Everything You Need To Know Opening Night Of The OHL Playoffs
![Michael Misa, the CHL's leading scorer, playing for Saginaw [photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images].](https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/91f39827-763f-405d-a7d4-5640cd7719cc.jpeg)
Michael Misa, the CHL's leading scorer, playing for Saginaw [photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images].The 2025 OHL playoffs are upon us. After a long 68-game regular season, six teams will start their quest for the J. Ross Robertson Cup tonight.
The three matchups tonight include Barrie hosting Niagara, Sault Ste. Marie is facing off against Windsor and finally Saginaw defending home ice against the Erie Otters.
Each series features unique circumstances and players that will determine the ultimate victor. As such, to get you ready for the opening night of the playoffs, here is everything you need to know about the three games you can watch tonight.
Barrie Colts (2) vs. Niagara IceDogs (7) - 7:00 p.m. @ Sadlon Arena
At the start of 2025, no one would have predicted Niagara's colossal fall in the second half of the regular season. The team limped into the playoffs after tumbling from the very top of the division all the way down to seventh with just 4 wins in their final 32 games.
This season has truly been a Jekyll and Hyde situation for the IceDogs, whose horrendous second half of the season is matched only by their titanic first half.
It's hard to bet on Niagara in this series given the way their season went, though IceDogs fans will certainly hold onto the hope that the team from the first half of the year will take the ice tonight.
The Barrie Colts' strength comes in the form of their deep lineup that can roll its lines consistently while playing a 200-foot game.
They've been a model of consistency this season, never getting too high or too low while continuing to steadily amass wins.
Barrie holds the edge in special teams with a slightly better power play and the best penalty kill in the Eastern Conference.
Key Players:
Kevin He - 2024 Winnipeg Jets fourth-round pick
Ryan Roobroeck - 2026 NHL Draft eligible
Kashawn Aitcheson - 2025 NHL Draft eligible
Cole Beaudoin - 2024 Utah Hockey Club first-round pick
Windsor Spitfires (2) vs. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (7) - 7:05 p.m. WFCU Centre
The Windsor Spitfires are, without a doubt, the most improved team in the OHL this season. They boast an explosive offense led by Liam Greentree and Ilya Protas, who are by far the deadliest forward duo in the league.
If the Greyhounds are to stand a chance in this series, they will need to find a way to shut down the dynamic tandem and keep games close.
The Spitfires also boast a physically larger lineup with multiple players standing above 6-foot-3. In a physical contest between the two groups, it will be hard not to favour Windsor.
However, it is the Greyhounds who have the more experienced roster, having gone to the postseason last year.
In terms of special teams, Windsor should have the edge. They boasted one of the best power plays in the Western Conference during the regular season. The two squads are relatively well matched when it comes to the penalty kill.
Key Players:
Liam Greentree - L.A. Kings first-round pick
Ilya Protas - 2024 Washington Capitals third-round pick
Marco Mignosa - Team lead in scoring
Brady Martin - 2025 NHL Draft eligible
Saginaw Spirit (4) vs. Erie Otters (5) - 7:05 p.m. Dow Event Center
This may be one of the most exciting series in the first-round this year. It features the defending Memorial Cup winners in Saginaw as well as a clash between Michael Misa and Matthew Schaefer who are both considered top picks in the upcoming draft.
Misa led the CHL in scoring this year with 62 goals and 72 assists for 134 points in just 65 games. In the second half of the year, he and Igor Chernyshov became a disgustingly efficient tandem, racking up points seemingly at will.
Zayne Parekh, who put up over 100 points as a defenseman this year, also features prominently in this lineup.
It's safe to say that if Erie wants to win this series, they will have to withstand Saginaw's potent onslaught.
While they don't have Saginaw's top end, the Otters do boast a strong team led by Pano Fimis and Sam Alfano.
In terms of special teams, Saginaw's lethal power play was second only to London during the regular season. Their penlty kill is just slightly better than Erie's as well.
Key Players:
Zayne Parekh - 2024 Calgary Flames first-round pick
Igor Chernyshov - 2024 San Jose Sharks second-round pick
Michael Misa - 2025 NHL Draft eligible
Matthew Schaefer - 2025 NHL Draft eligible
Pano Fimis - Notre Dame commit