Can't-Miss Games: Week Nine

The OHL continues to provide some of the best hockey outside of the NHL. In the past few weeks we witnessed the offensive explosion of Beckett Sennecke as well as London's Easton Cowan narrowing in on a record that has been held by Doug Gilmour since the early 1980s. 

Looking ahead at week nine, there are a handful of OHL games that stand out above the rest as truly can't-miss games. 

If you have limited time and can only watch one game this week consider checking out one of the following clashes that will all happen this week. 

London Knights @ Kitchener Rangers - Tuesday, Nov. 19, 7:00 p.m.

There is a multitude of reasons why everyone should watch London. They are currently on an eleven-game winning streak that dates back to Oct. 18. This is the longest active streak in the league. Secondly, Easton Cowan is narrowing in on Doug Gilmour's record for the longest OHL point streak. Finally, Sam Dickinson is putting on a show with 22 points during his 10-game point streak. London games are must-watch hockey right now. 

On top of that, this game features two of the top three teams in the Western Conference. Kitchener is first in the Conference with 33 points while London sits tied for second with 30. This game has massive implications for the top of the Conference as London has two games in hand on Kitchener. 

Finally, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Jack Pridham has four points in his first two games with Kitchener after transferring to the OHL from the BCHL. It will be interesting to see how the 19-year-old forward plays against what may be the top team in the OHL. 

Barrie Colts @ Windsor Spitfires - Thursday, Nov. 21, 7:05 p.m.

 In this clash of East vs West, both teams have a huge opportunity to snag a pair of points to remain at the top of their Conference. Barrie currently sits second in the Eastern Conference just two points behind the Kingston Frontenacs with two games in hand. 

Led by Cole Beaudoin and Brad Gardiner, Barrie's mix of offensive skill and shutdown defense makes them an incredibly fun team to watch. They currently boast the fewest goals allowed in the OHL with just 54 goals against in 19 games. 

For Windsor, they need to pick up a pair of points to hold off the oncoming London Kngiths who are flying up the standings as a result of their current winning streak. The matchup between Windsor's high-flying offense and Barrie's stout defense should be a treat to watch.

Windsor Spitfires @ Kitchener Rangers - Friday, Nov. 22, 7:00 p.m.

In the second fight between Rocky and Apollo Creed, both men are desperately grasping at the ropes trying to climb to their feet and win the fight. Ultimately the winner is not based on skill but who can find the mental fortitude to battle through adversity. 

With both Windsor and Kitchener playing top-level teams earlier in the week this matchup could feature two battered opponents just trying to hang on. It will be exciting to see which team can come out ahead and take a crucial pair of points.

This may be one of the biggest weeks this year for Windsor and Kitchener. The outcome of these games will likely determine who sits at the top of the Western Conference come Monday.