Ottawa 67s (7-9-0)
The 67s played pretty well this week, despite only winning one of their two games. They are slowly but surely starting to look like a team that could squeak into the playoffs.
Kingston Frontenacs (2) at Ottawa 67s (1):
A very close and disappointing game for the 67s. The Frontenacs took a 1-0 lead, as their leading scorer, Henri Ikonen scored just 33 seconds into the game. Despite out shooting the Frontenacs 10-4, the 67s were down 1-0 after 20. There was no scoring in the second period, although there were some decent chances for both teams. The shots were 12-11 for the Frontenacs in the second frame, but the goaltenders Trudeau and Peressini stood tall. Joseph Blandisi tied the game a little less than nine minutes into the third period, continuing to have a very strong start to the season. But the Frontenacs would score the final goal of the game just under two minutes later, off of a Spencer Watson shot. The final shot count was 37-31 for Kingston.
Ottawa 67s (8) at Peterborough Petes (4):
In what was an offensive repeat from the week before, the 67s score 8 goals against the Petes again. The scoring started with Ryan Van Stralen putting the 67s up by one early. Dante Salituro would score the next goal of the game putting the 67s up 2-0, but not until 14 minutes into the first period. The Petes’ Matej Paulovic would bring Peterborough within one just under two minutes later. For the second game in a row, the 67s had the lead after being out shot. This time, 17-6. Joseph Blandisi put the 67s up 3-1 just over three minutes into the second frame. Van Stralen scored his second of the game five minutes later to give the 67s a commanding 4-1 lead, midway through the game. Just a couple minutes later, Blandisi decided he wanted two goals as well, scoring his 12th goal of the season, which leads the 67s. The Petes would answer though, just 15 seconds later, as Steven Lorentz brought the Petes back within three. Tyler Hill would widen the gap back to four goals however, to close out the scoring in the second period. The 67s were out shot again in that period, 15-10, but their goalie, Philippe Trudeau was keeping them in the game. Well, their goalie and the Petes’ goalie, Michael Giugovaz. The Petes would score two quick goals to start the third period off of shots by Lorentz and Eric Cornel, but that was the last of their goals. Brett Gustavsen scored twice in the third to give the 67s the win. The final shot count was 55-28. Thank you, Trudeau.
This Week’s 3 Stars:
1st Star: Philippe Trudeau. Trudeau posted a .934 save percentage this week. Which is even more impressive when you find out he faced 92 shots over the two games.
2nd Star: Joseph Blandisi. He continues to be the 67s’ best player, scoring 3 goals and 2 assists this week.
3rd Star: Ryan Van Stralen. Van Stralen has had a great season so far. He is without question the 67s’ top defensive forward. So the fact that he’s playing at a point-per-game pace is a huge bonus. 2 goals and 3 assists for him this week.