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Knight Watch: London needs three of a possible four points this weekend to secure fourth in the Western Conference; Henry Brzustewicz and Braidy Wassilyn eye milestone goals; Formidable foes ahead in Windsor Friday at home, Flint on road Saturday.
For the first time in months, the London Knights enter a weekend in fourth place in the Western Conference.
With London’s 6-2 win over Guelph Wednesday night, and Sault Ste. Marie’s loss to Saginaw, the Knights leapfrogged the Greyhounds for the fourth spot and home-ice advantage in the first round — at least for now.
Both teams have two games remaining. The Knights hold a one-point edge as well as the tie breaker.
But they have a tough schedule, too, as they’ll face Windsor Friday and Flint on Saturday, two teams higher in the standings. The Soo, meanwhile, plays Saginaw on Friday and Windsor on Sunday. The Spirit are eighth in the Western Conference, but they just recently beat the Greyhounds earlier this week. The West Division champion has yet to be determined, which adds another layer of intrigue to this weekend’s matchups, as both the Firebirds and Spitfires have something to play for.
As mentioned, the Knights do hold the tiebreaker (with three more regulation or overtime wins than the Soo), so London needs three of a possible four points to guarantee home ice in the first round. The last time the Knights didn’t have home ice in the opening round was back in 2018 when they finished fifth in the conference (two points behind Owen Sound). They ended up losing to the Attack in four games that season.
A handful of players are chasing personal milestones this weekend. Henry Brzustewicz and Braidy Wassilyn both sit two goals shy of 20 for the season (for the first time in their careers). Jaxon Cover scored his 20th of the season against Guelph on Wednesday, although he needs just two points in the final two games to reach 50. Ryan Brown‘s next goal will be the 50th of his OHL career.
The OHL released the results of its annual coaches poll, where bench bosses from around the league vote on players from their conference in a number of categories. No current Knights earned honours, but former Knight Sam O’Reilly was voted the Western Conference’s smartest player, best on faceoffs, and best defensive forward — not a surprise for those who watched him during his time in London.
UPCOMING GAMEDAYS
Friday (March 20, 7:00pm) vs. Windsor Spitfires (43-15-6-2, 2nd in Western Conference)
The Knights had a disappointing effort in Windsor last weekend, registering only 18 shots in an 8-2 loss. The Spitfires have had the Knights’ number this season, winning four of the five matchups so far. The last time Windsor beat London four times in a single season was back in 2010-11. They haven’t won five since 2008-09. In their last two meetings, Windsor has outscored London 14-3. Jack Nesbitt and Liam Greentree both have three goals in the season series. Greentree leads the team with 69 points this season, 15 of which have come in his last nine games. The forward has 323 career points, most among active OHLers. Beksultan Makysh is ninth in rookie scoring with 39 points. Joey Costanzo is among the league leaders in goals-against average and save percentage. His 106 career regular season wins is fourth all time. He won’t be able to catch former Knight Joseph Raaymakers, who is third with 109. Just seven goalies in league history have won 100 games. The Spitfires have very good special teams, with the top penalty kill and the second best powerplay.
Saturday (March 21, 7:00pm) @ Flint Firebirds (43-17-4-3, 3rd in Western Conference)
Nathan Aspinall is second in OHL scoring with 92 points. Kevin He has been a tremendous addition to the Firebirds’ offence. The former Niagara captain has 23 goals and 43 points in 31 games since joining Flint. The Firebirds won their 43rd game of the season last week, the most single season wins in franchise history since the team moved from Plymouth. Mason Vaccari‘s 35 wins is second most in the OHL this season. He’s one of just three goaltenders to play more than 3,000 minutes.
KNIGHTS BY THE NUMBERS
20 – Jaxon Cover scored his 20th of the season Wednesday night, giving London three 20-goal scorers in the lineup with Ryan Brown and Braiden Clark both at 22. Henry Brzustewicz and Braidy Wassilyn can join the club this weekend. Both have 18 goals on the season.
40 – The Knights enter the weekend with 39 wins. They’ll get two opportunities to reach 40, which would extend their streak of 40-win seasons to four.
8 – The Knights have won an impressive eight overtime games this season.
16 – London’s success in one-goal games this season has been a difference maker. They’re 16-4-4-1 in games decided by a single goal.
A LOOK AT THE LOCALS
A number of local players were highlighted in the annual OHL Coaches Poll.
In the Eastern Conference, Harrison Franssen of the Oshawa Generals was voted most underrated player and was tied for third-best defensive forward. Niagara’s Ryan Roobroeck was named the third most dangerous player in the goal area, as well as the second best shot, and second hardest shot in the conference. Peterborough’s Brennan Faulkner was third most improved and tied for third best defensive forward. Brantford’s Jett Luchanko was voted best skater and third best on faceoffs.
In the Western Conference, Kitchener captain Cameron Reid was voted third best offensive defenseman, and Parker Snelgrove of Guelph was voted third best on faceoffs.
