Knight Watch: Seeking for answers

Brett Brochu isn’t coming back any time soon. The Knights need to find ways to win without their star goalie. Up next? Three games in three days. Columnist Jake Jeffrey tees up the weekend with the latest news, notes and numbers.

Isaiah George (left) and Ruslan Gazizov represented the Knights at the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game on Wednesday, March 23 in Kitchener. (Photo: Luke Durda / OHL Images).

* * *

Coming off a lopsided loss to Sarnia last Sunday, the Knights have their sights set on a three-game weekend against Owen Sound, Kitchener, and Guelph, where they hope to make up some ground in the Western Conference.

The absence of goaltender Brett Brochu was once again noticeable last weekend, as the Knights were outscored 15-12 in the two games (a win and a loss).

That included a 10-4 loss in Sarnia Sunday which was particularly concerning for a couple of reasons — The double digit goals against, of course, and the dreadful third period which saw Sarnia score seven (unanswered) goals and outshoot London 19-4.

There’s no way to sugarcoat a loss like that. It was ugly.

Sunday aside, London’s offense has kept them in games, led by captain Luke Evangelista who has 48 goals on the season — eight more than the OHL’s next highest goal scorer. The Knights’ top line of Evangelista, Antonio Stranges and Sean McGurn have been lights out as a group (we’ll get to the exact numbers in a bit).

Despite not playing since Sunday (a nice rest after a lengthy busy stretch), London (35-18-2-1) locked up a playoff spot this week, and with success this weekend they could firm up their grip atop the Midwest Division. They’re at 73 points heading into action Friday, eight points ahead of both Guelph and a red-hot Owen Sound Attack squad (unbeaten in regulation since Feb. 23, a loss to … London). The Storm, meanwhile, have been victorious in their last three meetings with the Knights.

The big story remains the injury status of Brett Brochu, who had minor surgery for the ankle injury he suffered back on March 9 in a game against Kitchener. He’s missed the last seven games, and the Knights have certainly felt his absence. Owen Willmore recorded his third OHL win last week, while newcomer Aiden Berry took the loss in his OHL debut in Sarnia Sunday.

Though the Knights didn’t play this week, two players did find themselves in action. Ruslan Gazizov and Isaiah George participated at the CHL Top Prospects showcase games in Kitchener Wednesday, adding to London’s legacy at the event. The Knights have had a CHL record 35 players take part since 1996.

Sean McGurn has scored in five straight games heading into the weekend, tallying 10 points during that span. (Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).

* * *

UPCOMING GAMEDAYS

Friday (March 25, 7:30pm) vs. Owen Sound Attack (29-23-4-3)

The Attack are one of the hottest teams in the league with points in 13 straight games — 10 of those being wins. London has won all eight matchups between the two teams this season, although Brett Brochu was in net for all eight of those wins. Rookie Colby Barlow has six goals in his last six games for the Attack.

Saturday (March 26, 4:00pm) vs. Kitchener Rangers (25-27-2-2)

Earlier this year, Kitchener couldn’t buy a win against London. But now their roles have reversed, with the Rangers winning the last three meetings between the teams. Reid Valade has eight goals in eight games against London, while Mike Petizian has 10 points in the season series. Paval Cajan has been in net for all three of Kitchener’s wins.

Sunday (March 27, 7:00pm) @ Guelph Storm (29-20-5-2)

This will be the tenth meeting this season between the Knights and Storm, who were two of the league’s hottest teams to start the season. Both have since endured their struggles, and Guelph has dropped six of their last 10. Danny Zhilkin is the only Storm player averaging a point per game in the season series, with five goals and nine points against the Knights this year. 

A LOOK AT THE LOCALS

Londoner Bryce McConnell-Barker helped the Soo Greyhounds extend their streak of sending players to the CHL Top Prospects game for a 12th straight year. Another local product, Hunter Haight (Strathroy, Ont.), of the Barrie Colts, also played in the game.

Liam Van Loon has four goals in his last five games, giving the Niagara IceDogs overage forward 16 on the season.

Michael Simpson has won seven of his last nine starts as he’s been getting the bulk of the playing time for the Peterborough Petes.

KNIGHTS BY THE NUMBERS

London’s top line of Luke Evangelista, Antonio Stranges, and Sean McGurn has combined for 13 goals and 32 points over their last four games.

Speaking of the trio, they have scored 10 of London’s last 11 game-winning goals. Gerard Keane has the other.

Last week’s shootout loss to Guelph was London’s first shootout loss of the season. They had won their other four shootout games previously.

Despite missing the last two weeks, Brett Brochu is still tied for the league lead in wins with 29.