Game 1: Ritchie leads late game charge for Generals
Oshawa 4 vs. Ottawa 3 – Oshawa leads series 1-0
Colorado Avalanche prospect Calum Ritchie scored twice in just over two minutes to lead the Gens over the 67’s; Ritchie also added a helper on Dylan Roobroeck’s goal
Dylan Roobroeck played a role in all four Oshawa goals with a goal and three assists, including a beautiful behind the back pass to set up Calum Ritchie for his first of the night
Beckett Sennecke scored the other Generals’ goal
Thomas Sirman scored his first career OHL postseason goal for the 67’s
Luca Pinelli and Braeden Kressler also scored for Ottawa
Jacob Oster stopped 27-of-30 to earn the win
Collin MacKenzie made 33 saves for the 67’s
Five of the seven goals were scored in the third period
Game Centre & Highlights | Oshawa Post-Game
VIBES = HIGH#RedHot🔥 | #OSHvsOTT pic.twitter.com/kQpTboUKNx
— Oshawa Generals (@Oshawa_Generals) April 13, 2024
(1) Oshawa Generals (40-19-7-2) vs. (6) Ottawa 67’s (36-24-6-2)
Oshawa Series Preview | Ottawa Series Preview
The beasts of the East return to action as the visiting Ottawa 67’s take on the first-seeded division rival Oshawa Generals, beginning with Game 1 of the second round series tonight at 7:35pm.
The Generals have faced tough challenges against Ottawa this season, losing six out of their eight encounters. Despite the historical struggles, including falling short in 12 of their 14 playoff meetings, the Generals are determined to rewrite history. Eager to build on their recent success having ended the season on a 12-game winning streak, the Generals are planning to showcase their dominance and solidify their position as the top team in the East.
The Generals are coming off a first round win against a resilient Barrie Colts team. After dropping Game 1 of the series 4-2 at the Tribute Communities Centre, Oshawa stormed back winning three in a row. The eighth-seeded Colts would win Game 5 before the Generals wrapped it up on the road in Game 6.
Meanwhile, the 67’s come into tonight’s game fresh from a tough six-game series against the Brantford Bulldogs, where they conceded the first goal in five of their six matches.
“It’s going to be a good series, I think we match up very well against them. I think special teams are going to play a key role and it’s going to come down to compete and battle,” said Generals Head Coach Derek Laxdal. “For our group here, we have to make sure that we start on time. The games that we played them we seemed to be chasing the game,” he told Durham Radio News.
The Generals intend to use every weapon in their arsenal against one of their toughest opponents. Backstopped to success by OHL Goaltender of the Week, Jacob Oster, the seasoned fourth-year netminder has carried his excellent regular season form (35-16-7-1) into the OHL Playoffs. Playing to a 4-2 record along with an impressive 1.94 goals-against average and .926 save percentage, Oster has proven to be the backbone of Oshawa’s success.
With Ottawa clinching a season series that included three overtime wins, they’ll lean heavily on their seasoned players to secure victories. The addition of experienced veterans Braeden Kressler, Jacob Maillet, and former OHL champion Sam Mayer at this year’s trade deadline proved instrumental in driving the 67’s past Brantford. Mayer showcased his strength on the blue line with a standout first round performance, tallying four goals and three assists for seven points in six games played. His contributions pushed his team to victory, earning him OHL Player of the Week honours for the first time this season.
Jack Dever has emerged as a pivotal force, spearheading the 67’s in first-round scoring with eight points (2-6-8). Additionally, converted defenceman Bradley Horner has continued to showcase his abilities on the forward ranks, contributing three goals, two assists, and five points to the team’s opening round success.
The 67’s continue to play without the presence of St. Louis Blues prospect Matthew Mayich, who was recognized among the top three defensive defencemen in the Eastern Conference coaches poll. Mayich will be sidelined for the first two games of the series as he serves the remainder of a three-game suspension.
Get your tickets now to witness some of the best talent in the East! Can’t make it to the rink? You can catch every thrilling moment of the series by streaming it on OHL Live.
Series Schedule:
Game 1 – Friday, April 12th at Oshawa, 7:35pm
Game 2 – Sunday, April 14th at Oshawa, 6:05pm
Game 3 – Tuesday, April 16th at Ottawa, 7:00pm
Game 4 – Thursday, April 18th at Ottawa, 7:00pm
Game 5 – Friday, April 19th at Oshawa, 7:35pm*
Game 6 – Sunday, April 21st at Ottawa, 2:00pm*
Game 7 – Tuesday, April 23rd at Oshawa, 7:05pm*
*- if necessary
Season Series:
Ottawa wins 6-2
Nov. 10 – OSH 1 at OTT 4
Nov. 11 – OTT 3 at OSH 6
Nov. 24 – OTT 2 at OSH 1
Nov. 25 – OSH 2 at OTT 3 (OT)
Dec. 6 – OSH 2 at OTT 3 (OT)
Jan. 28 – OTT 3 at OSH 2 (OT)
Feb. 23 – OSH 0 at OTT 5
Mar. 5 – OTT 4 at OSH 5
Playoff History:
This will be Oshawa and Ottawa’s 15th meeting in the OHL Playoffs.
2023 OTT def OSH 4-1 – 1st Round / 2019 OTT def OSH 4-0 – 3rd Round / 2008 OSH def OTT 4-0– 1st round / 2003 OTT def OSH 4-2– 2nd Round / 2000 OTT def OSH 4-0– 1st round / 1997 OSH def OTT 4-2– Final / 1991 OSH def. OTT 4-1 – Semi-Final / 1989 OTT def. OSH 4-2 – 1st Round / 1988 OTT def. OSH 4-3 – 1st round / 1984 OTT def. OSH 8-0 – 2nd Round / 1983 OSH def. OTT 8-2 – Semi-Final / 1982 OTT def. OSH 8-6 – Semi-Final / 1980 OTT def. OSH 4-3 – 1st round / 1972 OTT def. OSH 9-3– 2nd round
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