Yet another week of winning is in the books for the Ottawa 67’s, and no other game has been as important as one of the games over the weekend. It was certainly an interesting weekend to say the least so let’s get to the review!
Week 15 review
@Kingston: In last weeks article, I said the Fronts aren’t even close to the 67’s talent wise, and I had a good scare early in the game. The Frontenacs got on the board first, something the 67’s are accustomed to. It was Jordan Frasca getting the Fronts on the board, and just like that it was 1-0 Kingston. The 67’s didn’t respond until early in the second period, and it came from an unlikely source. Adam Varga found a big rebound at the side of the net, and being all alone, he quickly deposited it into the back of the net to tie the game at 1. Not 3 minutes later, 15 year old phenom Shane Wright would score his 17th goal of the season. Wright was just recently given an ‘A’ by the Fronts. Even as a 67’s fan, you have to acknowledge just how special this kid is. He is going to be a thorn in the side of the 67’s for years to come, and I’m excited to watch him develop into a legitimate superstar in the league. It wasn’t until this moment the 67’s remembered how much better they are than the Kingston Frontenacs. The rest of the 2nd period became the Ottawa 67’s show. Marco Rossi scored twice, Adam Varga scored his second of the game and 3rd of the season, and Jack Beck scored his 3rd of the season as well. The 67’s would tack on 2 more goals in the 3rd period to win the game 7-2. I picked the 67’s to win, but I didn’t see a blowout like this one coming. My predictions record improves to 24-7
Vs. Peterborough: This was the game the 67’s needed to win. As we all know by now, the 67’s and Petes have been in a tight race for the number 1 spot in the East for the past couple of weeks. The winner of the game would also win the number 1 spot for the time being. Once the game began, the 67’s had a golden opportunity to score the first goal of the game, but Hoefenmayer put it off the bar. The trend would continue in this one. What a surprise, the Petes scored the first goal. I don’t know how this happens so often without consequence for the 67’s. Giving up the first goal of the game is deflating for many teams, but not this one. It seems to fuel them, and as dumb as it sounds, at times it feels like that’s what gets the going. It makes no sense to me, but that’s how it’s been for the 67’s this year. Like the Kingston game, the 67’s started playing. The Petes would only score 1 goal in the game, while the 67’s would score 6 unanswered goals. The 67’s rallied to take the most important game of the season so far by a score of 6-1. My predictions record in now 25-7. Marco Rossi is on a tear scoring 5 goals in 2 games over the weekend. With the win, the 67’s have sole possession of the number 1 spot in the East. Don’t forget, the 67’s as of right now have 3 games in hand over Peterborough. The Petes play tonight (Tuesday) at 6 p.m. and the 67’s will soon have 4 games in hand. Ottawa is in a great spot to win the East and just have to worry about them for now. The Ottawa 67’s have now won 13 straight games.
Here is a look at the standings after week 15.
Week 16 preview
@Oshawa: The Generals are in free fall mode and don’t appear to have any way to stop it. After starting the season the way they did, it’s a surprise to see them 12 points behind the 67’s. The Generals don’t seem to be a threat to catch Ottawa as of right now, but should they be able to catch fire like they did early on things could quickly change. We know the Generals have plenty of talent, and I have been picking the Generals to beat the 67’s the last couple of meetings, but the 67’s seem to be hitting that next level. Over the last 5 seasons against the Generals, the 67’s are 23-7-3-2. They have had the Generals number even during the years where the Gens were serious Memorial Cup contenders. Ottawa beat the Generals the last time these two teams met, and that was without Marco Rossi. I expect nothing different this time around. I haven’t predicted an overtime game in a while, but I’ve got the 67’s winning this game 6-5 in overtime after Marco Rossi gets the overtime goal.
Vs. Kingston: Please note this game is being played on Thursday January 2nd at 2 p.m. at TD Place. Back at it against the Fronts for the second time in two weeks. This season, the 67’s are 4-0 against the Fronts including 2 overtime wins earlier this season. Much like I said last week, the Fronts aren’t on the same level the 67’s are. The 67’s have been exceptional on home ice this season to boot, and the Fronts are one of the weaker teams in the OHL. The Fronts are going to beat the 67’s once this season in my opinion, but I don’t think its going to be at this meeting. There is plenty to like about this Kingston team and they are going to be fun to watch in the near future, but it isn’t there yet. They are young and aren’t ready to compete. I don’t think this game is going to be a blow out by any means, but the 67’s are going to win this game comfortably by a score of 5-1. I can’t say enough good things about Kingston and the group they are building, but to put it simply, they aren’t ready this season.
Vs. Erie: They 67’s and Otters will meet for the second time this season. The last time these two met was in Erie on November 2nd where the 67’s bested the Otters by a score of 2-0. The game was close and the 67’s didn’t get to dictate the game in the same way they so often do against other teams. Cedrick Andree was lights out in the game against the Otters this season and won the 67’s the game with a 32 save shut out. The Otters don’t have that one player that is going to wow you, but they have built a team that is sitting in 8th in the West as of right now. Despite being 8th in the West, they are only 10 points behind the first place Saginaw Spirit. The win streak has been long, and if the previous 2 games go the way I have predicted, it will be at 15 games. It’s going to end at some point and I have a feeling its going to be at the hand of the Erie Otters this weekend. I’m taking the Otters by a slim 3-2 margin.
So there you have it. The 67’s are in control of the East as of 5 p.m. on Tuesday. They have a long winning streak that I think is going to end this weekend but not before they get it to 15 games.
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