Eastern Conference Round 1 Review, Round 2 Preview

ROUND 2: REVIEW

Kingston Frontenacs (1) vs Oshawa Generals (8

Prediction:  Kingston in 4.
Actual result:  Kingston in 5.

NHL Prospects in the Second Round of OHL Playoffs – BY OHL TEAM

OR: BY NHL TEAM

BY OHL TEAM

Barrie Colts
#14 Kevin Labanc (SJS)
#15 Dylan Sadowy (SJS)
#19 Rasmus Andersson (CGY)
#22 Roy Radke (CHI)
#25 Julius Nattinen (ANA)
#26 Andrew Mangiapane (CGY)
#29 Mackenzie Blackwood (NJD)

2016 NHL Draft Eligible
#10 Justin Murray – NHL CS 171
#16 Ben Hawerchuk – NHL CS 159
#39 David Ovsjannikov – NHL CS 23 (goalies)

OHL Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

Ottawa (1) vs Barrie (3)

Friday, April 6, 2012 in Ottawa, 7:00pm (Rogers Sportsnet)
Sunday, April 8, 2012 in Ottawa, 2:00pm (Rogers 22)
Tuesday, April 10, 2012 in Barrie, 7:30pm (Rogers 22)
Thursday, April 12, 2012 in Barrie, 7:30pm (Rogers 22)
Friday, April 13, 2012 in Ottawa, 7:30pm (Rogers 22) **if necessary
Sunday, April 15, 2012 in Barrie, 7:30pm (Rogers 22) **if necessary
Tuesday, April 17, 2012 in Ottawa, 7:00pm (Rogers Sportsnet) **if necessary

Series preview to come shortly.

What you may have missed… Pre-game 5: Bulls @ 67’s

What you may have missed….

Suspension

After a spearing incident before game 2, Marc Zanetti’s OHL playoff fate was finally decided on Tuesday afternoon.  He was slapped with a 5 game suspension and won’t be available until game 7 if this current series goes that long.  Interesting to note, there was no video explanation for Zanetti’s suspension. I have attached a link to a video of the incident captured by from my phone.

Video here: http://www.twitvid.com/PD53R
Official word here: http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/article/ohl-announces-disciplinary-action/119767

Game 3

It was 3-1 going into the third period and it appeared the 67’s would take a 3-0 stranglehold on the series; however, the Bulls had other plans. Michael Curtis, Jake Worrad and the Bulls clawed their way back to tie the game to force overtime.  With momentum now in the Bulls favour, it took all of 14 seconds into the extra frame to decide the fate of the game.  Off the faceoff, Adam Payerl chipped a puck past rookie d-man Sean Callaghan creating a two-on-one rush. Jordan Mayer fired the puck top-shelf past Petr Mrazek to give the Bulls the overtime win and life in the playoff series.  The 67’s would now lead 2-1.

Game Summary: http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/schedule/show/game/61437

Game 4

After a heart-breaking overtime loss, one would think the 67’s would come out firing.  Instead, they became quickly frustrated after a series of undisciplined plays causing them to be short-hand for nearly half of the period.  Two quick goals and it was 2-0 Bulls before the 4 minute mark.

After taking 4 more penalties (8 straight), the 67’s began to regrouped in the second period and Petr Mrazek helped keep them in the game stopping all 14 shots in the period.  But Malcolm Subban was the difference as the 67’s had several great chances including a flurry of scoring opportunities late in the period. They were unable to capitalize. The score remained 2-0.

Austen Brassard gave the Bulls a 3-0 lead after he scored half way into the third period.  However, it was all but over.  Something clicked and the 67’s stormed back scoring three goals in a span of 7:15 to tie the game and force overtime.

Brady Austin stole the 67’s thunder after he fired a wrist shot past Mrazek who was screened by Jake Cardwell.  The Bulls tie the series at 2 with game 5 heading back to Ottawa Friday night.

Game summary: http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/schedule/show/game/61447

Thoughts.

Coming into this series, most thought it would be a walk in the park.  However, analyzing the regular season more closely gives you some other thoughts.

–Home ice advantage. The atmosphere plays a huge part, but in this series the ice surface has played a bigger part.  On the Olympic-sized ice, the 67’s struggle with part of their game.  The 67’s outscored the Bulls 24-4 in Ottawa, but only 17-14 in Belleville.  During the regular season, all the games were close 1-goal games with the exception to one 2-goal game.  The ice surface encourages speed and reduces physical play which has led to many 67’s wins this season.

–Lack of discipline.  The 67’s were the third least penalized team during the regular season, but they are now at the middle of the pack.  Good news is that the 67’s penalty kill is top in the playoffs at 95.5% success rate, but the undisciplined play has more importantly affected the momentum shifts during the games.  Their getting away from their game plan and getting caught in Belleville’s.

–The 67’s best players have not their best players this series. Generally speaking, Tyler Toffoli has been the only veteran to step up.  Petr Mrazek has shown flashes of brilliance, but no one has come close to what they showed in the regular season.  Toffoli needs to continue his good play, but the likes of Shane Prince, Dalton Smith, Cody Ceci and Sean Monahan need to find a spark to get them going again.

–Mrazek mediocre.  While Mrazek’s season hasn’t been as flashy as last season or his time during the 2012 World Junior Championships, his game has not been up to par.  He has been making some outstanding saves, but he also has let in some weak ones that he wishes he could have back.  Defense has to improve, but Mrazek needs to be there as well.

GAME PREVIEW: 67’s @ Generals

Radio:  CFRA 580 (Ottawa)
TV:  Rogers 22 (Ottawa)

Records
•  Ottawa:  5-2-1-0 (2nd in Eastern divison, 3rd in Eastern conference)
•  Oshawa:  4-4-0-1 (3rd in Eastern divison, 6th in Eastern conference)

The Ottawa travel to Oshawa tonight to take on the Generals for the first of 6 meetings this season.  The 67’s won last season’s series with a record of 4-2-0-0.  Of the current 67’s, Tyler Toffoli lead the way with 4 goals and 6 points in 6 games.  Meanwhile, Christian Thomas lead the way for the Gens with 2 goals and 14 points in 6 games.

The Gens are not off to the start they wanted.  In their first 7 games, their record was 2-3-0-1, but since then the Gens have won their last two games including a shootout win against the Mississauga Majors handing them only their second loss of the season.  Good news arrived for the Gens as they received Andy Andreoff back from the Los Angeles Kings in time for last night’s game.  He will make his season debut at home tonight.

Alike the 67’s and many teams in the league, the Gens have missed a lot of players due to NHL camps, injuries and suspensions.  Currently, the Gens have three players sitting out with major suspensions including Scott Sabourin, Mark Petaccio and Kyle Hope who each will not see game ice until late October.

The 67’s will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing effort in last night’s 4-1 loss to the Brampton Battalion.

Leading scorers
•  Ottawa:  Sean Monahan – 6 goals, 15 points in 7 games (6th in league, tied)
•  Oshawa:  Boone Jenner – 5 goals, 9 points in 8 games (n/a)

67′s Lineup changes
•  Dalton Smith – suspended (back Oct 27)
•  Ryan Martindale – signed with Oilers, re-assigned to Stockton Thunder of the ECHL (undetermined)
•  Shayne Campbell – travelled with the team and will backup Petr Mrazek

Known Generals Lineup changes
•  Kyle Hope – suspended 10 games for a hit to the head/interference on Sarnia’s Julian Luciani (back Oct 30)
•  Scott Sabourin – suspended 12 games for hit from behind vs Kingston (back Oct 28)
•  Mark Petacio – suspended 10 games for a hit to the head on Belleville’s Simon Gronvaldt (back Oct 23)

Generals NHL Draft Picks
•  Nicklas Jensen – Vancouver Canucks (round 1, #29 overall) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft
•  Boone Jenner – Columbus Blue Jackets (round 2, #37 overall) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft
•  Lucas Lessio – Phoenix Coyotes (round 2, #56 overall) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft
•  Andy Andreoff – Los Angeles Kings (round 3 #80 overall) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft
•  Colin Suellentrop – Philadelphia Flyers (round 4, #116 overall) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft
•  Christian Thomas – New York Rangers (round 2, #40 overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft
•  Scott Valentine – Anaheim Ducks (round 6, #166 overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft
•  Daniel Maggio – New York Rangers (round 6, #170 overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft

Generals Draft Hopefuls
•  Scott Laughton – ranked 26th on Red Line Report’s top-70, 30th on Future Considerations top-60 list & 24th on International Scouting Services top-50 list

Ottawa Connections
•  Scott Sabourin – Orleans, ON: Brockville Braves & Kanata Stallions (CJHL)
•  Scott Valentine – Metcalfe, ON: Hawkesbury Hawks alumni (CJHL)
•  Dan Altshuller – Nepean, ON: Nepean Raiders (CJHL) alumni, top goalie prospects for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

GAME REVIEW: Battalion @ 67’s

Radio:  Team 1200AM (Ottawa)
TV:  Rogers 22 (Ottawa), Rogers 10 (Brampton)

Records
•  Ottawa:  5-1-1-0 (2nd in Eastern divison, 3rd in Eastern conference)
•  Brampton:  4-2-0-0 (3rd in Central divison, 5th in Eastern conference)

The Brampton Battalion are in Ottawa tonight to take on the 67’s for the first of 4 meetings this season.  The 67’s won last season’s series with a record of 2-1-0-1, but both teams have some new faces and new roles on their respective roster.  The leading point getter for the 67’s was Thomas Nesbitt with 5 goals and 7 points in 4 games while Barclay Goodrow and Ian Watters had 1 goal and 3 points each in 4 games.  Thomas Nesbitt has since moved on from his OA season and Ian Watters is out 3 months after surgery on his wrist.

Some good news and bad news for Ottawa 67’s fans.  Bad news is that Ryan Martindale has signed a contact with the Edmonton Oilers and was recently re-assigned to the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL to get more icetime.  Good news is that Shane Prince returns to the lineup after being sidelined 6 games from a shoulder injury suffered in the hope opener against Belleville.

Ottawa 67’s are coming off a  4-1 redemption win over the Plymouth Whalers where OA winger Ben Dubois and Nicolas Foglia came up big.  Meanwhile the Brampton Battalion are coming of a big high after defeating the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors by a score of 5-1.  This marked Mississauga’s first loss of the season as they sit comfortably in first with a 8-1-0-0 record.  Dan Blujus lead the way with two goals.

Leading scorers
•  Ottawa:  Sean Monahan – 6 goals, 15 points in 7 games (6th in league, tied)
•  Brampton:  Dylan Blujus – 4 goals, 6 points in 6 games (n/a)

67’s Lineup changes
•  Dalton Smith – suspended (back Oct 27)
•  Ryan Martindale – signed with Oilers, re-assigned to Stockton Thunder of the ECHL (undetermined)
•  Shayne Campbell – lower body injury (day to day)
•  Shane Prince – returns to lineup after being sidelined with a shoulder injury in the home opener
•  David Perklin – returns to lineup after being sidelined with the flu bug
•  Karsten Pankurst – returns to lineup, called up to backup Petr Mrazek

Known Battalion Lineup changes
•  Mitchell Porowski – returns to lineup after his two game suspension for a slew-foot
•  Zach Bell – returns to lineup after be sidelined for six games
•  Adam Lloyd – sidelined with a head injury (day-to-day)
•  Connor Jarvis – sidelined with a high-ankle sprain (4-6 weeks)
•  Jordan Poirier – sidelined with a shoulder injury (1 week)
•  Ian Watters – sidelined after having surgery on wrist (3 months)

Battalion NHL Draft Picks
•  Sam Carrick – Toronto Maple Leafs (2010, Round 5, 144th overall)
•  Phil Lane – Phoenix Coyotes (2010, Round 2, 52nd overall)

Battalion Draft Hopefuls
•  Marcus McIvor – ranked 43 on Future Considerations top-60 list, ranked 35th on International Scouting Services top-50 list
•  Dylan Blujus – ranked 53rd on Future Considerations top-60 list

Ottawa Connections
•  Mitchell Porowski:  Ottawa, ON – Spent three seasons with the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL before signing with Brampton this year as a free agent in his OA season.  Former member of the Pembroke Lumber Kings & CJHL champion team in 2009-10.
•  Adam Lloyd:  Orleans, ON – Former member of the Gloucester Rangers (& former teammate of the 67’s own Remy Giftopolous)
•  Alex O’Neil:  Kemptville, ON – Former member of the Kemptville
•  Matej Machovsky:  invited to the Ottawa Senators rookie camp & competed in the NHL prospects tournament

Game Preview: Petes @ 67’s

Radio:  580 CRFA (Ottawa), 100.5 KRUZ FM (Peterborough)
TV:  Rogers TV (Ottawa),  Cogeco (Peterborough)

Records
•  Ottawa:  3-1-1-0 (2nd in Eastern divison, 3rd in Eastern conference)
•  Peterborough:  4-0-1-1 (1st in Eastern divison, 2nd in Eastern conference)

Leading scorers
•  Ottawa:  Sean Monahan – 6 goals, 12 points in 5 games (3rd in league, tied)
•  Peterborough:  Alan Quine – 3 goals, 10 points in 6 games (7th in league, tied)

Lineup changes
•  Dalton Smith – suspended (back Oct 27)
•  Shane Price – shoulder injury (1 week)
•  Ryan Martindale – still in AHL with Oklahoma City (undetermined)
•  David Perklin – flu (day-to-day)
•  Mike Vlajkov – flu (day-to-day)

The Ottawa 67’s return to the nations capital after a grueling western roadtrip last weekend.  They managed to get an average 3 points of a possible 6, losing only once in regulation to the contending Plymouth Whalers. 

The other loss was in overtime with the 67’s squandering a 3 goal to lead the Windsor Spitfires after going up early in the first period.  The game was full of questionable penalties on both sides and just a game the 67’s will want to forget.

Sean Monahan continues to shine, leading the team in scoring with 4 goals and 7 points in 3 games.  Tyler Toffoli came close with 2 goals and 6 points in 3 games.  The 67’s also saw some flashes of brillance with Petr Mrazek, Shayne Campbell, Cody Ceci and Tyler Graovac.

The 67’s will be in tough tonight when they face the Peterborough Petes for their second home game of the season.  The Petes are off to a suprising start with a record of 3-0-1-1, including 2 wins and a loss this past weekend.  The Petes have balanced scoring so far with Ottawa Senators prospect Matt Puempel leading the charge this past weekend.  Puempel had 3 goals and 7 points in 3 games while Ottawa-native Alan Quine had 1 goal and 5 points in 3 games. 

The Petes are coming in off their second game in two nights.  Last night they took on the contending Plymouth Whalers and defeated them 3-0.  Andrew D’Agostini earned the shutout with 34 saves on the night.

Petes NHL Draft Picks
•  Alan Quine – Detroit Red Wings (2011, Round 3, 85th overall)
•  Matt Puempel – Ottawa Senators (2011, Round 1, 24th overall)
•  Austin Watson – Nashville Predators (2010, Round 1, 18th overall)
•  Andrew Yogan – New York Rangers (2010, Round 4, 100th overall)
•  Derek Mathers – Philadelphia Flyers (2011, Round 7, 206th overall
•  Peter Ceresnak – New York Rangers (2011, Round 6, 172nd overall)

Petes Draft Hopefuls
•  Slater Koekkoek (arguably ranked in Top 30)

Ottawa Connections
•  Matt Puempel – drafted by the Ottawa Senators in 2011 NHL Entry Draft
•  Alan Quine – Ottawa native
•  Joey West – Orleans native
•  Slater Koekkoek – Mountain native

PREVIEW: Ottawa 67’s @ Plymouth Whalers

QUICK NOTES: Belleville Bulls @ Ottawa 67’s

The Ottawa 67’s will be looking for redemption as the Bulls roll into town for both teams regular season opener.  Last time these two teams faced each other was exactly a week ago where Belleville’s goaltending duo of Malcolm Subban and Charie Graham shut out the 67’s 3-0.  The review of that game can be found here.

The Ottawa 67’s will be announcing the new name of the Ottawa Civic Centre at centre ice before puck drop.  Companies are encouraged to buy two season tickets and are able to enter a contest to win naming rights of the Ottawa Civic Centre for the remainder of the Ottawa  67’s season.

Broadcast
Ottawa     AM Team1200
Belleville     AM 800 CJBQ

Pre-season Record
Ottawa 67′s     2-2-1
Belleville Bulls     5-1-0

Starting goaltenders
Ottawa 67′s              Petr Mrazek
Belleville Bulls        Malcolm Subban

Lineups Changes

Ottawa 67′s:  IN
Marc Zanetti – Returns from Vancouver Canucks main camp
Shane Prince – Returns from Ottawa Senators main camp
Petr Mrazek – Returns from Detroit Redwings  main camp
Dalton Smith – Returns from Columbus Blue Jackets  main camp
Tyler Graovac – Returns from Minnesota Wild main camp
David Perklin – Cleared to play after injuring hand in pre-season

Ottawa 67′s:  OUT
Michal Cajkovsky – Invited to LA Kings main camp
Tyler Toffoli – Invited to LA Kings main camp
Ryan Martindale – Invited to Edmonton Oilers  main camp

Belleville Bulls – IN
Austen Brassard – Returns from Winnipeg Jets rookie camp
Michael Curtis – Returns from Vancouver Canucks rookie camp
Simon Gronvaldt – Returns from Philadelphia Flyers rookie camp
Carter Sandlak – Returns from Minnesota Wild main camp
Stephen Silas – Returns from Colorado Avalanche main camp

Belleville Bulls – OUT
Adam Payerl – Invited to Columbus Blue Jackets main camp
Braeden Corbeth – injured
Danny Elser – suspended, 5 games
Mack Lemmon – injured
Daniil Zharkov – injured
Braeden Morris – injured
Scott Simmonds – injured

LATEST NEWS:

• The Bulls sign defenseman Jason Shaw after an impressive pre-season showing.
• The Bulls announced Brady Austin and Brendan Gaunce as the Bulls other two assistants captains.  They will join captain Luke Judson and assistant captain Stephen Silas.
• The Bulls 2011 seventh round pick Charlie Graham has committed to the Bulls.  He will be spending most of his time with the Wellington Dukes Jr. A team which is the Tier II affiliate for the Bulls.

OTHER NOTES:

• Alex Carnevale is the younger brother of former Ottawa 67, Jon Carnevale.
• Dylan Corson is the son of former Toronto Maple Leafs, Shane Corson.
• Malcolm Subban & Jordan Subban are the younger brothers of Montreal Canadiens defenseman PK Subban.

QUICK NOTES: Belleville @ Ottawa – Sept 16/11

The pre-season comes to close for both the Ottawa 67’s and Belleville Bulls.  Both teams will be competiting with a depleted line up due to players at main NHL camps and injuries.  Details of these lineups are listed below.

The 67’s and Bulls faced off once already this pre-season.  The 67’s fell to the Bulls by a score of 5-3.  Specialty teams were the difference while Ottawa played undiscipline and the Bulls were able to capitalize.  The review of that game can be found here.

Broadcast
Ottawa     AM Team1200
Belleville     AM 800 CJBQ

Pre-season Record
Ottawa 67’s     2-1-1
Belleville Bulls     4-1-0

Starting goaltenders
Ottawa 67’s     Karsten Pankhurst
Belleville Bulls    Malcolm Subban

Lineups Changes

Ottawa 67’s:  IN
Shayne Campbell – Returns from Philadelphia Flyers rookie camp
Steven Janes – Returns from Vancouver Canucks rookie camp

Ottawa 67’s:  OUT
Marc Zanetti – Invited to Vancouver Canucks main camp
Shane Prince – Invited to Ottawa Senators main camp
Michal Cajkovsky – Invited to LA Kings main camp as FA
Tyler Toffoli – Invited to LA Kings main camp
Tyler Graovac – Invited to Minnesota Wild main camp
Petr Mrazek – Invited to Detroit Redwings  main camp
Dalton Smith – Invited to Columbus Blue Jackets  main camp
Ryan Martindale – Injured at Edmonton Oilers rookie camp (hip flexor – undetermined) *still in Edmonton
David Perklin – Injured in pre-season game (broken finger – may be back for home opener)

Belleville Bulls – IN
Austen Brassard – Returns from Winnipeg Jets rookie camp
Michael Curtis – Returns from Vancouver Canucks rookie camp**
Simon Gronvaldt – Returns from Philadelphia Flyers rookie camp**
**note: The Bulls official site lists only Austen Brassard returning, but Vancouver and Philadelphia do no have them listed on their main camp roster.

Belleville Bulls – OUT
Carter Sandlak – Invited to Minnesota Wild camp as FA
Stephen Silas – Invited to Colorado Avalanche camp as FA
Adam Payerl – Invited to Columbus Blue Jackets camp as FA
Braeden Corbeth – injured
Danny Elser – injured
Mack Lemmon – injured
Daniil Zharkov – injured
Braeden Morris – injured

OTHER NOTES: 
Alex Carnevale is the younger brother of former Ottawa 67, Jon Carnevale.
Dylan Corson is the son of former Toronto Maple Leafs, Shane Corson.
Malcolm Subban & Jordan Subban are the younger brothers of Montreal Canadiens defenseman PK Subban.