Rangers Report

Game 5 - Kitchener 4, Owen Sound 2

So, is tonight the night?

Let's hope so. Another win by Owen Sound and this series may start going south fast.

This is the one for the Rangers to end it. Home ice, big crowd and motivation to win one for Radek Faksa, who is out indefinitely with a head injury.

Looks like Brandon Francisco is the new man in the lineup. Francisco went pointless in the first two games and was a healthy scratch for the last two. He has one assist in his last 14 games.

As for Faksa, he is not in the buidling tonight. He's at his billets, nursing his injury.

The OHL has reviewed the play and will not issue a suspension on Owen Sound defenceman Brayden Rose for the hit.

***

Lines for tonight's tilt:

Thomson-Catenacci-Rieder
Pedersen-Crescenzi-Ming
Francisco-Lorentz-Grant
Lesway-Meighan-Sterk

Sol-Murphy
Iafrate-Fanelli
Genovese-Young

Gibson

Owen Sound:

Cook-D. Catenacci-Brace
Zweep-Smith-Nastasiuk
Blandisi-Childerley-Gabriel
Rymarchuk

Cutting-Gilbert
Bigras-Rose
Hope-Dotchin

Stajcer

***

Game summary

***

Puck points:

- What a stark contrast to Wednesday's 6-5 OT loss. Tonight, the team's top players came to play. Catenacci, Murphy, Gibson,  Crescenzi,  Sol and Rieder dominated the game and, because of it, the club is off to the western conference semis.

- Goodbye Scott Stajcer and Jay Gilbert who, as OAs, played their final OHL game.

- Props to Eric Ming for a game saving sprawl in the third to thwart a goal.

- Would love to see the coaches loosen up the leash on some of the depth players. Less than a minute to go and up by two and all the best players are on the ice, getting hammered by cross checks. Not good.

- Bad penalties continued to do in the Attack. But this club has lots of good things to look forward to - a good returning defence, solid forwards in Cam Brace, Gemel Smith and Dan Catenacci and a good goalie in Jordan Binnington. They'll be tough next year.

- Looking ahead, the Rangers have to find secondary scoring. Spott said as much after the game. Big players showed up tonight. But when they don't, who is going to put the puck in the net?

- Max Iafrate was getting chirped often, but kept his composure, which was nice to see.

- Looks like Friday may be the first game of the semis. Still have to wait and see how it plays out for an opponent.

JB's top three Rangers: John Gibson, Tobias Rieder, Andrew Crescenzi

Faksa sidelined with head injury

Kitchener Rangers' top rookie Radek Faksa has seen team doctors and is out indefinitely with a head injury.

Head coach/GM Steve Spott couldn't say how long the star forward would be out but Faksa will not definitely not play in Friday's Game 5 against the Owen Sound Attack.

Faksa took a shoulder to his chin during the second period of Game 4 of the OHL's western conference quarter-final Wednesday night in Owen Sound.

"It's devastating," said Spott. "He's not doing well. It's a huge loss for our hockey club. This is a guy who was trying to be a top ten pick in the NHL draft."

Brandon Francisco will take Faksa's spot in the lineup for Game 5.

"I've said it before, one player's loss is another player's opportunity," said Spott.

Faksa had three points in three playoffs games heading into Wednesday's tilt. He is projected to go in the first round of the NHL draft and the front-runner to win OHL rookie of the year after leading all first-year players with 66 points in 62 games.

Attack not done yet

Owen Sound isn't going out without a fight.

The Attack pulled off a dramatic 6-5 win in overtime last night to extend the western conference quarter-final series one more game. Kitchener leads the best of seven series 3-1.

That sets up Game 5 Friday at the Aud at 7:30 p.m.

The bad news: Last night's defensive display might be the worst of the season.

The good news: Even with the turnovers and poor play, Kitchener managed to send the game to OT.

Look for Kitchener to wrap things up Friday.

As for Radek Faksa, the Czech rookie is seeing medical staff today. Coach/GM Steve Spott said he has no further updates and can't even list him as day-to-day or indefinite, at this point.

Game 4 - Owen Sound 6, Kitchener 5

Will it all end tonight?

The Kitchener Rangers sure hope so. Though, the team isn't expecting a warm welcome at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre for tonight's Game 4 against Owen Sound.

A win gives the Rangers the 4-0 sweep. More importantly, it gives the team time to recharge for the western conference semis.

After tonight, Kitchener forward Tyler Randell will have to sit out seven additional games to fulfill his 10-game suspension dished out yesterday.

Some fans find it harsh. Perhaps. But hardly surprising given that the league gave Attack captain Mike Halmo the same suspension for a similar hit.

Game time is 7 p.m. See some of you in Owen Sound.

***

Line combos:

Thomson-Catenacci-Rieder
Pedersen-Crescenzi-Ming
Lorentz-Faksa-Grant
Lesway-Meighan-Sterk

Sol-Murphy
Iafrate-Fanelli
Genovese-Young

Gibson

Owen Sound:

Cook-D. Catenacci-Brace
Blandisi-Smith-Nastasiuk
Rymarchuk-Childerley-Zweep

Cutting-Dotchin
Bigras-Gilbert
Hope-Rose

Stajcer

***

Game summary

***

Puck points:

- My goodness. Talk about messing with a guy's deadline. Easily the most stressful night this season. OT, lead changes, ugh. Not much time left to write. Anyway, enough about me.

- I'm not sure what was more depressing - the tired looking Rangers defence, or the fact that Owen Sound allowed Kitchener to come back.

- Pretty sure Sol and Murphy played that entire game, lol. Seriously, it felt like they never left the ice. And the extra time showed. Way too many turnovers.

- Radek Faksa left in the second, did not return and is out with an upper body injury. He was hit in the boards. He's taken a few good hits this series. Team will know more tomorrow. Devastating loss for the Rangers.

- John Gibson didn't have much of a chance on a few of the goals he let in. But Franky Palazzese looked like he hadn't missed a beat when he came in to relieve Gibby. The series could have been over sooner without a few OT saves by Franky.

- I liked the effort by Keli Grant and Zach Lorentz tonight. One of a few positives.

- You had to figure Owen Sound would take one game. Good ole Harry Lumley is not an easy place to play or win in.

- I was impressed by Owen Sound's energy level. This is a team dressing three forward lines!

- Glass half full - at least Kitchener has a chance to win on home ice in front of its fans.

JB's top three Rangers: Cody Sol, Michael Catenacci, Franky Palazzese

Randell suspended 10 games

The OHL handed down its ruling on Tyler Randell this afternoon. And it wasn't good.

The Kitchener Rangers forward has been suspended 10 games for his hit on Owen Sound's Artur Gavrus in Game 1 of the western conference quarter-final.

Randell has been serving an indefinite suspension and has missed the past two games. He'll sit out the next eight playoff contests, if the Rangers make it that far.

Kitchener is up 3-0 and can eliminate the Owen Sound Attack tomorrow.

Randell got his elbow up and hit Gavrus' head in the first period of Game 1 this past Friday. Gavrus fell to the ice and left the game with an upper body injury and has not played since.

Owen Sound officials said earlier this week that they felt a 10-game suspension was warranted, at the minimum.

Meanwhile, Ottawa 67's captain Marc Zanetti also learned his fate. The blueliner was given five games for a pre-game spear against the Belleville Bulls before Game 2 this past weekend. Like Randell, Zanetti had also been sitting out with an indefinte suspension.

 

Game 3 - Kitchener 4, Owen Sound 1

Steve Spott says tonight's game is as important as any others.

But it's a Game 3 and they're always pivotal. A win means Kitchener just has to take one of the final four games. A loss, and Owen Sound gets some life and back in the series.

An interesting stat, courtesy of a tweet from the Attack: Owen Sound was down 2-0 to Mississauga in the OHL final last year but came back to win the series.

A nice bit of history to lean on. But with all the injuries piling up, I can't see the Attack pulling it off. Then again, I never would have thought that the Guelph Storm would be up 2-0 on Plymouth.

***

Just spoke with the OHL and a decision on the length of Tyler Randell's suspension will be announced Tuesday.

Randell has been suspended indefinitely and hasn't played since Game 1 for his hit on Owen Sound's Artur Gavrus. The Attack forward is out with an upper body injury and has yet to return to action.

The OHL confirmed it is not reviewing a game-ending melee from Kitchener's 3-2 victory in Game 2.

***

Line combos for tonight's tilt:

Thomson-Catenacci-Rieder
Pedersen-Crescenzi-Ming
Lorentz-Faksa-Grant
Meighan-Sterk-Lesway

Sol-Murphy
Fanelli-Iafrate
Genovese-Young

Gibson

Owen Sound:

Zweep-Childerley-Nastasiuk
Rymarchuk-D. Catenacci-Blandisi
Cook-Smith-Brace

Cutting-Gilbert
Bigras-Dotchin
Cook-Rose

Binnington

***

Game summary

***

Puck points:

-Just when I thought the Rangers need some secondary scoring, Zach Lorentz scores his first goal in 18 games.

- Is Kitchener going to Zweep the Attack? Sorry, couldn't resist.

- It's tough doing interviews post-game, everyone looks like Eric Ming now that half the team has blond hair.

- I said it before, and I'll say it again. If Owen Sound could stay out of the penalty box, this series would be completely different.

- Not to be that guy, but the Rangers did blow a 3-0 lead in the OHL final to Windsor in 2010.

- How solid is John Gibson looking in goal? The guys is cool as ice.

- Fans who want to make the trip to Owen Sound should know that there were lots of empty seats in Game 2, so tickets should be available.

JB's top three Rangers: Michael Catenacci, John Gibson, Andrew Crescenzi

Rangers in command

It's not too surprising, but let's give the Rangers some credit for coming home for Game 3 with a 2-0 advantage on Owen Sound in the best-of-seven OHL western conference quarter-final.

Kitchener went in to Owen Sound and left with an impressive 3-2 win last night.

All the indications are pointing toward a quick wrap up.

Three reasons it should end fast:

1. Owen Sound takes way too many penalties. So, even if the Rangers are behind or tied, they'll get their PP chances.

2. Owen Sound is beat up. Another forward -- Kurtis Gabriel -- left the game Saturday. The Attack has yet to dress a full forward group this series. And you can see it affect the club. Players faded late in both Game 1 and 2 due to fatigue.

3. Goalie flip flopping works for some teams and Owen Sound has two good ones in Jordan Binnington and Scott Stajcer. But clubs work better when there is a clear No. 1 netminder in place.

From a Kitchener angle:

1. John Gibson has looked amazing. He's calm between the pipes, making big saves and, finally, healthy.

2. Kitchener's big guns are delivering. Michael Catenacci, Tobias Rieder, Radek Faksa and Ryan Murphy are all contriubting offensively.

3. Discipline. The Rangers aren't taking any stupid penalties, even when pushed by a gritty Attack squad.

***

As for forward Tyler Randell? From talking to team officials, there is a sense that his fate will be decided Monday and announced late that day.

The feeling is that he'll be gone for the rest of the first round.

Owen Sound GM Dale DeGray thinks he deserves 10-games, saying Mike Halmo's hit on Nail Yakupov was less severe. Halmo got 10 games for it.

Kitchener coach/GM Steve Spott says whatever the outcome, his team has moved on and is focusing on life without Randell for now.

Game 2 - Kitchener 3, Owen Sound 2

Lots of Kitchener Rangers supporters at the Bayshore tonight.

I hear it gets loud in here.

Some line juggling in wake of the Randell suspension. Nice to see Curtis Meighan back in the lineup. Brandon Francisco takes Randell's spot.

As for a suspension? I'm guessing Randell gets the rest of this series. We shall find out soon.

Word on Artur Gavrus isn't good. I'm told he's "not doing well at all."

***

Line combos for tonight's game:

Thomson-Catenacci-Rieder
Pedersen-Faksa-Ming
Lorentz-Crescenzi-Francisco
Meighan-Sterk-Grant

Sol-Murphy
Fanelli-Iafrate
Genovese-Young

Gibson

Owen Sound:

Cook-D. Catenacci-Brace
Blandisi-Childerley-Nastasiuk
Zweep-Smith-Gabriel
Rymarchuk

Cutting-Dotchin
Bigras-Gilbert
Hope-Rose

Stajcer

***

Game summary

***

Puck points:

- Owen Sound would have a good shot of taking this series if its players stopped taking so many bad penalties. They're right there with the Rangers, until they go to the box.

- Ben Thomson and Radek Faksa both took big hits into the boards. Both were OK and continued to play. Tough lads.

- I counted at least twice where Michael Catenacci tried to be generous by threading a pass to a teammate on a break, when he could have, and probably should have, shot the puck.

- Josh Sterk dropped the gloves for a fight with Cam Brace. Yes, you read that correctly.

- I have no vested interest in who wins, but I find it funny how so many Owen Sound fans sitting near the press area (located on the concourse) get so mad that the Attack get called for so many penalties. Hello, they led the OHL in PIMs.

- A nice start for Cambridge native Scott Stajcer. He deserves the call Monday in Game 3.

- John Gibson played another sensational game. But he has to keep his cool at the end of the match.

- Tyler Randell made the trip to cheer on the Rangers.

- Owen Sound was down to nine forwards after Kurtis Gabriel left with a lower body injury. Gotta feel for coach Greg Ireland on that one.

JB's top three Rangers: John Gibson, Tobias Rieder, Ben Fanelli

Randell suspended indefinitely

And now we wait to see what will happen to Tyler Randell.

Owen Sound coach Greg Ireland felt the league should review the Ranger forward's hit on Artur Gavrus.

Randell knocked Gavrus to the ice near the Rangers' bench in the first period in last night's 6-2 victory in Game 1 of the best of seven series. Gavrus, who suffered a concussion earlier this year, did not return.

No penalty was issued on the play. Randell says the details of the hit are sketchy since it happened so fast.

Either way, the Rangers have the lead in the series and look to steal a game in hostile territory tonight. Bayshore is a tough rink to win in.

Three things to be pleased about from last night's game - the Rangers responded after playing a bad first period, John Gibson was solid in net for most of the game and special teams was on point.

Should be a dandy in Owen Sound. Hope to see lots of fans there.

***

Update on Randell.

The overage forward has been suspended indefinitely by the OHL. The league is calling it a check to the head on Gavrus.

Randell will be out of Game 2 and beyond while the league reviews the play and issues a set game suspension.

That means Rangers GM/coach Steve Spott will have to do some line juggling. Maybe Josh Sterk moves up to the second unit wing and Curtis Meighan centres the fourth line. Or we could see a tough guy such as Brett Clampitt inserted into the lineup.

Here's the hit:

 

Spott's golden goal

Want to know what makes Kitchener Rangers coach/GM Steve Spott tick?

Well, in part, it was his final season at Colgate University in 1990. That year, the Raiders made it all the way to the Frozen Four championship for the first and only time in school history.

Spott scored the goal that put them in the tourney 22 years ago today.

That hard working team, the coach and the run all helped shape him as a coach and GM today.

I recently caught up with Spott and some of his former teammates to relive the big moment in the skipper's playing career.

I couldn't find video of the goal, but did find highlights from the Frozen Four final against Wisconsin. If you look closely, you'll see Spott in action.

 

Game 1 - Kitchener 6, Owen Sound 2

The playoff drive starts tonight.

And the war or words is already under way. Owen Sound goalie Scott Stajcer, who hails from Cambridge, says his team sees Kitchener as a rival and that the Attack "hate" the Rangers.

I think one thing that irks the Attack is that the Rangers consider London and Guelph as rivals and not Owen Sound. Being overlooked in that way just makes the Attack even more perturbed.

But feeling slighted may not be enough to get Owen Sound over the hump. While the Attack are looking to pull off the upset, the team is a far cry from the one that won the OHL title last year.

Even the Owen Sound Times, has the group losing in five games.

That's the way I see the series as well. You can review my first round selections here.

No big surprises last night on the opening night of post-season action. Except maybe the eight goals Niagara scored against Oshawa. All the favourites won - Niagara, Barrie and Ottawa.

***

How did it go for the Rangers in Game 1 in recent years? Glad you asked.

2011: Plymouth 6, Kitchener 5. Goalie Brandon Maxwell allows all six goals.

2010: Kitchener 3, Saginaw 2 (OT). Julian Cimadamore pots winner. 

2009: Did not make playoffs.

2008: Kitchener 9, Plymouth 2. Matt Halischuk two goals and three assists.

2007:  Kitchener 6, Sarnia 4. Steve Downie two goals, two assists.

2006: Owen Sound 3, Kitchener 2. Dan Turple takes the loss.

2005: Erie 2, Kitchener 1 (OT). Another first game loss for Turple.

2004: Plymouth 3, Kitchener 2. Adam Keefe with a goal for Kitchener.

2003: Kitchener 3, Sault Ste. Marie 0. Scott Dickie with the shutout.

***

Line combos for tonight's tilt:

Thomson-Catenacci-Rieder
Pedersen-Crescenzi-Randell
Lorentz-Faksa-Ming
Grant-Sterk-Francisco

Sol-Murphy
Iafrate-Fanelli
Genovese-Young

Gibson

Owen Sound:

Blandisi-D. Catenacci-Brace
Gavrus-Smith-Nastasiuk
Gabriel-Childerley-Cook
Zweep-Rymarchuk

Cutting-Gilbert
Bigras-Rose
Hope-Dotchin

Binnington

Interesting to see centre Curtis Meighan out of the lineup for the Rangers. He's great on faceoffs, kills penalties and only has three fewer goals than Josh Sterk, who took his place centring the fourth line.

***

Oh dear. Renovations at the Aud have me stuck in a corner of the rink for the post-season. The press box has been ripped out and a giant plywood wall is up in its place. The view isn't so bad, but it is cramped in here.

And what's with a freelancer from Sportsnet getting a better seat? No love for the regulars.  Ah well, could always be worse.

First playoff game for me since the Rangers were in the Memorial Cup at the Aud. That's going back a bit. Hope it's loud tonight.

***

Game summary

***

Puck points:

- It took a while, but the Rangers got going. The team was successful this year on skill, speed and hard work but came out trying to win the "who-can-hit-more" contest. When they abandoned that strategy, the goals flowed.

- Owen Sound led the OHL in penalty minutes in the regular season and their rough style hurt them tonight. Two power play goals for the Rangers.

- Attack coach Greg Ireland was fuming after the game. He accused Tyler Randell of leaving his feet on hits twice and wants the OHL to review the play that sent Artur Gavrus crashing to the ice. Gavrus left in the first and did not return.

- Owen Sound was playing with 10 forwards by game's end.

- Weird game -- trainer Barry Hoch was cut when he was hit by a puck (he's OK), glass shattered on a body check, Gavrus leaves the game and Kitchener erupts for five unanswered goals.

- Do we see Cambridge's Scott Stajcer in goal for the Attack Saturday?

- Thought Kitchener's vets were the best players on the ice tonight.

JB's top three Rangers: Tyler Randell, Cody Sol, Ben Thomson

Rangers in five

The Kitchener Rangers are getting into the playoff spirit.

The lads have dyed their hair blond, or adopted a red mohawk. Captain Michael Catenacci, who went blond, said it was up to the player to choose.

There was a definite attitude change at practice yesterday. A more serious tone and quicker pace to the workout. The vets, who missed the weekend road trip to the Soo and Saginaw, looked refreshed.

Players and coaches are primed for Owen Sound.

My OHL series by series breakdown with first round picks also ran in today's paper.

I have Kitchener in five.

Throw Mike Halmo into the series and I think it's a different outcome. Maybe longer.

But as is, I'd be surprised to see the Attack push Kitchener past five games. Maybe that's aggressive, but I'll stand by it.

My reasoning? I think Kitchener wins the goaltending battle. Owen Sound is strong in net, don't get me wrong. But I'd rather have the Gibson/Palazzese combo any day.

The Rangers also win the defensive and offensive battle. I'll give the energy advantage to the Attack, even without Halmo.

Most importantly, Kitchener is healthy. The Rangers will dress a full roster Friday.

Game 2 is the key one. Win at home and then take one in Owen Sound and I think the emotional Attack will be tuned out of the series. They're riding the emotion of their captain getting the shaft, in their mind, and that frustration will wear out if they're down 2-0.

Lines at yesterday's practice were familiar:

Thomson-Catenacci-Rieder
Lesway (Lorentz expected to be here)-Faksa-Ming
Pedersen-Crescenzi-Randell
Grant-Sterk-Francisco

Sol-Murphy
Fanelli-Iafrate

And two of:

Genovese-Midensky
Young-Gilbert

Coach/GM Steve Spott wouldn't name his starter. But it's going to be John Gibson, unless he's hiding some secret injury. He looked absolutely fine at practice.

At least one scout, maybe two, were at practice Wednesday at Sportsworld Arena. Gotta love the playoffs.

Lorentz back on ice

Good news for the Kitchener Rangers.

Injured forward Zach Lorentz (lower body) skated pain free before today's practice. He'll rejoin the squad for a full practice Thursday.

Lorentz, captain Michael Catenacci (wrist) and centre Andrew Crescenzi (neck) are all expected to play Friday night in Game 1 of the team's quarterfinal series against Owen Sound.

The Rangers actually had two extra forwards skating at practice this afternoon. Been a long time since that was the case. When Lorentz returns, they'll have a full extra forward line.

Today's practice was sharp. Players are certainly in the playoff zone. Though the guys did look different. Half the team dyed their hair blond, the other half is sporting red mohawks.

McDavid goes into draft

The Ontario Hockey Federation has given 15-year-old Connor McDavid exceptional status for next month's OHL draft.

It's only the third time a kid that young has been granted the green light for the draft. The other two were John Tavares and Aaron Ekblad, who went first overall last year to the Barrie Colts.

Personally, I think this sends the wrong message. I think all players should be treated the same, in that the same rules apply to everyone. What's next, 14-year-old super status?

There is no denying the McDavid's talent. But let the kids develop and come to the OHL at the same time.

McDavid better like Erie, at least for the next two years.

And the winners are...

Results from last night's year-end Kitchener Rangers awards banquet:

Ted Scharf Award (community service) - Cody Sol

Most popular player - Ben Fanelli

Best defensive ability - Cody Sol

Most improved player - Cody Sol

Trophy outstanding team effort - Michael Catenacci

Best offensive defenseman - Ryan Murphy

Rookie of the year - Radek Faksa

Most gentlemanly player - Tobias Rieder

Most valuable player - Michael Catenacci

3 star award - Tobias Rieder

Scoring champion - Tobias Rieder

Rookies ready

Wow, that was a killer drive back from the Soo.

I hope all the fans have a swell time at the team banquet tonight. Winners will be posted on the Record's website after the affair.

As for Kitchener? The club wrapped up the season with a 5-2 loss in a meaningless game, standings-wise.

That's Max Iafrate winding up in last night's game.

Now, the focus is on Owen Sound. There are 15 Rangers without any OHL post-season experience.

But players aren't worried.

More on the playoffs later this week.

***

Lots of OHL news. Barrie took a big hit by losing Kitchener native Tanner Pearson to a season-ending injury.

Sudbury's Michael Sgarbossa won the OHL crown and was honoured for doing so, as was top scoring winger Tyler Toffoli of the 67's.

And some good news for the Erie Otters. They're staying put at the Tullio Arena for at least two more years.

Sault Ste. Marie 5, Kitchener 2

Another beautiful day up north and I'm in a hotel doing phone interviews. Good times.

I ran into some of the Rangers in the lobby and everyone looks relaxed. Not much on the line tonight, other than some late season auditioning by the youngsters.

Here's how it will go down in the opening round:

Kitchener vs. Owen Sound

(best of seven series)

Game 1: March 23, at Kitchener, 7:30 p.m.
Game 2: March 24, at Owen Sound, 7:30 p.m.
Game 3: March 26, at Kitchener, 7 p.m.
Game 4: March 28, at Owen Sound. 7 p.m.
Game 5: March 30, at Kitchener, 7:30 p.m.
Game 6: March 31, at Owen Sound, 7:30 p.m.
Game 7: April 2, at Kitchener 7 p.m.

Of course, Games 5-7 fall into the "if necessary" category.

Other OHL first round matchups include:

London vs. Windsor
Plymouth vs. Guelph
Sarnia vs. Saginaw
Niagara vs. Oshawa
Ottawa vs. Belleville
Barrie vs. Mississauga
Sudbury vs. Brampton

Get some Rangers reaction to facing Owen Sound here.

***

Jack Moylan gets the call for his second start of the season for the Rangers. Tobias Rieder sits this one out.

Lines are as follows.

Thomson-Faksa-Randell
Francisco-Sterk-Ming
Pedersen-Meighan-Lesway
Clampitt-Grant

Fanelli-Iafrate
Genovese-Gilbert
Midensky-Young

Soo:

Broll-Cousins-Alderson
Schumacher-Findlay-Fritsch
Quesnele-Jambrosich-Dubchak
Halagian-Petaccio-Morgan

Nurse-Rogalski
Fuller-Sproul
Mintz-Schwindt

Murray in goal.

***

So, second night in a row we're watching touching tributes/farewells to OA players.

Last night, Saginaw gave it's three OAs framed jerseys and had their parents at centre ice. Tonight in the Soo, great video tributes with funny photos from childhood, framed jerseys and flowers.

The Kitchener Rangers do a lot of things right. But they severely dropped the ball by not honouring Michael Catenacci, Tyler Randell and Cody Sol. Sure, they'll probably get their due at the banquet tomorrow night. But a packed house, with fans watching is the time and place to do it.

Rant over.

***

Game summary

***

Puck points:

- Curtis Meighan better get that helmet checked out before the post-season. It fell off twice tonight. The second time the Soo scored while he was hustling off the ice, as per OHL rules.

- Ben Fanelli, Tyler Randell and Ben Thomson were assistant captains tonight.

- Jack Moylan was yanked after allowing four goals in a period and a bit. Tough one for the 16 year old. But he can take solace in knowing he beat Plymouth earlier in the year.

- Brandon Lesway's goal came right off a faceoff. His third of the year and first since scoring two against London Jan. 25.

- Off topic, but Rangers pick Justin Bailey and his Long Island Royals won the New York state championships this weekend.

- Not sure I understand the logic in the Soo. The team trades two players and six picks for goalie Jack Campbell and sits him in the final game (at home no less) of the season.

-Tough one for Kitchener kid Tanner Pearson of the Barrie Colts. Draft eligible forward is done for the year with a broke fibula according to reports out of Barrie.

- Faksa took some big hits. Seems like he is becoming more and more of a target by opponents.

JB's top three Rangers: Radek Faksa, Jesse Young, Ben Thomson

Saginaw 4, Kitchener 3

Sunny on the first road trip to Saginaw and the Soo back in September/October and sunny on the second road trip in mid-March.

People were sun tanning in bathing suits by the swimming pool at my hotel. Bathing suits. Hey, I’m not complaining. It’s just odd is all, at least for this time of the year.

Glad I brought my winter coat, lol.

So an interesting tilt tonight. A win could mean Kitchener takes on Saginaw in the first round of the playoffs. A loss means a shot at the Mike Halmo-less Owen Sound Attack.

I’m not suggesting the team throw a game. But maybe tonight the youngsters get an absurd amount of ice time.

Then again, you’d hate to let karma bite you in the rear end for not going all out.

Either way, Michael Catenacci, Zach Lorentz and Andrew Crescenzi will not be on the ice. In fact, the trio is back home in K-town, nursing injuries and trying to get back in time for the first round of the playoffs.

Defencemen Cody Sol, Ryan Murphy and goalie John Gibson are also in Canada resting. Head coach and GM Steve Spott also remained behind to scout for the upcoming draft.

Lines:

Thomson-Faksa-Rieder
Francisco-Sterk-Randell
Ming-Meighan-Pedersen
Clampitt-Grant-Lesway

Fanelli-Iafrate
Genovese-Midensky
Gilbert-Young

Palazzese

Saginaw:

Shalla-Fine-Saad
Ross-Trocheck-Trafford
Locke-Kea-Amestoy
Perklin-Moutrey-Lodge

Walch-Young
Archibald-Strong
Ringuette-Lopez

Patterson

***

Game summary

***

Puck points:

- Franky Palazzese made 48 saves in his first start this month. He was getting rave reviews from local media in the press box.

- Some mistakes made, but overall a young Rangers squad showed promise. Lots to look forward to.

- Saginaw may have the best mascot in the league. Total energy and never stops dancing.

- Kitchener gets Owen Sound  in the first round. A good first round matchup on many fronts - skill, travel, history.

- Saginaw's goaltending will be their downfall in the playoffs. Lucky to get the win tonight (luck of the Irish?)

- No update on Zach Lorentz. Team should know more early this week.

- The more I see Brett Clampitt, the more I think he should have a role on the team next year.

JB's top three Rangers: Franky Palazzese, Ben Thomson, Brett Clampitt

Kitchener 5, Erie 1

The final weekend is under way.

The Rangers are in good spirits as they await their playoff opponent.

Erie is in town tonight for the Rangers' final regular season home game. Don't discount the lowly Otters. The club almost beat Kitchener about a week ago.

Meanwhile, Rangers' goalie John Gibson has inked a three-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks. The deal comes days after he notched his first OHL shutout, a 1-0 win over the London Knights.

Former Ranger Julian Melchiori has also signed a three-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets.

***

Waterloo native Mike Halmo has been suspended 10 games for his hit on Sarnia's Nail Yakupov. Halmo leads the Owen Sound Attack with 85 points.

The forward will miss the entire first round of the playoffs. A huge loss for the Attack.

***

Lines for tonight's tilt:

Thomson-Faksa-Rieder
Francisco-Lorentz-Randell
Pedersen-Sterk-Ming
Grant-Meighan-Lesway

Sol-Murphy
Fanelli-Iafrate
Genovese-Gilbert

Gibson

Erie:

Fox-Cairns-Brown
Harper-Evans-Betz
Cortellessa-McDonell-Crisp
Wood-Eisenberg-McGuire

Pelech-McCarthy
Grant-McDowell
Maaskant

J.P. Cesario

***

Game summary

***

Puck points:

- The playoff picture remains unclear, but as of now, the Rangers are set to meet Owen Sound in the first round of the post-season. Things may change tomorrow.

- John Gibson almost collected his second shutout consecutive shutout of the season on home ice and is certainly in the zone. You may notice Gibson murmuring words to himself during the national anthem. He isn't singing. He says he's talking to himself. Wouldn't expand. Gotta love goalies.

- Nice to see Josh Sterk chip in with a few points. The rooks have been quiet of late.

- Zach Lorentz left the game with a lower body injury and will be re-evaluated Saturday. He will not make the trip to Saginaw and Sault Ste. Marie.

- Give Ryan Murphy four assists. That's 54 points in 49 games. Remember when he was struggling?

JB's top three Rangers: Ryan Murphy, Tobias Rieder, John Gibson

Rangers honoured

The OHL's western conference coach's poll has been released. Several Rangers were honoured. Votes in brackets.

Most Underrated Player
1.       Garret Ross, Saginaw Spirit (22)
2.       Franky Palazzese, Kitchener Rangers (15)
3.       Beau Schmitz, Plymouth Whalers (14)

Smartest Player
1.       Scott Harrington, London Knights (25)
2.       Nick Cousins, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (16)
3.       Radek Faksa, Kitchener Rangers (12)

Hardest Worker
1.       Mike Halmo, Owen Sound Attack (22)
2.       Michael Houser, London Knights (18)
3.       Connor Brown, Erie Otters tied Hunter Garlent, Guelph Storm tied Michael Catenacci, Kitchener Rangers tied Tom Wilson, Plymouth Whalers tied Connor Murphy, Sarnia Sting (8)

Best Skater
1.       Ryan Murphy, Kitchener Rangers (21) – finished first in voting in 2010-11
2.       Alex Aleardi, Plymouth Whalers (19)
3.       Vladislav Namestnikov, London Knights (15)

Hardest Shot
1.       Ryan Sproul, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (36)
2.       Josh Shalla, Saginaw Spirit (14)
3.       Cody Sol, Kitchener Rangers tied Jared Knight, London Knights (9)

Best Stickhandler
1.       Nail Yakupov, Sarnia Sting (35)
2.       Ryan Murphy, Kitchener Rangers (17) – finished tied for second in voting in 2010-11
3.       Vincent Trocheck, Saginaw Spirit (14)

Best on Face-Offs
1.       Mitchell Heard, Plymouth Whalers (22) – finished tied for third in voting in 2010-11
2.       Daniel Catenacci, Owen Sound Attack (16)
3.       Andrew Crescenzi, Kitchener Rangers (15)

Best Penalty Killer
1.       Austin Watson, London Knights (17)
2.       Tobias Rieder, Kitchener Rangers (16)
3.       Cameron Brace, Owen Sound Attack (15)

Best Offensive Defenceman
1.       Ryan Murphy, Kitchener Rangers (43) – finished second in voting in 2010-11
2.       Ryan Sproul, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (19)
3.       Beau Schmitz, Plymouth Whalers (13)

Best Defensive Defenceman
1.       Scott Harrington, London Knights (38)
2.       Beau Schmitz, Plymouth Whalers (11)
3.       Cody Sol, Kitchener Rangers tied Keevin Cutting, Owen Sound Attack (9)

Best Shootout Goalie
1.       Michael Houser, London Knights (34)
2.       John Gibson, Kitchener Rangers (22)
3.       Matt Mahalak, Plymouth Whalers (8)

Full list here.