Knights’ second test: Erie in Round 2

Knight Watch: After sweeping Owen Sound, London takes on the No. 5 Erie Otters in the second round of the OHL playoffs; Columnist Jake Jeffrey previews the matchup — and predicts the rest of the OHL series …

(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).

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The Owen Sound Attack showed resilience, but the London Knights were too much to handle during their first round playoff series. Coming off one of the best regular seasons in league history, the odds were very much in London’s favour — and they proved why, scoring 27 goals en route to a four-game sweep. That helped them improve to a perfect 10-0 against the Attack this season.

Denver Barkey led the way offensively, with five goals and 12 points. Easton Cowan and Sam Dickinson both had nine points apiece.

Rob Simpson, the Knights’ associate general manager, says there was plenty of pushback from the underdog Attack.

“Even though it was only four games, they were all pretty tight and could have gone either way for the most part,” Simpson told Gameday London. “They were a very physical and hard-working team in Owen Sound. It was a good series for us to prepare for what’s coming with Erie.”

The Otters are coming off their first postseason series win since they won the OHL Championship in 2017. They were the only lower seed (No. 5) to win their first round series, beating Saginaw (No. 4) in five games.

Simpson says the Otters are a tough team with some top-level talent. 

“They have some high players for the draft and some older guys as well. And they have very solid goaltending,” he said. “Whenever we played them this season they were tight, competitive games, and we’re expecting much of the same.”

Two of Erie’s top players are likely to make their postseason debut this series. Both Carey Terrance (Anaheim Ducks) and Matthew Schaefer are nearing a return to action after significant absences. Schaefer, a top prospect for this year’s draft, hasn’t played since getting injured at the World Juniors.

Martin Misiak leads the Otters in scoring with seven goals and 12 points, while Sam Alfano and Pano Fimis both had 11 points in their first-round series win over Saginaw.

London will host Games 1 and 2 on Thursday and Saturday before the series shifts to Erie Tuesday and Thursday next week. 

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While the Knights prepare for their second round foe, they’re also making final preparations for the OHL Priority Selection. After finishing first overall for the second straight season, the Knights will have the final pick in the first round, 23rd overall.

Simpson says it’s looking like a strong draft with plenty of depth.

(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).

“Not just the first- and second-round picks, but looking beyond that, there’s a lot of potential for guys to come into the league and be good players,” the associate GM told Gameday London. “It makes it exciting for us preparing for the draft because there are going to be those guys you really like and want to pick, even later in the draft.”

Last year, the Knights drafted Logan Hawery with their first-round pick. Three other selections also made their OHL debuts this season, including Caleb Mitchell, Jaxon Cover and Eddie Hickson. The first three rounds will be held Friday night, with rounds four through 15 following on Saturday.

The Knights had six players recognized in the annual OHL Coaches Poll, with some receiving multiple honours.

Among Western Conference coach voting, Sam Dickinson was voted the second best offensive defenseman and third third best skater in the conference. Oliver Bonk’s point totals were down compared to last year, but his focus on the defensive side didn’t go unnoticed, as he was voted the conference’s second best defensive defenseman, and third best shot blocker.

Easton Cowan was voted second best shootout shooter and third best penalty killer (he was successful on his only shootout attempt this season and finished with seven shorthanded points). Denver Barkey was voted second best stickhandler, third smartest player, and third best playmaker. Sam O’Reilly was voted best defensive forward, while Kasper Halttunen was the leading vote getter for best shot and hardest shot.

(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).

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OHL Playoffs: 2nd Round — London Knights (1) vs. Erie Otters (5)

Game 1: Thurs. Apr. 10 (7:00pm @ London)
Game 2: Sat. Apr. 12 (7:00pm @ London)
Game 3: Tues. Apr. 15 (7:00pm @ Erie)
Game 4: Thurs. Apr. 17 (7:00pm @ Erie)
Game 5: Fri. Apr. 18 (7:00pm @ London) (If necessary)*
Game 6: Sun. Apr. 20 (4:00pm @ Erie) (If necessary)*
Game 7: Tues. Apr. 22 (7:00pm @ London) (If necessary)*

KNIGHTS BY THE NUMBERS

28 - The Knights’ top line of Easton Cowan, Denver Barkey, and Sam O’Reilly combined for 28 points in the four games against Owen Sound.

11 - The Knights were dominant out of the gates in round one, outscoring Owen Sound 11-2 in the first period of the four games.

3 - Noah Read had three goals and an assist in the series-clinching win, helping him earn OHL Rookie of the Week honours.

A LOOK AT THE LOCALS

- Ilderton’s Owen Van Steensel had three goals and eight points to help the Barrie Colts defeat the Niagara IceDogs in five games.

- Ryan Roobroeck’s tremendous sophomore season came to an end after Niagara fell to Barrie in the first round. Playing in his first OHL playoffs, Roobroeck had three goals and six points in five games.

AROUND THE OHL

East

Brantford (1) vs Oshawa (4) - Oshawa in 6

In a deep Eastern Conference, I wouldn’t be surprised if either of these teams reach the OHL Final. Both are built for it. The Bulldogs need to generate more offence at even strength, something they’ve struggled to do at times this season. Both teams have some high-scoring talent, as well as top tier goaltending. The Generals have a decent amount back from last year’s conference championship team, and that gives them the slight edge for me.

Barrie (2) vs Kingston (3) -  Barrie in 6

Similar to the other East matchup, both these teams have championship-caliber rosters. Both teams added veteran experience at the deadline, with Barrie welcoming the high-scoring trio from North Bay, and Kingston bolstering their roster with some Memorial Cup Champions from Saginaw. For me, the Colts have the slight edge in this one, but look out if Kingston jumps out to an early series lead.

West

London (1) vs Erie (5) -  London in 5

Erie will likely see the return of both Carey Terrance (Anaheim Ducks) and Matthew Schaefer, who both have missed a stretch of time with injury. This will be a big boost for the Otters, who despite having their best roster in almost a decade, will have their work cut out for them against a juggernaut team from London. I can see Erie stealing a game or two, but I don’t see them beating London four times, and to be fair, most teams would be hard pressed to do so.

Windsor (2) vs Kitchener (3) - Kitchener in 6

Kitchener will need to keep in check the dynamic duo of Liam Greentree and Ilya Protas, who combined for 30 points in five games against the Soo. Goaltender Jackson Parsons will need to be the difference maker in this series. If he is, I will give them the edge. If not, the Rangers will be in tough.