Wednesday Night Rivalries

On Wednesday, November 8th, two of the biggest rivalries in the OHL are playing; Flint vs. Saginaw & Kitchener vs. Owen Sound. Flint and Saginaw are playing their third matchup of the season, while Kitchener and Owen Sound are playing their fourth. 

The inner-state rivalry continues between the Flint Firebirds & Saginaw Spirit. The Firebirds won the last matchup on October 29th, where Gavin Hayes and Zacharie Giroux extended their matching point streaks to eleven games. 

With the recent return of Braeden Kressler, Flint is looking increasingly dangerous offensively. Kressler is on a point streak since rejoining the Firebirds, and Hayes & Giroux are having breakout seasons thus far. Dallas Stars draft pick Tristan Bertucci has had a solid start after his hot streak to end last season. His two-way game makes him utilizable in any on-ice situation. Flint has moved up to second in the West Division, with a 7-6 record in a weak division. 

Acquired recently from the Firebirds, Ethan Hay is looking to continue his "revenge tour" against Flint. He got an assist in the loss, to add to his successful season thus far. The defensively-reliable centre has added some much-needed centre depth to the Spirit lineup. Saginaw has won two-straight games, including an impressive 6-5 win over the first-placed Steelheads. 

Currently on a six-game point streak, Michael Misa is the player to watch in this game, especially in the offensive zone. Misa hasn't been missing many chances this season, despite being out short-term for an injury. He has 16 points including 8 goals on the year. With two goals in their last game against Flint, Misa is the player to watch tonight. 

Kitchener and Owen Sound faceoff for the fourth time this season, as the Attack currently lead the season series 2-1. Even though the Rangers lead the Western Conference with an 11-5 record, they have struggled against the Attack. 

In Kitchener's only win against Owen Sound, they smothered the opposition in the offensive zone. The Attack didn't have much zone time and they didn't get many high-quality scoring opportunities. Carson Rehkopf and Hunter Brzustewicz are at the top of the league's scoreboard in terms of points, and they will have to step up offensively again. The Rangers are going to have to play to their offensive strengths to win this game on the road.

Where the Attack have been able to take advantage, is with their physicality and size. Owen Sound takes pride in being difficult to play against, and with Kitchener's abundance of skill, they have been able to shut it down. They have scored 13 goals through the three games against Kitchener, as their physicality has resulted in more room on the ice. 

Guindon has five points through the three games against Kitchener, including three in their last matchup. He has 17 on the season, and has been electric for the Attack. The Habs prospect has been the only consistent source of offence for Owen Sound, and has continuously stepped up to the plate. Guindon is the player to watch in this matchup, as he has the ability to separate himself from the defence and find open space with ease.

Puck drops at 7:00pm EST, between the Western Conference-leading Kitchener Rangers, & Colby Barlow and the Owen Sound Attack.