![Jacob Oster made 32 saves on 34 shots in game five to take the series lead for Oshawa [Tim Cornett/OHL Images].](https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/39e747fb-a41e-4a47-9ab4-d9077e06e470.jpeg)
The second round of the OHL playoffs could come to an end tonight if Oshawa, Barrie, and Windsor pick up wins. Game six of all three series will take place this evening.
While Barrie and Windsor would need to pick up wins on the road, Oshawa has the opportunity to win on home ice.
Despite arriving at the point of moving on in their respective series, each team has walked a different road to arrive in this position. With that in mind, this article will serve as a summary of the series so far and will include key stats that could impact the outcome of tonight's games.
Barrie Colts vs. Kingston Frontenacs - 3-2 lead for Barrie
The Colts and Frontenacs have yet to lose a game on home ice during the postseason. So far in the series, the teams have exchanged wins on home ice, and as such, it makes sense that Barrie, who had home ice advantage going into the series, has the first opportunity to move on. Based on how the series has gone so far, Kingston should be expected to get the win tonight.
Game five was the first time during the series that Barrie outshot Kingston at the end of regulation. Otherwise, the Frontenacs have dominated the shot clock.
Rangers' Head Coach Named OHL Coach Of The Year
Yesterday, the OHL announced that Kitchener Rangers' Head Coach Jussi Ahokas is the winner of the Matt Leyden Trophy, which is presented to the OHL Coach of the Year as voted by General Managers across the OHL.
Power plays have also played a large role in the series. Though it may seem obvious, the team that has scored more power play goals during each game has come away with the victory.
Charlie Schenkel is a good goaltender with a rebound problem. The vast majority of Barrie's goals in the series have come off of rebounds. If Kingston can clear the crease, they have a much larger chance of winning.
Windsor Spitfires vs. Kitchener Rangers - 3-2 lead for Windsor
The Spitfires won the first three games of the series and jumped out to a shocking 3-0 series lead. In those early games, the Windsor offense caused massive problems for Kitchener, seeming to score at will.
However, injuries have taken their toll on both sides, leading to much tighter games where Kitchener has found the upper hand. The absence of L.A. Kings prospect Liam Greentree left the Windsor offense looking sluggish and ineffectual in game five.
Frontenacs Tie The Series At Two
The Kingston Frontenacs tied the series against Barrie at two earlier tonight with a 9-4 win on home ice. Vegas Golden Knights prospect Tuomas Uronen led his team, scoring a hattrick before the end of the second period.
Ottawa Senators prospect Luke Ellinas has points in both of Kitchener's wins in the series. His success could be a key to Kitchener's success.
Momentum is certainly on the Kitchener side after Friday's road win. However, winning four games against this potent Windsor offense feels like a tall task for any team in the OHL.
Brantford Bulldogs vs. Oshawa Generals - 3-2 lead for Oshawa.
Brantford won the first two games of this series before losing three straight. It is no coincidence that the Oshawa winning streak coincides with the injury to CHL top scorer Nick Lardis.
The elite forward scored at better than a goal-per-game pace during the season and still leads the Bulldogs in postseason points with 11 goals and four assists in seven games.
The Generals picked up the win in game five in no small part due to a fantastic effort by goaltender Jacob Oster, who made multiple spectacular saves in the third period to maintain the Generals' lead. The kicker for Bulldogs fans was Andrew Gibson, who injured Lardis, scoring the game winner late in game five.
The Bulldogs need to find a way to break down the Generals' defense more consistently if they want to force game seven.