THE GAME DAY GAZETTE

Down 2-0 in the series to the Ottawa 67’s, returning home to the Tribute Communities Centre on Tuesday provides the Generals an opportunity to get back into the series.

After dropping Game 1 by a score of 7-0, the Generals came out with something to prove on Sunday, putting on a much better showing despite still losing the game 3-2. Coming home on Tuesday night is a chance to use home ice to their advantage, something that has been a difference when these two teams meet.

In four games at home, this year against the 67’s the Generals went 1-2-0-1, with three of those games being one-goal games. This is compared to a 0-3-0-1 record in Ottawa, where the Generals were outscored 24-12 in four games. Add in the two playoff games and it’s a 0-5-0-1 record with a daunting goal differential of 34-14. With the games clearly closer in nature when they play in Oshawa, Tuesday and Thursday give the Generals a chance to claw their way back into the series.

Last Meeting:

Sunday night in Gatineau was one of the better efforts the Generals put forth all season. With Thursday night’s result looming over their heads, the Generals had a point to prove on Sunday. Oshawa held the host 67’s goalless in the first period and even kept their shots to just eight in the frame. Ottawa did however break out to a 2-0 lead early in the second period, leading many to believe the game was over already. Beckett Sennecke calmed the nerves of many across GensNation, breaking the ice for the visitors. Ottawa would regain their two-goal lead before Calum Ritchie made it interesting, bringing the score to 3-2 with nine minutes remaining. It’s as close as the Generals would get as they did drop the game 3-2, with Jacob Oster stopping 30/33 shots.

Players To Watch

Calum Ritchie Logan Morrison Jacob Oster

Despite coming home down two games, it isn’t the fault of goaltender Jacob Oster. In the opening game of the series, Oster faced a season-high 56 shots, and in many instances, dealt with a majority of a period in his own zone. Without the stellar play on Thursday night, the 7-0 scoreline could have looked a lot worse. Fast-forward to Sunday afternoon and Oster was once again Oshawa’s star. Making 30 saves on 33 shots, Oster was able to quell a number of high-danger chances from the 67’s, including shutting down the likes of Luca Pinelle, Pavel Mintyukov and even Logan Morrison on multiple chances. Oster will need to continue his high-level of play to steal a game in this series.

The projected first-round pick in the upcoming NHL-draft has found his groove once again since returning from a shoulder injury. Since making his return, Calum Ritchie has been able to lead the pace of play every time he’s on the ice, creating chances out of what looks like broken plays. With the Generals’ offense only converting for two goals in the last two games, Ritchie has still been a driving force on offense, and was rewarded with Oshawa’s second goal on Sunday afternoon. Ritchie will want to put in a big night in front of the home crowd to help his team get back into the series.

When the OHL playoffs get started, it’ll be hard to find a player across the league more ready to go than Logan Morrison. With points in both home games, including two goals on Sunday afternoon, Morrison has extended his playoff point streak to a whopping 21 games, dating back to his OHL championship with the Hamilton Bulldogs last spring. Every time he’s on the ice he poses a threat to break the game wide open, and if the Generals want to win this first-round matchup, they’ll need to find a way to shut Morrison down.