

 

Tobias Rieder is the top scorer for the Rangers - #24 in the league with 29 goals and 25 assists. He has scored in each of the last 9 games (7 goals and 10 assists).  John Gibson is scheduled to have his tonsils and adenoids removed on Wednesday (in Pennsylvania) so Franky Palazzese will be the goalie of choice for the foreseeable future.  He has a 16-8 record with 2.87 GAA and a .927 save % - and was tagged with the last 2 losses for the Rangers.  In their recent loss to Saginaw (4-1) the Rangers gave up 51 total shots.  In their home loss before that (6-3 to the Bulls) they gave up 49 shots as well as 4 third period goals.  Before these 2 losses, Kitchener had won 3 in a row including victories over London, Owen Sound and Guelph.  The Rangers are comfortably in 3^rd place in the Western Conference with a record of 33-15-1-0 and 67 points.

My prediction Guelph 4 Kitchener 2

Oshawa at Peterborough

Oshawa continues to cling to a playoff spot at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings – 1 point ahead of Mississauga and 2 points ahead of the nosediving Bulls. Peterobough stands only 1 point ahead.  On Sunday the Generals gave up the early lead but fought back to eventually lead 2-1 before finishing the game with a 4-2 victory.  Scott Laughton with a strong game (1 goal unassisted as well as another assist) and first star honors.  On Friday a last minute powerplay goal added to the Generals total, but it was not enough as they dropped a 3-2 decision to the Eastern Conference leaders from Ottawa.  The Generals did not help their cause by going 1 for 7 on the powerplay.

Peterborough has 4 victories and 6 losses in their last 10 games – they are in 6^th place in the Eastern Conference only 1 point ahead of the Generals.  On Saturday they were outscored at home 8-4 by a solid Sudbury team.  Sudbury was 2/3 on the powerplay and the Petes were 3/7.  Alan Quine had 2 goals and 1 assist earning 2^nd star honours.  Yogan and Fitze with the other markers.  In Friday’s victory at Kingston (4-2) the difference was the two 3^rd period goals.  19 seconds apart Martschini and Quine put the puck behind Riley.

The last time these teams met- on Sunday January 29 – Oshawa scored 5 straight goals to cruise to a 5-2 victory.  Shots on net were close at 36-32 in favour of the home Generals.  Laughton had a strong game with 2 goals and a +1 rating – Emerson Clark with 2 goals and a +2 rating and 5 PIM – Christian Thomas with 1 goal, 2 assists and a +2 rating.  Quine would score his 20^th goal of the season and Pierog would notch his 6^th career goal. 

My prediction Oshawa 4 Peterborough 3 (OT)