The Generals smothered North Bay in Game 3 and now hold a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals
Oshawa entered game three 5-0 on the road in the playoffs. North Bay entered 5-0 at home. One of these teams lost their perfect record and unfortunately, it was the home team.
"It's a pretty unique environment at this time of year. We know we're going to get a good fanbase there and the 7th Man will be in full force. That's a good advantage for us." Battalion Head Coach Ryan Oulahen said to the media following game two regarding playing at home in the playoffs.
In search for more offense, Oulahen loaded up his top line moving Sandis Vilmanis up with Dalyn Wakely and Owen Van Steensel. Jacob Therrien moved down to play with Justin Ertel and Liam Arnsby.
North Bay's Andrew LeBlanc was hauled down on his way to the net drawing the game's first powerplay less than three minutes in. Immediately off the ensuing faceoff, Owen Van Steensel erupted the arena scoring his fifth of the post-season five seconds into the powerplay.
Colorado Avalanche first-round pick Calum Ritchie had himself a night. A two-goal three-point performance and it was he who got the ball rolling for the Generals, scoring late in the first period on a delayed penalty off a beautiful dish by Beckett Sennecke.
Stuart Rolofs scored for the third straight game early in the second before Owen Van Steensel tied the game up. Or so we thought. First, the linesmen reviewed for an offside on the zone entry before the goal. Then the refs reviewed for goaltender interference.
After a lengthy review and the crowd starting to boo, the call was made and Van Steensel's goal was overturned due to goalie interference.
It went from bad to worse for the Battalion as Connor Lockhart and Beckett Sennecke (who flashed his high-end skill for a dazzling goal) added to Oshawa's lead to go up 4-1.
Then things went from worse to horrible as North Bay's Brice Cooke was assessed a game misconduct for a cross-check. Discipline once again was a factor in this game for Ryan Oulahen's team, who mentioned the need to be more disciplined after game two's loss.
Thankfully, nothing was generated from the five-minute powerplay as the Generals took two penalties halfway through their man advantage. But North Bay still trailed by three goals heading into the third period.
A scary sight for Oshawa fans to start the third as defenseman Connor Punnett threw a massive open ice hit but had his left leg tangled up with Sandis Vilmanis as they both went to the ice. Punnett needed assistance getting off the ice and didn't put any pressure on that left leg. The Dallas Stars prospect has been a huge addition for the Generals since coming over from Barrie.
Vilmanis was okay after taking that heavy hit from Punnett, and on the shift right after got North Bay within two with plenty of time left in the period.
The cheers and adrenaline were short-lived as Calum Ritchie struck a dagger for his second of the game and regained Oshawa's three-goal lead.
Jacob Oster is making a name for himself in these OHL Playoffs. After recording a 22-save shutout in game two, he was terrific once again in game three with 39 saves on 41 shots.
Oshawa has the opportunity to complete the sweep Wednesday night and book their ticket to the OHL Finals.
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