Game 1 of the playoffs has been completed across the Ontario Hockey League, as we saw two upsets and multiple scares for the top teams.
Game 1 of the playoffs has been completed across the Ontario Hockey League, as we saw two upsets and multiple scares for the top teams.
The 2024 OHL Playoffs are fully underway, as each series has played their first game of the postseason. On Thursday and Friday we saw only two upsets, but many scares from the lower seed teams.
Barrie Colts (8) defeat Oshawa Generals (1) by a score of 4-2
The eighth seeded Eastern Conference Barrie Colts came out guns-blazing on Friday night against the first-placed Generals. Barrie scored the first three goals of the game and were able to hold that lead until the end.
The Colts had four different goal scorers; Shamar Moses, Beau Jelsma, Cole Beaudoin, & Zach Wigle. If the Colts are going to upset in this series, they need to continue to get offence throughout their lineup. Sam Hillebrandt also stopped 31 of 33 in the crease.
Sudbury Wolves (5) defeat Mississauga Steelheads (4) by a score of 3-0
The Wolves put up one of their best defensive performances of the season against the Steelheads, as they were able to blank them in the goals department. Dalibor Dvorsky scored two, and Jakub Vondras came out with the shutout to lead his team to the win.
This is a series that likely won't be over quickly. Mississauga's goaltending will likely become a factor shortly, and Sudbury's offence will continue to be hard to stop.
North Bay Battalion (2) defeat Kingston Frontenacs (7) by a score of 4-2
The North Bay Battalion become a different team when they reach the playoffs, and we saw exactly that in this matchup. North Bay is a very structured, tight-pressuring team that doesn't allow a lot of open ice in the postseason. Kingston definitely saw that in game one.
The Frontenacs will likely have to lean on goaltender Mason Vaccari if they want a chance to win this series.
Brantford Bulldogs (3) defeat Ottawa 67's (6) by a score of 5-2
Brantford had an X factor player step up in game one — Nick Lardis. Lardis had a three point, two goal performance that gave the Bulldogs the edge in game one. He scored the first two goals of the game, a lead that was never challenged afterward.
The Ottawa 67's will have a difficult time matching the offence of the Bulldogs in this series. Brantford's forward depth is incredibly deep, and Ottawa doesn't seem to get much production out of their bottom-six. If Luca Pinelli can be as dominant as we know he can be, he will give Ottawa a chance.
Saginaw Spirit (2) defeat Owen Sound Attack (7) by a score of 6-4
This is a game that definitely put some "scare" into the second-seeded Saginaw Spirit. The Attack were up by a score of 3-2 early in the second, and Owen Sound seemed to be matching every one of Saginaw's goals. That, was until Saginaw's stars took over and scored four consecutive goals.
Owen Beck and Josh Bloom led the way up front for the Spirit, each putting up multi-point performances.
London Knights (1) defeat Flint Firebirds (8) by a score of 3-0
The Knights were able to blank the Firebirds in game one, a considerably low-scoring game for London. The Knights typically fill the net in each and every game they play, but Flint was able to keep it down to 3. Trade deadline pickup Kaleb Lawrence scored two in this game, winning first star honours.
Michael Simpson came up with the 23-save shutout, as Flint outshot the Knights 23-21. The Firebirds will need to find some offence in game two.
Kitchener Rangers (4) defeat Erie Otters (5) by a score of 6-3
In front of a packed crowd at The Aud in Kitchener, the Rangers were able to take game one by a score of 6-3. Draft eligible forward Luke Ellinas lead the way offensively with a three-point night, as the Rangers were able to get offence throughout their lineup.
A bright spot for the Otters was that Dylan Edwards put up two goals, an incredible story that keeps on getting better.
Soo Greyhounds (3) defeat Guelph Storm (6) by a score of 4-3
The lower seed Guelph Storm definitely put some "scare" into the Soo Greyhounds, who had an almost-perfect regular season. Guelph scored the first goal of the game, and the only goal in the first period. The Storm fell behind by one in a high-scoring second period, and they weren't able to get it back in the end.
Though the Soo got the win, this was a very tight game. Guelph's roster seems to be better built for the playoffs, and they are difficult to play against.