Let's give the Kitchener Rangers some kudos.
The club took on Sarnia and Erie in two winnable games, after two straight losses nonetheless, and did what they had to do -- defeat the clubs they are supposed to beat.
Tuesday will be another test when the London Knights -- and they're 11-game unbeaten streak -- arrive at the Aud.
Want to go far in the post-season? Want to send a message to the league that you're still an elite club? Then the answer is easy -- take out the league's hottest team on home ice.
The teams have split the season series so far -- Kitchener won 2-1 in London, the Knights won 4-3 at the Aud.
Speaking of that London streak, it has Ryan Pyette over at the Free Press talking about another Memorial Cup run. He figures the Hunters will go all in and get the biggest fish at the trade deadline.
***
Defenceman Jared Gilbert (concussion) is improving, but will not play Tuesday vs. the Knights while rookie forward Darby Llewellyn and centre Josh Sterk remain out with concussions.
***
Andrew Crescenzi is picking up the pace with the San Francisco Bulls (ECHL). He now has one goal and three assists in eight games. Crescenzi is eligible to be an OA in Kitchener, though the Leafs (who own his rights) have repeatedly said they'd prefer to have him not return to junior.
***
Forward Keli Grant is almost averaging a goal per game with the Jr. B Kitchener Dutchmen. The Rangers' draft pick (3rd round 2009) has 24 goals in 25 games. He will get a look with the Rangers next month when Tobias Rieder, Radek Faksa and, possibly, Matt Puempel are away at world junior hockey championship camps and/or the tournament.
