The Mississauga Steelheads and Oshawa Generals have each clinched their spots in the 2024 OHL Playoffs with wins on Sunday.
As the race to clinch the postseason continues in the OHL, Mississauga and Oshawa both clinched their spots with wins on Sunday.
Mississauga and Oshawa are two teams involved in a very tight race in the Eastern Conference. Ottawa, Mississauga, Oshawa, and North Bay are each within 3 points of each other. The 67's should be clinching within their next game or two, as there is a 7 point gap between them and Kingston below them in 7th.
Oshawa has 67 points, and Mississauga has 66. The Generals beat the Barrie Colts yesterday by a score of 5-2, while the Steelheads beat Sudbury in a tight 4-3 game.
The Oshawa Generals have taken a lot of steps this season. Last season, they were a bottom-feeder team. This year, they are in that middle-tier with Mississauga. They are hopeful contenders, but there are low expectations of the Generals making it far in the playoffs.
Colorado Avalanche prospect Calum Ritchie has been leading the way in all three zones for Oshawa with his two-way game and hockey sense. The trio of draft eligibles – Beckett Sennecke, Ben Danford, & Luca Marrelli — have also been playing big-time minutes for the Gens.
In goal, Jacob Oster has been sensational, labelled one of the league's top netminders this season.
Their defensive acquisitions at the trade deadline have gone a long way. Connor Punnett and Zack Sandu have taken a lot of defensive responsibility — something Oshawa lacked previously. These two are veteran defenders, and they know what it takes to win in the postseason.
In Mississauga, the youngsters are leading the way. Luke Misa and Porter Martone have been outstanding offensively, each surpassing previous expectations of themselves this season.
Misa has established himself as a top round pick with his quickness and fiery offensive creativity, while Martone has emerged as a top 2025 NHL Draft prospect with his nifty skill around the net and shot release.
In the crease, the Steelheads are one of the youngest teams in the league. Ryerson Leenders (born in 2006) & Jack Ivankovic (born in 2007) have been carrying the load themselves this season. Both have been very impressive given their lack of experience in this league.
Oshawa and Mississauga have become the 4th and 5th teams to clinch playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The gap below them is widening, as Kingston is 9 points up on Barrie in 7th, and Barrie is 8 points up on Peterborough for the final spot.
All that's left to determine in the East is playoff matchups — and for that, the margins are narrow.