We have our first playoff spot locked up as the Greyhounds pulled it off on Friday. (in spite of what the OHL says) We should also see Sarnia and Kitchener punch their tickets this weekend as well. Hamilton should get there in 3 weeks. Maybe 2 if Peterborough implodes and they handle their very difficult upcoming schedule.
Magic Numbers
East
Hamilton - 15
Niagara - 24
Barrie - 26
Kingston - 26
West
Sault Ste. Marie - X (27 for top seed)
Kitchener - 8
Sarnia - 4
London - 20
Guelph - 24
Games of the Week
January 31st Barrie Colts @ Owen Sound Attack
For midweek games this one should be pretty good. The Attack have been getting better goaltending recently and they are starting to get healthy. If their top line can keep up with the Colts they may have enough depth to out play the rest and steal 2 points in this one.
February 2nd Hamilton @ Kitchener
Over a stretch of 8 games the Bulldogs get Sarnia once and Kitchener and Sault Ste. Marie twice. They have already lost both games this year to Sarnia and will be looking to make a statement against one of the Wests other contenders.
February 3rd Mississauga @ Hamilton
Mississauga is the best team I have seen up in Sault Ste. Marie all year. I like Ingham but I will need to see more out of him to view Mississauga as anything more than a pretender.
Division Quick Hits
Ottawa 67's legend Brian Kilrea was inducted into the AHL hall of fame in recogntion of his playing career... Hulking Ottawa blueliner Kevin Bahl was named Team Orr player of the game at the Top Prospects game with a goal and an assist... Benjamin Gleason picked up his 30th point this week becoming the 1st defenceman to pick up 3 straight 30 point seasons since Jordan Subban while they were still the Bulls
London Knights defenceman Evan Bouchard was named Player of the game for Team Cherry at the Top Prospects game after finishing with 4 assists which tied the all time record.... Mario Culina was named CHL Goalie of the Week last week...
With another perfect weekend the North Bay Battalion are now 8 points clear of Peterborough for the last playoff spot with only 20 games remaining for each team
With another 3 wins this past weekend the Sting are up to 34 on the season which is 9th most during their time in Sarnia. The Franchise record of 42 (set in '15-'16) should be broken by the end of February... Flints Ty Dellandrea set a Top Prospects game record with the quickest 2 goals at 20 seconds... With Barrett Hayton and Rasmus Sandin at the Top Prospects game the Soo Greyhounds have tied the Plymouth Whalers (00-08) for the longest streak of sending a player to the Top Prospects game.... Greyhounds forward Barrett Hayton finsihed tops among Top Prospects in the events off ice testing... Missed it last week but Even Cormier set a Saginaw Record for most career games played at 167
Power Rankings
(1) Sarnia Sting 34-12-3 Power Rank Percentage (PR%) .8176
The Sting are rolling right now with points in their last 10 games sporting a 9-0-1 record. However they still have serious issues holding on to leads as they escaped Oshawa last week thanks to some favourable calls after blowing a lead. They then turned a 5-1 lead vs Niagara into a 6-5 OT loss.
Games This Week: Feb 1 @ Wsr; Feb 2 @ Fli; Feb 3 vs Ldn
(2) Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 40-5-3 PR% .7858
The Greyhounds became the 1st team to clinch a playoff spot with their win Friday night. The powers at be in the OHL were not on the ball and to save face announced that they clinched on Saturday but their math was off. The Hounds sat at 79 points after Friday while Erie and Flint could only finish with 77 and 76 respectively. It is obvious the OHL confirms playoff qualification as well as they update their suspension list. The Greyhounds also picked up win 40 on Sunday become the first CHL team to do so and become the quickest Greyhounds team to do that in the 20 team Era.
Games This Week: Jan 31 vs Sby; Feb 2 vs Sag; Feb 4 vs Eri
(3) Kitchener Rangers 33-14-2 PR% .7303
The Rangers finally won some games while ranked in the CHL top 10! All it took was for Logan Brown to suit up for them. The Brown-Mascherin-Sherwood line made quite the debut as they dominated both games this weekend.
Games This Week: Feb 2 vs Ham; Feb 3 @ OS
(4) North Bay Battalion 22-20-6 PR% .7084
9 wins in their last 10 games. Christian Propp has a save percentage north of .900 during this stretch and they are getting contributions throughout the lineup.
Games This Week: Feb 1 vs Eri; Feb 2 @ Miss; Feb 4 vs Gue
(5) Hamilton Bulldogs 31-11-6 PR% .6984
Picked up 4 out of 6 points on their 3 in 3 although I am sure they are disappointed after dropping the last game at home to Sarnia who was on the road for their 3 in 3. Another big weekend for the Bulldogs with Kitchener and Mississauga on the docket.
Games This Week: Feb 1 @ Pbo; Feb 2 @ Kit; Feb 3 vs Miss
(6) Mississauga Steelheads 22-24-1 PR% .6641
8-2 in their last 10 and fresh off their 2nd consecutive 2 win Fri-Sun stretch the Steelheads are still in the 8th spot in the East but are looking more and more dangerous every week. With some consistent goaltending they can be a real test for some of the Easts elite.
Games This Week: Feb 1 vs Gue; Feb 2 vs NB; Feb 3 @ Ham
(7) Kingston Frontenacs 25-16-7 PR% .6517
The Fronts are finally winning and Jeremy Helvig picked up career shutout #10 on Sunday after narrowly missing it on Friday vs Oshawa. Max Jones is out 4-6 weeks with a broken finger so it will be an interesting stretch without him.
Games This Week: Feb 2nd vs Osh; Feb 3 vs Nia
(8) Niagara Icedogs 26-14-7 PR% .6205
A big win vs Sarnia followed by a win over Sudbury and a SO loss to North Bay. The Icedogs continue to lead the Colts in the Central and are showing much better depth then their divisional rivals from Barrie.
Games This Week: Feb 2 @ Ott; Feb 3 @ Kgn
(9) Owen Sound Attack 20-19-7 PR% .6155
A big win against Guelph as they look to pull themselves out of the 8th spot in the conference but a disappointing performance against London to start the week. Some intriguing games this week for the Attack as they look to get back on track and hunt down those teams ahead of them in the standings.
Games This Week: Jan 31 vs Bar; Feb 2 @ Gue; Feb 3 vs Kit
(10) London Knights 26-18-4 PR% .5931
3 out of 6 points for the young Knights with a big win over the suddenly lukewarm Owen Sound Attack. The loss vs Guelph will be seen as a missed opportunity but this team is showing lots of promise post retool.
Games This Week: Feb 2 vs Bar; Feb 3 @ Sar
(11) Guelph Storm 24-19-4 PR% .5922
The Storm won 2 of 3 this past week as Popovich played some great hockey. Still the more I watch this team the more I see flaws that will need to get corrected ahead of next season. I'm just not sure how Guelph will go about addressing those flaws.
Games This Week: Feb 1 @ Miss; Feb 2nd vs OS; Feb 4 @ NB
(12) Ottawa 67s 19-21-8 PR% .5464
Lots of extra hockey for 67s fans this past weekend as they picked up a shootout loss and a pair of OT losses. 15 goals against continues a troubling trend this year for the 67s. They will need to find an upgrade in net if they plan to contend next year.
Games This Week: Feb 2 vs Nia; Feb 4 vs Pbo
(13) Barrie Colts 27-17-3 PR% .5437
The Colts split their Highway 17 weekend starting off with a win against Sudbury before getting outplayed against the Greyhounds. If it weren't for the top line taking advantage of its opportunities this game wouldn't have been close. The Colts will need more lines to step up and produce if they are going to avoid the 4th seed in the East.
Games This Week: Jan 31 @ OS Feb 2 @ Ldn; Feb 3 vs Wsr
(14) Oshawa Generals 23-22-3 PR% .5174
A rough start with some rough defeats at the hands of Kingston and Hamilton. They saved face however with an OT win vs Ottawa to end the week. Hopefully some lessons learned by the young Gens that they can apply to the playoffs if they run into one of the lesser contenders like Niagara or Barrie.
Games This Week: Feb 2 @ Kgn; Feb 3 @ Pbo; Feb 4 vs Wsr.
(15) Saginaw Spirit 24-19-4 PR% .4793
They picked up a win against Windsor but couldnt keep up with the big boys as they dropped their games to both Kitchener and Sault Ste. Marie.
Games This Week: Jan 31 @ Fli; Feb 2 @ SSM; Feb 3 vs Fli
(16) Peterborough Petes 18-24-6 PR% .4589
This team is running out of time and running out fast. Wins against Oshawa and Ottawa are a must. If they lose both it would be a crippling blow to their playoff chances.
Games This Week: Feb 1 vs Ham; Feb 3 vs Osh; Feb 4 @ Ott
(17) Windsor Spitfires 23-20-4 PR% .4568
The Spits got swept this past week giving up 16 goals in the process. The most shocking was a 4-2 loss at the hands of the Flint Firebirds. More weekends like this and it may be a date with the Greyhounds in round 1 for the Spitfires.
Games This Week: Feb 1 vs Sar; Feb 2 @ Bar; Feb 4 @ Osh
(18) Flint Firebirds 14-29-4 PR% .4159
Do the Firebirds play spoiler this week or do they creep closer to Byfield. Ive felt all along that the Firebirds even with all their trades are a much better team than their record shows. If their games really mattered I would take them in a series over Sudbury and Erie. I imagine they would like nothing more than to upend Saginaw's bid at a higher playoff seed.
Games This Week: Jan 31 vs Sag; Feb 2 vs Sar; Feb 3 @ Sag
(19) Erie Otters 13-26-9 PR% .4007
Losers of both games this past week and of 5 in a row the Otters are now just 3 points back of Flint and Sudbury for the 1st overall pick. Circle February 2nd in Sudbury as a key match in the battle for Byfield. It will likely be Erie's only chance at a victory with North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie also on the schedule.
Games This Week: Feb 1 @ NB; Feb 2 @ Sby; Feb 4 @ SSM
(20) Sudbury Wolves 13-30-6 PR% .3592
Outscored 10-3 this past week the Wolves open up this week on the road in Sault Ste. Marie followed by a home tilt with Erie. They will then have the weekend off to prep for Flints only visit next week.
Games This Week: Jan 31 @ SSM; Feb 2 vs Eri
Tuesday 30 January 2018
Tuesday 23 January 2018
Week 17 OHL Power Rankings
NHL Central Scouting released their mid term rankings. You can find all the OHL players ranked down below in the rankings section. First I am going to give a few thoughts
- Blade Jenkins is ranked 24th by NHLCS is there been a higher ranked player left off the Top Prospects game roster in recent memory?
- 12 re-entry candidates from the OHL showed up on the list including a handful of '98 birth years
- I dont know if these two are fans of Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel but there are a pair of defenders who were 12th round picks in the 2014 OHL Priority selection who have cracked the rankings Sean Durzi (39) and Mac Hollowell at (133). These are two players whe certainly did not give up.
- Brady Hinz not making the list is a bit of a head scratcher for me.
- Not on the list due to injury is Flint defender Dennis Busby. I could certainly see him being taken in June.
- Nice to see Nick Donofrio get in there at #17 among NA goalies. He shares a birthday with me so I am automatically pulling for him.
Games of the Week
Jan 26th Oshawa Generals @ Kingston Frontenacs
I dont think Oshawa catches Kingston but they are only 4 points behind they beat them the last time they played and Kingston is struggling. They win this in regulation and obviously they are 2 points behind and this race becomes a whole lot more intriguing. A lot of people picked Oshawa ahead of Kingston in the preseason. Is this the Oshawa team we were expecting to see?
Jan 28th Sarnia Sting (2) @ Hamilton Bulldogs (3)
If Sarnia plays like they did for the 2nd and 3rd vs Oshawa I cant see them skating out of Hamilton with a win. But if they play there best the Bulldogs will have a hard time winning. Should be a great game. In a perfect world Sportsnet would pick it up but if you are a Rogers or Cogeco subscriber you can stream it for free on cable14now.com
Divisional Quick Hits
Hamilton Bulldogs forward picked up career point 200 this week. He became the 3rd 2014 1st round pick to hit the 200 mark (Raddysh and Mascherin) and the 5th overall from that draft (Kyrou and Maksimovich).... 67s rookie Graeme Clarke with a goal of the year candidate from Sunday
Aaron Luchuk picked up career goal and assist 100 in the same game which also means he reached the 200 point mark in his career as well....
London Knights forward Liam Foundy has been added to the CHL top prospects game roster.... Kitchener Rangers goalie Mario Culina picked up his first career shutout this week and liked it so much he picked up #2 in his next game... The Rangers had another player added to the Top Prospects game as Givanni Villati gets the call as a replacement.... Aiden Dudas of the Owen Sound Attack has been added to the top prospects game.
With an 11 point week Jordan Kyrou catapulted himself into 3rd on Sarnia's all time point list He also won himself OHL Player of the Week.... They Greyhounds had their 29 game point streak snapped finishing 2 games shy of tying the London Knights.... Blade Jenkins finally scored a power play goal for the Saginaw Spirit. Up to that goal all of his points were at even strength
(1) Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 37-5-2-1 Power Rank Percentage (PR%) .7646
Barret Hayton (6)
Rasmus Sandin (15)
Mac Hollowell (133)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs Wsr; Jan 27 vs Bar; Jan 28 @ Sag
(2) Sarnia Sting 32-12-2 PR% .7171
Hugo Leufvenius (136)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Nia; Jan 17 @ Eri; Jan 28 @ Ham
(3) Hamilton Bulldogs 29-10-6 PR% .6993
Brendon Saigeon (143)
Nick Donofrio (17G)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Eri; Jan 27 vs Osh; Jan 28 vs Sar
(4) Kitchener Rangers 30-14-2 PR% .6832
Givanni Villati (38)
Riley Damiani (119)
Rickard Hugg (134)
Adam Liska (162)
Games This Week: Jan 23 @ Ldn; Jan 26 vs Sag; Jan 27 @ Fli
(5) London Knights 25-17-3 PR% .6568
Evan Bouchard (5)
Alec Regula (43)
Liam Foudy (91)
Billy Moskal (130)
Nathan Dunkley (132)
Jrodan Kooy (13G)
Games This Week: Jan 23 vs Kit; Jan 26 vs OS; Jan 28 vs Gue
(6) North Bay Battalion 20-20-6 PR% .6435
Matthew Struthers (108)
Justin Brazeau (141)
Luke Burghardt (153)
Adam Thilander (155)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Ott; Jan 28 vs Nia
(7) Niagara Icedogs 24-14-6 PR% .6414
Akil Thomas (10)
Justin Macpherson (163)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs Sar; Jan 27 @ Sby; Jan 28 @ NB
(8) Mississauga Steelheads 20-24-1 PR% .6168
Ryan Mcleod (16)
Albert Mchnac (84)
Jacob Ingham (3G)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs Pbo; Jan 28 vs Sby
(9) Oshawa Generals 22-20-3 PR% .6021
Serron Noel (9)
Allan McShane (33)
Nico Gross (47)
Renars Krastenbergs (137)
Will Ennis (173)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Kgn; Jan 27 @ Ham; Jan 28 vs Ott
(10) Owen Sound Attack 19-18-7 PR% .5759
Sean Durzi (39)
Brady Lyle (127)
Aidan Dudas (131)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Ldn; Jan 27 vs Gue
(11) Saginaw Spirit 23-17-4 PR% .5723
Blade Jenkins (24)
Caleb Everett (86)
Damien Giroux (177)
Maxim Grondin (211)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Kit; Jan 27 vs Wsr; Jan 28 vs SSM
(12) Kingston Frontenacs 22-16-7 PR% .5631
Linus Nyman (202)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs Osh; Jan 27 @ Ott; Jan 28 vs Pbo
(13) Windsor Spitfires 23-17-4 PR% .5486
Curtis Douglas (70)
COnnor Corcoran (96)
Mathew Macdougal (121)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ SSM; Jan 27 @ Sag; Jan 28 @ Fli
(14) Barrie Colts 26-16-3 PR% .5441
Andrei Svechnikov (1)
Tyler Tucker (104)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Sby; Jan 27 @ SSM
(15) Guelph Storm 22-18-4 PR% .5284
Ryan Merkley (21)
Cam Hillis (59)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs Fli; Jan 27 @ OS; Jan 28 @ Ldn
(16) Ottawa 67s 19-21-5 PR% .5270
Kody Clark (28)
Kevin Bahl (30)
Carter Robertson (61)
Merrick Rippon (63)
Mitchell Hoelscher (82)
Samuel Bitten (94)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs NB; Jan 27 vs Kgn; Jan 28 @ Osh
(17) Peterborough Petes PR% 18-23-5 PR% .4625
Declan Chisholm (42)
Semyon Der-Arguchistev (58)
Pavel Gogolev (75)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Miss; Jan 28 @ Kgn
(18) Erie Otters 13-24-9 PR% .4446
Maxim Golod (118)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs Ham; Jan 27 vs Sar
(19) Sudbury Wolves 13-27-6 PR% .4262
Peter Stratis (116)
Kirill Nizhnikov (161)
David Levin (183)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs Bar; Jan 27 vs Nia; Jan 28 @ Miss
(20) Flint Firebirds 13-27-4 PR% .3743
Ty Dellandrea (76)
Hunter Holmes (149)
Connor Roberts (150)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Gue; Jan 27 vs Kit; Jan 28 vs Wsr
- Blade Jenkins is ranked 24th by NHLCS is there been a higher ranked player left off the Top Prospects game roster in recent memory?
- 12 re-entry candidates from the OHL showed up on the list including a handful of '98 birth years
- I dont know if these two are fans of Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel but there are a pair of defenders who were 12th round picks in the 2014 OHL Priority selection who have cracked the rankings Sean Durzi (39) and Mac Hollowell at (133). These are two players whe certainly did not give up.
- Brady Hinz not making the list is a bit of a head scratcher for me.
- Not on the list due to injury is Flint defender Dennis Busby. I could certainly see him being taken in June.
- Nice to see Nick Donofrio get in there at #17 among NA goalies. He shares a birthday with me so I am automatically pulling for him.
Games of the Week
Jan 26th Oshawa Generals @ Kingston Frontenacs
I dont think Oshawa catches Kingston but they are only 4 points behind they beat them the last time they played and Kingston is struggling. They win this in regulation and obviously they are 2 points behind and this race becomes a whole lot more intriguing. A lot of people picked Oshawa ahead of Kingston in the preseason. Is this the Oshawa team we were expecting to see?
Jan 28th Sarnia Sting (2) @ Hamilton Bulldogs (3)
If Sarnia plays like they did for the 2nd and 3rd vs Oshawa I cant see them skating out of Hamilton with a win. But if they play there best the Bulldogs will have a hard time winning. Should be a great game. In a perfect world Sportsnet would pick it up but if you are a Rogers or Cogeco subscriber you can stream it for free on cable14now.com
Divisional Quick Hits
Hamilton Bulldogs forward picked up career point 200 this week. He became the 3rd 2014 1st round pick to hit the 200 mark (Raddysh and Mascherin) and the 5th overall from that draft (Kyrou and Maksimovich).... 67s rookie Graeme Clarke with a goal of the year candidate from Sunday
Aaron Luchuk picked up career goal and assist 100 in the same game which also means he reached the 200 point mark in his career as well....
London Knights forward Liam Foundy has been added to the CHL top prospects game roster.... Kitchener Rangers goalie Mario Culina picked up his first career shutout this week and liked it so much he picked up #2 in his next game... The Rangers had another player added to the Top Prospects game as Givanni Villati gets the call as a replacement.... Aiden Dudas of the Owen Sound Attack has been added to the top prospects game.
With an 11 point week Jordan Kyrou catapulted himself into 3rd on Sarnia's all time point list He also won himself OHL Player of the Week.... They Greyhounds had their 29 game point streak snapped finishing 2 games shy of tying the London Knights.... Blade Jenkins finally scored a power play goal for the Saginaw Spirit. Up to that goal all of his points were at even strength
(1) Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 37-5-2-1 Power Rank Percentage (PR%) .7646
Barret Hayton (6)
Rasmus Sandin (15)
Mac Hollowell (133)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs Wsr; Jan 27 vs Bar; Jan 28 @ Sag
(2) Sarnia Sting 32-12-2 PR% .7171
Hugo Leufvenius (136)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Nia; Jan 17 @ Eri; Jan 28 @ Ham
(3) Hamilton Bulldogs 29-10-6 PR% .6993
Brendon Saigeon (143)
Nick Donofrio (17G)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Eri; Jan 27 vs Osh; Jan 28 vs Sar
(4) Kitchener Rangers 30-14-2 PR% .6832
Givanni Villati (38)
Riley Damiani (119)
Rickard Hugg (134)
Adam Liska (162)
Games This Week: Jan 23 @ Ldn; Jan 26 vs Sag; Jan 27 @ Fli
(5) London Knights 25-17-3 PR% .6568
Evan Bouchard (5)
Alec Regula (43)
Liam Foudy (91)
Billy Moskal (130)
Nathan Dunkley (132)
Jrodan Kooy (13G)
Games This Week: Jan 23 vs Kit; Jan 26 vs OS; Jan 28 vs Gue
(6) North Bay Battalion 20-20-6 PR% .6435
Matthew Struthers (108)
Justin Brazeau (141)
Luke Burghardt (153)
Adam Thilander (155)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Ott; Jan 28 vs Nia
(7) Niagara Icedogs 24-14-6 PR% .6414
Akil Thomas (10)
Justin Macpherson (163)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs Sar; Jan 27 @ Sby; Jan 28 @ NB
(8) Mississauga Steelheads 20-24-1 PR% .6168
Ryan Mcleod (16)
Albert Mchnac (84)
Jacob Ingham (3G)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs Pbo; Jan 28 vs Sby
(9) Oshawa Generals 22-20-3 PR% .6021
Serron Noel (9)
Allan McShane (33)
Nico Gross (47)
Renars Krastenbergs (137)
Will Ennis (173)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Kgn; Jan 27 @ Ham; Jan 28 vs Ott
(10) Owen Sound Attack 19-18-7 PR% .5759
Sean Durzi (39)
Brady Lyle (127)
Aidan Dudas (131)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Ldn; Jan 27 vs Gue
(11) Saginaw Spirit 23-17-4 PR% .5723
Blade Jenkins (24)
Caleb Everett (86)
Damien Giroux (177)
Maxim Grondin (211)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Kit; Jan 27 vs Wsr; Jan 28 vs SSM
(12) Kingston Frontenacs 22-16-7 PR% .5631
Linus Nyman (202)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs Osh; Jan 27 @ Ott; Jan 28 vs Pbo
(13) Windsor Spitfires 23-17-4 PR% .5486
Curtis Douglas (70)
COnnor Corcoran (96)
Mathew Macdougal (121)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ SSM; Jan 27 @ Sag; Jan 28 @ Fli
(14) Barrie Colts 26-16-3 PR% .5441
Andrei Svechnikov (1)
Tyler Tucker (104)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Sby; Jan 27 @ SSM
(15) Guelph Storm 22-18-4 PR% .5284
Ryan Merkley (21)
Cam Hillis (59)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs Fli; Jan 27 @ OS; Jan 28 @ Ldn
(16) Ottawa 67s 19-21-5 PR% .5270
Kody Clark (28)
Kevin Bahl (30)
Carter Robertson (61)
Merrick Rippon (63)
Mitchell Hoelscher (82)
Samuel Bitten (94)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs NB; Jan 27 vs Kgn; Jan 28 @ Osh
(17) Peterborough Petes PR% 18-23-5 PR% .4625
Declan Chisholm (42)
Semyon Der-Arguchistev (58)
Pavel Gogolev (75)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Miss; Jan 28 @ Kgn
(18) Erie Otters 13-24-9 PR% .4446
Maxim Golod (118)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs Ham; Jan 27 vs Sar
(19) Sudbury Wolves 13-27-6 PR% .4262
Peter Stratis (116)
Kirill Nizhnikov (161)
David Levin (183)
Games This Week: Jan 26 vs Bar; Jan 27 vs Nia; Jan 28 @ Miss
(20) Flint Firebirds 13-27-4 PR% .3743
Ty Dellandrea (76)
Hunter Holmes (149)
Connor Roberts (150)
Games This Week: Jan 26 @ Gue; Jan 27 vs Kit; Jan 28 vs Wsr
Monday 15 January 2018
OHL Week 16 Power Rankings
The CHL has named the rosters for the Top Prospects game which will take place in Guelph on January 25th. Team Orr which will be coached by Eric Lindros will feature OHL stars Kevin Bahl, Ryan McLeod, Allan McShane, Kirill Nizhnikov, Serron Noel and Andrei Svechnikov.
Team Cherry which will be coached by Don Cherry and George Burnett will feature Jacob Ingham, Evan Bouchard, Nico Gross, Rasmus Sandin (my pick for MVP), Ryan Merkley, Kody Clark, Ty Dellandrea, Barret Hayton, Cam Hillis and Akil Thomas.
Games of the Week
January 17 Kitchener @ Niagara
A great East vs West Matchup features 2 of the hottest teams in the OHL. Can the Icedogs play spoiler this week to another team that made big deadline acquisitions?
January 19 Hamilton @ Kingston
This game has lost a little luster with Kingston's recent play and the fact that Hamilton has built such a large lead in the division. If Kingston has going to make this a race it has to start with this game.
January 19th Sault Ste. Marie @ Sarnia
The Greyhounds continue to look for a challenge and the revamped Sting offer the best chance at that. The Greyhounds greatest strengths are their patience and their speed and the Sting made sure they got a lot faster at the deadline.
Magic Numbers
Hamilton - 30
Niagara - 37
Barrie - 39
Kingston - 42
Sault Ste. Marie - 9 (36 for Hamilton Spectator Trophy)
Kitchener - 30
Sarnia - 26
Windsor - 38
Division quick hits
The Ottawa 67s finished their 2nd and final game against Gatineau of the QMJHL thumping them 5-0 in enemy territory... Peterborough Interim coach Andrew Verner picked up his 1st 2 career OHL coaching wins.
After moving Michael Pezzetta to Sarnia the Wolves needed to name a new captain and that honour was bestowed upon OA defender Kyle Rhodes.... Barrie Colts forward and former 15th round draft pick Lucas Chiodo picked up career point number 100 this week. He is only the 2nd 15th round pick since 2008 to hit that milestone (2nd this year) and only the 7th since 2001.... Sticking with Barrie recent deadline pick up Dmitry Sokolov potted career goal number 100. Need a goal? Call Sokolov. The sniper who cares....
The London Knights were in need of a new captain and turned to 2018 NHL draft prospect Evan Bouchard to wear the C.... Erie was also in need of a captain with Taylor Raddysh being moved so they turned to his minor midget teammate Kyle Maksimovich to carry the torch.... The Kitchener Rangers picked up a huge commitment in Micahel Vukojevic
The Sarnia Sting honoured Steven Stamokos this week making his #91 the first number retired to the rafters of the ubiquitous used cars centre..... Sticking with the Sting I missed this last week but Head Coach Darien Hatcheer picked up career OHL win number 100..... The Saginaw Spirit picked up a commitment from 2017 draft pick Mason Millman. He has been playing in the GOJHL where he was part of their young starts all start game for '01 born players.....
(1) Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 37-3-3 Power Rank Percentage (PR%) .8635
They Hounds picked up 3 more wins this week pushing their home record to 20-1-1 on the seasons. Taylor Raddysh made quite the debut with 9 points in 3 games but the highlight of the week was the girl figure skating in the 2nd intermission of the Friday game to Istanbul by They Might be Giants. What a classic.
Games This Week: Jan 19 @ Sar; Jan 20 @ Fli
(2) Hamilton Bulldogs 27-9-9 PR% .7424
Hamilton had another perfect week although Flint gave them a bit of a scare on Sunday till Hakon Nilson turned the tank on and took a delay of game penalty with 51 seconds left and Hamilton scored on the ensuing PP.
Games This Week: Jan 17 @ OS; Jan 19 @ Kgn; Jan 20 @ Ott
(3) Niagara Icedogs 24-12-5 PR% .7077
After a perfect week which included a win over Barrie the Icedogs have catapulted themselves into 1st place in the central with a game in hand on the Colts. Niagara has the goaltending to fend off the Colts so this has the makings to be the best divisional race in the league.
Games This Week: Jan 17 vs Kit; Jan 19 @ Ldn; Jan 20 @ Bar
(4) Kitchener Rangers 27-14-2 PR% .6780
The only thing standing between the Rangers and a perfect week was London Knights 2nd year goalie Jordan Kooy who stood on his head in a 2-1 Knights win on Sunday night.
Games This Week: Jan 17 @ Nia; Jan 19 vs Eri; Jan 21 vs Gue
(5) Oshawa Generals 21-19-3 PR% .6440
After dropping Saturday afternoons tilt vs the Fronts the Generals exacted some revenge with a 3-0 shutout win on home ice. Dont look now but the Generals are only 3 points behind the struggling Fronts in the standings. After some early season struggles without Keyser in the lineup this Gens team has slowly but steadily gotten better. This team will be a dangerous playoff matchup for someone.
Games This Week: Jan 20 @ Pbo; Jan 21 vs Sar
(6) Sarnia Sting 29-12-2 PR% .6320
4 wins in a row for the Sting as they try to stake their claim as the best challengers to the Greyhounds. Still they are 17 points out of first in the division so this team will look to prep for the 3rd seed and hope to peak come round 2 and 3.
Games This Week: Jan 17 @ Fli; Jan 19 vs SSM; Jan 21 @ Osh
(7) London Knights 23-17-3 PR%.6311
How good has Jordan Kooy been these past few weeks for the Knights? Only 1 game has he had a save percentage below .900 as he has stopped 211 of 226 shots since Christmas. Will we have another Joseph Raaymakers trade watch in the offseason?
Games This Week: Jan 18 @ Wsr; Jan 19 vs Nia
(8) North Bay Battalion 18-19-6 PR% .6197
The giant killing Battalion now have points in 6 straight games after Sundays comeback victory vs the Pete's. Stan Butlers troops are playing strong hockey right now and are finding ways to win. Picked by many to miss the playoffs after the trade deadline they seem to have other plans.
Games This Week: Jan 18 vs Sby; Jan 20 @ Sby; Jan 21 vs Sag
(9) Windsor Spitfires 22-15-4 PR% .5952
Outside of Purboo and MacDougal there really isnt much on this team to get excited about for this season at least. They may need to think about bringing oxygen to the bench for Dipietro during the TV timeouts.
Games This Week: Jan 18 vs Ldn; Jan 19@ Gue; Jan 21 vs Fli
(10) Barrie Colts 24-15-3 PR% .5863
After putting up 10 on Sudbury to start the week the Colts offence went dry as they dropped games to Niagara and North Bay only scoring 3 goals in the process.
Games This Week: Jan 18 vs Sag; Jan 19 @ Miss; Jan 20 @ Bar
(11) Mississauga Steelheads 18-23-1 PR% .5717
The Steelheads split their Northern Ontario weekend and I must say they put together one of the better performances I have seen this year against the Greyhounds. If they could get some consistent goaltending they would be a force in the East.
Games This Week: Jan 17 @ Ott; Jan 19 vs Bar; Jan 21 vs Kgn
(12) Saginaw Spirit 22-16-3 PR% .5533
The Spirit finished off a murderers row a games where they lost to Sarnia, Sault Ste. Marie and Kitchener before squeaking out a shootout win against the Windsor Spitfires. This team is clearly a few steps below the big guns in the West but their young talent is so exciting to watch that you cant wait to see what they look like next year.
Games This Week: Jan 18 @ Bar; Jan 19 @ Sby; Jan 21 @ NB
(13) Kingston Frontenacs 21-15-6 PR% .5440
It wasn't the strongest week from the Fronts as they dropped a pair. The recent struggles have likely cost the team any chance at a division title and any more struggles could cost them the 3rd seed in the East.
Games This Week: Jan18 @ Pbo; Jan 19 vs Ham; Jan 21 @ Miss
(14) Guelph Storm 21-17-4 PR% .5267
Guelph opened the week with a loss in Peterborough but rebounded to win in Kingston and Ottawa. Picking up 4 of 6 points is a good weekend for their most eastern trip of the year.
Games This Week: Jan 19 vs Wsr; Jan 21 @ Kit
(15) Erie Otters 13-21-9 PR% .4959
The Otters picked up a SO win over the Flint Firebirds to complete a 3 point week. The benefit of winning in a shootout is that they dont gain too much ground on Flint in the standings. They playoffs are highly unlikely but they are only 6 points behind the Owen Sound Attack.
Games This Week: Jan 19 @ Kit; Jan 20 OS; Jan 21 @ OS
(16) Peterborough Petes 18-21-4 PR% .4909
A much needed 5 point weekend but what a lost opportunity against the Battalion with another late blown lead by the Pete's. If they miss the playoffs by 1 point this will be the game we can circle back too.
Games This Week: Jan 18 vs Kgn; Jan 20 vs Osh; Jan 21 @ Ott
(17) Ottawa 67s 17-20-5 PR% .4803
The 67s got saved by having a game scheduled against a team from the Q. The team then dropped their next game to Guelph in extra time. The Guelph game started a stretch of 11 of 12 at home which will go a long way in making or breaking their season.
Games This Week: Jan 17 vs Miss; Jan 20 vs Ham; Jan 21 vs Pbo
(18) Owen Sound Attack 16-18-7 PR% .4632
I got to watch this team live for the first time on Friday and I can see why this team did not trade for a goalie. They have way more issues than in net. To make matters worse they have lost Sean Durzi to a high ankle sprain as he seemed to get his skate caught in a rut trying to keep the puck in the offensive zone.
Games This Week: Jan 17 vs Ham; Jan 20 vs Eri; Jan 21 vs Eri
(19) Flint Firebirds 12-25-4 PR% .4120
They gave Hamilton quite the scare till the realized they need to tank so they took a delay of game penalty with less than a minute in the 3rd and promptly gave up the winning goal.
Games This Week: Jan 17 vs Sar; Jan 20 vs SSM; Jan 21 @ Wsr
(20) Sudbury Wolves 12-25-6 PR% .3893
This team is in an all out sprint for the 1st overall pick in the OHL with their sights set on the gold medal which in this case would be Quintin Byfield
Games This Week: Jan 18 @ NB; Jan 19 vs Sag; Jan 20 @ NB
Monday 8 January 2018
OHL Week 15 Power Rankings
Magic Number Watch
From now till the end of the season I will look at the magic number for each of the top 4 teams (by point percentage) to have not clinched a playoff spot to do so. A magic number is the total number of points a team needs to win or the team outside of the last playoff spot needs to lose before they can official clinch that spot.
Hamilton - 37
Barrie - 43
Niagara - 45
Kingston - 46
Sault Ste. Marie - 18
Kitchener - 37
Sarnia - 33
Windsor - 42
Games to Watch this week
Jan 12 London vs Hamilton: This game has lost some of its luster with London going into sell mode but they have picked up some great young talent in return. This should still prove to be a good test for the East leading Bulldogs.
Jan 12 Niagara vs Barrie: The Icedogs while not buyers are still no pushovers and will have a tough test vs division leading Barrie who will be reinforced with Andrei Svechnikov
Jan 13 Saginaw vs Kitchener: Both these teams have brutal schedules this week with Saginaw heading up to the Soo on Wednesday and the Rangers getting a pair of games against the Knights. This will be a good game against a pair of teams who should have home ice in the first round of the playoffs.
Division Quick Hits
The Petes fired HC Jody Hull this week and slapped the interim tag on Andrew Verner. The timing was odd and is a move that should have been made by the Petes when Jason Fortier was still available.... Jake Murray took home academic player of the month honours for the division
Nicholas Hauge has set a Steelheads franchise record with his 21st goal of the season.... Kai Edmonds of the Barrie Colts took home academic player of the month honours for the division.... Cole Candella played his 200th career OHL game
Evan Bouchard was named OHL defenceman of the month for December.... Alex Gritz took home academic player of the month honours for the division... Attack defenceman Sean Durzi picked up career OHL point number 100... By picking up a goal and an assist in his first game with his new team Brett McKenzie hit the 200 point mark on his OHL career.
The Soo Greyhounds saw their 23 game win streak come to an end with a shootout loss to Mississauga.... Still with the Hounds Mathew Villalta picked up his 50th career win on Sunday in only his 62nd career game which looks to be an OHL record for the quickest... Ty Dellandrea took hope academic player of the month honours for the division.... A trio of Greyhounds Frost, Villalta and Sandin took home Player, Goalie and Rookie of the month honours for December... My last tidbit on the Hounds I swear! Boris Katchouk returned from the World Juniors and scored a shorthanded goal against Guelph. It was his 13th of his career which ties him for 1st on the Hounds all time list.... Drake Rymsha played his 200th career OHL game this past week.... Mason Kohn picked up his 100th career OHL assist vs Sarnia on the 3rd, not bad for a former 10th round selection
(1) Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 34-3-3 Power Rank Percentage (PR%) .8535
It was a disappointing weekend for the Greyhounds as they were only able to pick up 5 out of a possible 6 points. Their worst weekend since October. 6 of the Greyhounds next 7 are at home so it is a perfect time to get the Essar Centre rocking and start a new run.
Games this Week: Jan 10 vs Sag; Jan 12 vs OS; Jan 13 vs Miss
(2) Hamilton Bulldogs 25-9-6 PR% .7388
A surprising loss to the surprising giant killers from North Bay stymied a perfect weekend for the Bulldogs. Their win Sunday vs Sudbury was closer than they would have wanted but they still got the job done.
Games This Week: Jan 12 @ Ldn; Jan 13 vs Fli
(3) London Knights 22-15-3 PR% .6804
The Knights like the Bulldogs had a perfect weekend stymied at the hands of the North Bay Battalion. It was the first subpar game by Jordan Kooy since Joseph Raaymakers went down with an injury.
Games This week: Jan 11 vs Kit; Jan 12 vs Ham; Jan 14 @ Kit
(4) Kitchener Rangers 25-13-2 PR% .6695
Rangers opened the week with a pair of wins before rejoining the CHL top 10. The promptly got outscored 13-2 in their next 2 games and moved to 0-5 while being nationally ranked. They have given up 30 goals in those 5 games.
Games This Week: Jan 11 @ Ldn; Jan 13 @ Sag; Jan 14 vs Ldn
(5) Niagara Icedogs 21-12-5 PR% .6609
They picked up wins in the games they should win over Guelph and Sudbury before promptly getting thumped by the Fronts 8-3 on Sunday. While this Icedogs team clearly isnt a contender this year they are firmly entrenched as the 4th best team in the East and barring a total collapse should have home ice in the 1st round.
Games This Week: Jan 11 vs Eri; Jan 12 vs Bar; Jan 13 @ Eri
(6) Windsor Spitfires 22-13-3 PR% .6488
After gutting the team of all its prime assets except for star goalie Michael DiPietro the Spits still managed a perfect weekend on their Eastern Ontario road trip. With the draft cupboard restocked and plenty of young talent now in the fold it makes sense to hang onto DiPietro and let this talent develop with a league best insurance policy between the pipes. And if they are able to flip him for an '02 next year it will spread the 1st round talent out rather than make it so top heavy in a couple of years.
Games This Week: Jan 11 vs Sar; Jan 12 @ Sar; Jan 12 vs Sag
(7) Saginaw Spirit 21-14-3 PR% .6393
The Spirit split their games against the Sting this past week and added an OT win over the Otters. Saginaw keeps climbing the standings and based on what some West teams have done so far at the deadline they are in a prime position to claim the #4 seed. They have been quiet themselves on the trade front but may benefit nicely by standing pat.
Games This Week: Jan 10 @ SSM; Jan 13 vs Kit; Jan 14 @ Wsr
(8) Barrie Colts 23-13-3 PR% .6250
A rough 0-3 week for the Colts but it was a murderers row of games against Kitchener, London and the newly reloaded Frontenac's. Getting Svechnikov back will help for the rest of the season but has the shine on Leo Lazerev worn out?
Games This Week: Jan 11 vs Sby; Jan 12 @ Nia; Jan 13 vs NB
(9) Oshawa Generals 19-18-3 PR% .6000
The Generals opened the week with 2 wins which pushed their winning streak to 6 games. They then pushed the Greyhounds to overtime thus ensuring they win the season series vs the countries top ranked team before dropping their Sunday finale against Owen Sound. Keyser may be in line for a rest this week as the Generals play 3 in 3 although with a home and home against Kingston it may happen against Flint to start the week
Games This Week Jan 12 vs Fli; Jan 13 @ Kgn. Jan 14 vs Kgn
(10) Kingston Frontenacs 20-13-6 PR% .5902
The new look fronts opened the week by blowing a 2 goal 3rd period lead vs the Spitfires. They followed that up with a pair of wins over the Colts and the Icedogs scoring 14 goals in the process. The offence is starting to look dynamic and their matchup against Hamilton on January 19th will be must watch TV
Games This Week: Jan 12 vs Gue; Jan 13 vs Osh; Jan 14 @ Osh
(11) Sarnia Sting 27-12-2 PR% .5872
The Sting finally stopped the sliding with a pair of resounding wins vs Flint in Saginaw. They get another boost this week with Kyrou coming back but will he get an invite to the Olympic team? In the meantime what is already an exciting offence will only get better with the acquisition of Cam Dineen
Games This week: Jan 11 @ Wsr; Jan 12 vs Wsr
(12) Mississauga Steelheads 17-22-1 PR% .5712
The Steelheads had a fantastic week. Opening things up by taking down the Otters before ending the Greyhounds 23 game winning streak at home in a shootout before heading on the road and thumping the Rangers. With McLeod coming back maybe they can keep the good times rolling but this team has been so inconsistent you just dont know what you are going to get.
Games This Week: Jan 12 @ Sby; Jan 13 @ SSM
(13) North Bay Battalion 15-19-6 PR% .5668
5 out of a possible 8 points this week for Stan Butlers crew. They only managed 1 point in a pair of games against the hot Oshawa Generals. They followed that up with a pair of road wins over the #2 and #3 ranked teams this week in Hamilton and London. They seem to elevate their game to another level against the best as they also have wins this year against Sarnia and Kitchener as well as taking the Greyhounds to overtime twice earlier in the season. If they can just take care of business against the East we could see settle in a higher playoff spot than expected
Games This Week: Jan 11 vs OS; Jan 13 @ Bar; Jan 14vs Pbo
(14) Owen Sound Attack 16-16-1-5
The Attack pick up back to back wins for the first time since Nov 19 and Nov 22nd. They also picked up a shutout although their starting goalie had to leave that game injured. Their back up then stepped up and had his best game of his career. Could this team have turned a corner? I'll wait and see before I make any judgements but they are starting to get healthy and will have their world junior players return this week which will be a nice boost.
Games This Week: Jan 11 @ NB; Jan 12 @ SSM; Jan 14 @ Sby
(15) Guelph Storm 19-16-4 PR% .4849
The Storm gave up 13 goals in a pair of losses this week to Niagara and SSM. In fact they have now lost 20 straight games vs the Greyhounds. Those losses however sandwiched a win over Owen Sound on Friday so the weekend wasn't a total loss for the Storm
Games This Week: Jan 11 @ Pbo; Jan 12 @ Kgn; Jan 14 @ Ott
(16) Erie Otters 12-20-8 PR% .4522
The Otters have scored 3 goals in 5 straight games and 7 of their last 8. I dont know why but that just seemed to stick out to me. They finished 0-1-2 on the weekend and there must have been something about those Pure Michigan ads because they felt compelled to go to extra time with both Saginaw and Flint. Im looking forward to seeing how Hayden Fowler does on this team with more ice time. Should immediately slide in and become this their 3rd line centre.
Games This Week: Jan 11 @ Nia; Jan 13 vs Nia; Jan 14 vs Fli
(17) Ottawa 67s 16-19-4 PR% .4403
The 67s picked up 3 out of a possible 4 points but their win came against the Petes so I am still awaiting confirmation on if that was actually worth 2 points. They started off hot against the Spits on Sunday before falling in OT but noting could overshadow the performance of their social media team. It will be interesting to see if there are any changes in their approach next week.
Games This Week: Jan 12 @ Gat; Jan 13 @ Pbo; Jan 14 vs Gue
(18) Flint Firebirds 12-23-3 PR% .4142
The Firebirds took a licking from the Sting on Friday but rebounded with a win over the Otters on Saturday. This team seems to be playing much better hockey since trading some of their veterans but they face a few stiff challenges this week. In the mean time they should enjoy being out of the bottom 2 for the first time in months!
Games This Week: Jan 12 @ Osh; Jan 13 @ Ham; Jan 14 @ Fli
(19) Sudbury Wolves 11-23-6 PR% .3943
The Wolves did not dress O'Grady or Pezzetta Sunday vs Hamilton and still nearly skated away with a win. They were only able to pick up 1 point this week and are suddenly amongst the leaders in the race for Quintin Byfield. If they get one of the top 2 picks this year it will be the 3rd time in the last 4 years Sudbury has picked that high. There is enough to like about the direction the new regime is taking them to be willing to wait and see what fruits this bears.
Games This Week: Jan 11 @ Bar; Jan 12 vs Miss; Jan 14 vs OS
(20) Peterborough Petes 16-21-3 PR% .3800
After 1 point in 4 games this past week the Petes officially sitting on the outside of the playoff picture. With a veteran team expected to compete for the conference title this season has been an utter disappointment. Even though they have only 3 points in their last 10 they still have 35 points on the season which likely is enough to keep them out of a realistic shot at Quintin Byfield even if this team implodes more than it already has. The only thing the Petes fans can hope for is that their board is willing to eat the remaining years on the extension they gave Oke and find someone new to lead the charge.
Games This Week: Jan 11 vs Gue; Jan 13 vs Ott; Jan 14 @ NB
From now till the end of the season I will look at the magic number for each of the top 4 teams (by point percentage) to have not clinched a playoff spot to do so. A magic number is the total number of points a team needs to win or the team outside of the last playoff spot needs to lose before they can official clinch that spot.
Hamilton - 37
Barrie - 43
Niagara - 45
Kingston - 46
Sault Ste. Marie - 18
Kitchener - 37
Sarnia - 33
Windsor - 42
Games to Watch this week
Jan 12 London vs Hamilton: This game has lost some of its luster with London going into sell mode but they have picked up some great young talent in return. This should still prove to be a good test for the East leading Bulldogs.
Jan 12 Niagara vs Barrie: The Icedogs while not buyers are still no pushovers and will have a tough test vs division leading Barrie who will be reinforced with Andrei Svechnikov
Jan 13 Saginaw vs Kitchener: Both these teams have brutal schedules this week with Saginaw heading up to the Soo on Wednesday and the Rangers getting a pair of games against the Knights. This will be a good game against a pair of teams who should have home ice in the first round of the playoffs.
Division Quick Hits
The Petes fired HC Jody Hull this week and slapped the interim tag on Andrew Verner. The timing was odd and is a move that should have been made by the Petes when Jason Fortier was still available.... Jake Murray took home academic player of the month honours for the division
Nicholas Hauge has set a Steelheads franchise record with his 21st goal of the season.... Kai Edmonds of the Barrie Colts took home academic player of the month honours for the division.... Cole Candella played his 200th career OHL game
Evan Bouchard was named OHL defenceman of the month for December.... Alex Gritz took home academic player of the month honours for the division... Attack defenceman Sean Durzi picked up career OHL point number 100... By picking up a goal and an assist in his first game with his new team Brett McKenzie hit the 200 point mark on his OHL career.
The Soo Greyhounds saw their 23 game win streak come to an end with a shootout loss to Mississauga.... Still with the Hounds Mathew Villalta picked up his 50th career win on Sunday in only his 62nd career game which looks to be an OHL record for the quickest... Ty Dellandrea took hope academic player of the month honours for the division.... A trio of Greyhounds Frost, Villalta and Sandin took home Player, Goalie and Rookie of the month honours for December... My last tidbit on the Hounds I swear! Boris Katchouk returned from the World Juniors and scored a shorthanded goal against Guelph. It was his 13th of his career which ties him for 1st on the Hounds all time list.... Drake Rymsha played his 200th career OHL game this past week.... Mason Kohn picked up his 100th career OHL assist vs Sarnia on the 3rd, not bad for a former 10th round selection
(1) Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 34-3-3 Power Rank Percentage (PR%) .8535
It was a disappointing weekend for the Greyhounds as they were only able to pick up 5 out of a possible 6 points. Their worst weekend since October. 6 of the Greyhounds next 7 are at home so it is a perfect time to get the Essar Centre rocking and start a new run.
Games this Week: Jan 10 vs Sag; Jan 12 vs OS; Jan 13 vs Miss
(2) Hamilton Bulldogs 25-9-6 PR% .7388
A surprising loss to the surprising giant killers from North Bay stymied a perfect weekend for the Bulldogs. Their win Sunday vs Sudbury was closer than they would have wanted but they still got the job done.
Games This Week: Jan 12 @ Ldn; Jan 13 vs Fli
(3) London Knights 22-15-3 PR% .6804
The Knights like the Bulldogs had a perfect weekend stymied at the hands of the North Bay Battalion. It was the first subpar game by Jordan Kooy since Joseph Raaymakers went down with an injury.
Games This week: Jan 11 vs Kit; Jan 12 vs Ham; Jan 14 @ Kit
(4) Kitchener Rangers 25-13-2 PR% .6695
Rangers opened the week with a pair of wins before rejoining the CHL top 10. The promptly got outscored 13-2 in their next 2 games and moved to 0-5 while being nationally ranked. They have given up 30 goals in those 5 games.
Games This Week: Jan 11 @ Ldn; Jan 13 @ Sag; Jan 14 vs Ldn
(5) Niagara Icedogs 21-12-5 PR% .6609
They picked up wins in the games they should win over Guelph and Sudbury before promptly getting thumped by the Fronts 8-3 on Sunday. While this Icedogs team clearly isnt a contender this year they are firmly entrenched as the 4th best team in the East and barring a total collapse should have home ice in the 1st round.
Games This Week: Jan 11 vs Eri; Jan 12 vs Bar; Jan 13 @ Eri
(6) Windsor Spitfires 22-13-3 PR% .6488
After gutting the team of all its prime assets except for star goalie Michael DiPietro the Spits still managed a perfect weekend on their Eastern Ontario road trip. With the draft cupboard restocked and plenty of young talent now in the fold it makes sense to hang onto DiPietro and let this talent develop with a league best insurance policy between the pipes. And if they are able to flip him for an '02 next year it will spread the 1st round talent out rather than make it so top heavy in a couple of years.
Games This Week: Jan 11 vs Sar; Jan 12 @ Sar; Jan 12 vs Sag
(7) Saginaw Spirit 21-14-3 PR% .6393
The Spirit split their games against the Sting this past week and added an OT win over the Otters. Saginaw keeps climbing the standings and based on what some West teams have done so far at the deadline they are in a prime position to claim the #4 seed. They have been quiet themselves on the trade front but may benefit nicely by standing pat.
Games This Week: Jan 10 @ SSM; Jan 13 vs Kit; Jan 14 @ Wsr
(8) Barrie Colts 23-13-3 PR% .6250
A rough 0-3 week for the Colts but it was a murderers row of games against Kitchener, London and the newly reloaded Frontenac's. Getting Svechnikov back will help for the rest of the season but has the shine on Leo Lazerev worn out?
Games This Week: Jan 11 vs Sby; Jan 12 @ Nia; Jan 13 vs NB
(9) Oshawa Generals 19-18-3 PR% .6000
The Generals opened the week with 2 wins which pushed their winning streak to 6 games. They then pushed the Greyhounds to overtime thus ensuring they win the season series vs the countries top ranked team before dropping their Sunday finale against Owen Sound. Keyser may be in line for a rest this week as the Generals play 3 in 3 although with a home and home against Kingston it may happen against Flint to start the week
Games This Week Jan 12 vs Fli; Jan 13 @ Kgn. Jan 14 vs Kgn
(10) Kingston Frontenacs 20-13-6 PR% .5902
The new look fronts opened the week by blowing a 2 goal 3rd period lead vs the Spitfires. They followed that up with a pair of wins over the Colts and the Icedogs scoring 14 goals in the process. The offence is starting to look dynamic and their matchup against Hamilton on January 19th will be must watch TV
Games This Week: Jan 12 vs Gue; Jan 13 vs Osh; Jan 14 @ Osh
(11) Sarnia Sting 27-12-2 PR% .5872
The Sting finally stopped the sliding with a pair of resounding wins vs Flint in Saginaw. They get another boost this week with Kyrou coming back but will he get an invite to the Olympic team? In the meantime what is already an exciting offence will only get better with the acquisition of Cam Dineen
Games This week: Jan 11 @ Wsr; Jan 12 vs Wsr
(12) Mississauga Steelheads 17-22-1 PR% .5712
The Steelheads had a fantastic week. Opening things up by taking down the Otters before ending the Greyhounds 23 game winning streak at home in a shootout before heading on the road and thumping the Rangers. With McLeod coming back maybe they can keep the good times rolling but this team has been so inconsistent you just dont know what you are going to get.
Games This Week: Jan 12 @ Sby; Jan 13 @ SSM
(13) North Bay Battalion 15-19-6 PR% .5668
5 out of a possible 8 points this week for Stan Butlers crew. They only managed 1 point in a pair of games against the hot Oshawa Generals. They followed that up with a pair of road wins over the #2 and #3 ranked teams this week in Hamilton and London. They seem to elevate their game to another level against the best as they also have wins this year against Sarnia and Kitchener as well as taking the Greyhounds to overtime twice earlier in the season. If they can just take care of business against the East we could see settle in a higher playoff spot than expected
Games This Week: Jan 11 vs OS; Jan 13 @ Bar; Jan 14vs Pbo
(14) Owen Sound Attack 16-16-1-5
The Attack pick up back to back wins for the first time since Nov 19 and Nov 22nd. They also picked up a shutout although their starting goalie had to leave that game injured. Their back up then stepped up and had his best game of his career. Could this team have turned a corner? I'll wait and see before I make any judgements but they are starting to get healthy and will have their world junior players return this week which will be a nice boost.
Games This Week: Jan 11 @ NB; Jan 12 @ SSM; Jan 14 @ Sby
(15) Guelph Storm 19-16-4 PR% .4849
The Storm gave up 13 goals in a pair of losses this week to Niagara and SSM. In fact they have now lost 20 straight games vs the Greyhounds. Those losses however sandwiched a win over Owen Sound on Friday so the weekend wasn't a total loss for the Storm
Games This Week: Jan 11 @ Pbo; Jan 12 @ Kgn; Jan 14 @ Ott
(16) Erie Otters 12-20-8 PR% .4522
The Otters have scored 3 goals in 5 straight games and 7 of their last 8. I dont know why but that just seemed to stick out to me. They finished 0-1-2 on the weekend and there must have been something about those Pure Michigan ads because they felt compelled to go to extra time with both Saginaw and Flint. Im looking forward to seeing how Hayden Fowler does on this team with more ice time. Should immediately slide in and become this their 3rd line centre.
Games This Week: Jan 11 @ Nia; Jan 13 vs Nia; Jan 14 vs Fli
(17) Ottawa 67s 16-19-4 PR% .4403
The 67s picked up 3 out of a possible 4 points but their win came against the Petes so I am still awaiting confirmation on if that was actually worth 2 points. They started off hot against the Spits on Sunday before falling in OT but noting could overshadow the performance of their social media team. It will be interesting to see if there are any changes in their approach next week.
Games This Week: Jan 12 @ Gat; Jan 13 @ Pbo; Jan 14 vs Gue
(18) Flint Firebirds 12-23-3 PR% .4142
The Firebirds took a licking from the Sting on Friday but rebounded with a win over the Otters on Saturday. This team seems to be playing much better hockey since trading some of their veterans but they face a few stiff challenges this week. In the mean time they should enjoy being out of the bottom 2 for the first time in months!
Games This Week: Jan 12 @ Osh; Jan 13 @ Ham; Jan 14 @ Fli
(19) Sudbury Wolves 11-23-6 PR% .3943
The Wolves did not dress O'Grady or Pezzetta Sunday vs Hamilton and still nearly skated away with a win. They were only able to pick up 1 point this week and are suddenly amongst the leaders in the race for Quintin Byfield. If they get one of the top 2 picks this year it will be the 3rd time in the last 4 years Sudbury has picked that high. There is enough to like about the direction the new regime is taking them to be willing to wait and see what fruits this bears.
Games This Week: Jan 11 @ Bar; Jan 12 vs Miss; Jan 14 vs OS
(20) Peterborough Petes 16-21-3 PR% .3800
After 1 point in 4 games this past week the Petes officially sitting on the outside of the playoff picture. With a veteran team expected to compete for the conference title this season has been an utter disappointment. Even though they have only 3 points in their last 10 they still have 35 points on the season which likely is enough to keep them out of a realistic shot at Quintin Byfield even if this team implodes more than it already has. The only thing the Petes fans can hope for is that their board is willing to eat the remaining years on the extension they gave Oke and find someone new to lead the charge.
Games This Week: Jan 11 vs Gue; Jan 13 vs Ott; Jan 14 @ NB
Monday 1 January 2018
OHL Week 14 Power Rankings
2017 is over and in the books. The Greyhounds have won 23 in a row but they have finally gotten a few close calls. The Bulldogs are tops in the East but Barrie is working on a worst to first run and now Kingston has thrown their hat in the ring to create a 3 way battle for first in the conference. Sarnia is slumping but Kitchener and London continue to play strong. It will be interesting to see where things stand when the dust of the trade deadline settles. It should be an exciting 2nd half.
Divisional Quick Hits
The Bulldogs continue to bolster their lineup by adding Riley Stillman from Oshawa. Id expect another move on the blueline as they have 8 back thee who deserve regular ice time.... Kingston has joined the arms race and become the first team to move an '01 draft selection.... 4 wins in a row for Osahwa shows you how good this team can be with a healthy Keyser..... Jeremy Helvig set the Kingston career record with his 9th career shutout this week
Recent OA pickup Aaron Luchuk has signed an NHL contract with the Ottawa Senators.... Christian Propp is healthy and has had a great Month for North Bay with 5 of his 6 starts finishing wth a save percentage greater than .900
Alan Lyszczarczyk was named top forward at the Group B Division 1 WJC while playing for Poland.... Evan Bouchard has moved into top spot in defenceman scoring. Ending the year on a 6 game point streak with 3 goals and 7 assists in that span.
With 47 wins in only 59 games Mathew Vilalta may be on his way to becoming the quickest goalie on OHL history to 50 career wins. I reached out to the OHL and this isn't a stat they keep but they cant think of anyone who has done it quicker. The quickest I could find was Steve Mason who picked up win 50 in his 74th game.... The Firebirds picked up another commitment as Eric Uba their 9th round pick in 2016 signed on with the team.... The Spits continue to restock their draft cupboard making a deal with Kingston the most valuable piece coming back though is Cody Morgan who should team nicely with Staios and McDougal in their young core....
Divisional Quick Hits
The Bulldogs continue to bolster their lineup by adding Riley Stillman from Oshawa. Id expect another move on the blueline as they have 8 back thee who deserve regular ice time.... Kingston has joined the arms race and become the first team to move an '01 draft selection.... 4 wins in a row for Osahwa shows you how good this team can be with a healthy Keyser..... Jeremy Helvig set the Kingston career record with his 9th career shutout this week
Recent OA pickup Aaron Luchuk has signed an NHL contract with the Ottawa Senators.... Christian Propp is healthy and has had a great Month for North Bay with 5 of his 6 starts finishing wth a save percentage greater than .900
Alan Lyszczarczyk was named top forward at the Group B Division 1 WJC while playing for Poland.... Evan Bouchard has moved into top spot in defenceman scoring. Ending the year on a 6 game point streak with 3 goals and 7 assists in that span.
With 47 wins in only 59 games Mathew Vilalta may be on his way to becoming the quickest goalie on OHL history to 50 career wins. I reached out to the OHL and this isn't a stat they keep but they cant think of anyone who has done it quicker. The quickest I could find was Steve Mason who picked up win 50 in his 74th game.... The Firebirds picked up another commitment as Eric Uba their 9th round pick in 2016 signed on with the team.... The Spits continue to restock their draft cupboard making a deal with Kingston the most valuable piece coming back though is Cody Morgan who should team nicely with Staios and McDougal in their young core....
(1) Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 32-3-2 Power Rank Percentage (PR%) .8754
3 more wins for the Greyhounds brings their streak up to 23 games. Saginaw, Flint and Guelph were the victims this week and there were finally a few close calls. A Barrett Hayton goal with 15 seconds left was the winner vs Flint on Friday and they needed a shootout for the first time this year Saturday against Guelph.
Games This Week: Jan 4 @ Miss; Jan 5 @ Osh; Jan 7 @ Gue
(2) Hamilton Bulldogs 23-8-6 PR% .7334
The Bulldogs pushed their winning streak to 8 games before dropping Sundays game in Niagara 7-3. The Bulldogs scored 18 goals this week taking advantage of a weak Mississauga team and short handed Kingston team. Allowing 14 goals however is a bit troubling.
The Bulldogs pushed their winning streak to 8 games before dropping Sundays game in Niagara 7-3. The Bulldogs scored 18 goals this week taking advantage of a weak Mississauga team and short handed Kingston team. Allowing 14 goals however is a bit troubling.
Games This Week Jan 3 vs Ptb; Jan 5 vs NB; Jan 7 vs Sby
(3) Barrie Colts 23-10-3 PR% .7209
A 3 for 3 week for the Colts as they were able to get by Sudbury before sweeping home and home with the struggling Owen Sound Attack. The competition wasn't the greatest but they were great results for the Colts with Svechnikov away at the WJC. The Colts are now just 3 points behind Hamilton with a game in hand.
A 3 for 3 week for the Colts as they were able to get by Sudbury before sweeping home and home with the struggling Owen Sound Attack. The competition wasn't the greatest but they were great results for the Colts with Svechnikov away at the WJC. The Colts are now just 3 points behind Hamilton with a game in hand.
Games This Week: Jan 2 @ Kit; Jan 4 vs Ldn; Jan 6 vs Kgn
(4) Kitchener Rangers 23-11-2 PR% .7180
Another pair of wins for the Rangers who have only lost 2 games since their disastrous Northern Ontario swing. It is another 4 game week this week for the Rangers who were able to skate away with a 4-0 record the last time they had this busy of a week.
Games This Week: Jan 1 @ Pbo; Jan 2 vs Bar; Jan 5 vs Miss; Jan 6 @ OS
Another pair of wins for the Rangers who have only lost 2 games since their disastrous Northern Ontario swing. It is another 4 game week this week for the Rangers who were able to skate away with a 4-0 record the last time they had this busy of a week.
Games This Week: Jan 1 @ Pbo; Jan 2 vs Bar; Jan 5 vs Miss; Jan 6 @ OS
(5) London Knights 19-14-3 PR% .6743
London comes in at number 5 which is their highest spot in the rankings all season. A tough shootout lose to Flint to start the week but they rebounded with a big win against Sarnia to start their New Years home and home.
London comes in at number 5 which is their highest spot in the rankings all season. A tough shootout lose to Flint to start the week but they rebounded with a big win against Sarnia to start their New Years home and home.
Games This Week:
Jan 1 vs Sar; Jan 4 @ Ldn; Jan 5 @ Sby;
Jan 7 vs NB
(6)Niagara Icedogs 19-11-5 PR% .6630
A huge win to end the year with a thumping over East favourites Hamilton. They also picked up a couple of wins over Northern rivals Sudbury and North Bay. Home Ice in the first round seems like a forgone conclusion now but with Barrie, Hamilton and Kingston all buying will they be able to do any better than 4th?
A huge win to end the year with a thumping over East favourites Hamilton. They also picked up a couple of wins over Northern rivals Sudbury and North Bay. Home Ice in the first round seems like a forgone conclusion now but with Barrie, Hamilton and Kingston all buying will they be able to do any better than 4th?
Games This Week: Jan 5 vs Wsr; Jan 6 @ Bar; Jan 7 @ Nia
(7) Saginaw Spirit 19-13-3 PR% .6392
The Spirit opened the week with a loss to the Greyhound but everyone seems to be losing to them. The rebounded with wins over Flint and Windsor. With the Spits selling off it should mean 1 less team in Saginaw's way as they try to claim home ice in the 1st round.
The Spirit opened the week with a loss to the Greyhound but everyone seems to be losing to them. The rebounded with wins over Flint and Windsor. With the Spits selling off it should mean 1 less team in Saginaw's way as they try to claim home ice in the 1st round.
Games This Week: Jan 3 @ Sar; Jan 5 vs Eri; Jan 6 vs Sar
(8) Windsor Spitfires 19-13-3 PR% .6189
Windsor opened the week with a shutout of Sarnia before dropping games to Mississauga and Saginaw. With the fire sale starting it looks like this may be the final week they spend in the top 10.
Windsor opened the week with a shutout of Sarnia before dropping games to Mississauga and Saginaw. With the fire sale starting it looks like this may be the final week they spend in the top 10.
Games This Week: Jan 4 @ Pbo; Jan 5 @ Kgn; Jan 7 @ Ott
(9) Sarnia Sting 25-10-2 PR% .6107
No Kyrou and no Ruzicka led to some offensive struggles for the Sting. After a 5-0 loss to Windsor they followed it up with a 4-2 defeat at the hands of London. This team should make a few moves this week but what happens if Kyrou goes to the Olympics?
Games This Week: Jan 1 @ Ldn; Jan 3 vs Sag; Jan 5 vs Fli; Jan 6 @ Sag
No Kyrou and no Ruzicka led to some offensive struggles for the Sting. After a 5-0 loss to Windsor they followed it up with a 4-2 defeat at the hands of London. This team should make a few moves this week but what happens if Kyrou goes to the Olympics?
Games This Week: Jan 1 @ Ldn; Jan 3 vs Sag; Jan 5 vs Fli; Jan 6 @ Sag
(10) Oshawa Generals 17-17-2 PR% .5730
The Generals moved their win streak to 4 games as the are starting to show how good they can be when healthy. I expect this team to continue to get better after they move a few players to free up the depth chart and have more defined roles and ice time for their players. Don't forget Bob Jones should be returning soon.
Games This Week: Jan 1 vs NB; Jan 4 @ NB; Jan 5 vs SSM; Jan 7 vs OS
The Generals moved their win streak to 4 games as the are starting to show how good they can be when healthy. I expect this team to continue to get better after they move a few players to free up the depth chart and have more defined roles and ice time for their players. Don't forget Bob Jones should be returning soon.
Games This Week: Jan 1 vs NB; Jan 4 @ NB; Jan 5 vs SSM; Jan 7 vs OS
(11) Guelph Storm 18-14-4 PR% .5727
The Storm became the first team this year to take the Hounds to a shootout and came the closest out of any team so far to breaking their win streak. Unfortunately they followed that up with a loss to Sudbury. The were however able to open the week with a win over the Petes. Their next 6 games include 4 East opponents the struggling Attack and the Hounds. They shoud have a chance to pick up some wins.
The Storm became the first team this year to take the Hounds to a shootout and came the closest out of any team so far to breaking their win streak. Unfortunately they followed that up with a loss to Sudbury. The were however able to open the week with a win over the Petes. Their next 6 games include 4 East opponents the struggling Attack and the Hounds. They shoud have a chance to pick up some wins.
Games This Week: Jan 4 @ Nia; Jan 5 vs OS; Jan 7 vs SSM
(12) Kingston Frontenacs 18-12-6 PR%.5655
The Fronts played the week shorthanded. They were able to beat Ottawa 2-0 before dropping a game to Hamilton followed by a shocking loss to the Otters. Reinforcements are on the way however as the Fronts gear up for a 3 team race in the East.
The Fronts played the week shorthanded. They were able to beat Ottawa 2-0 before dropping a game to Hamilton followed by a shocking loss to the Otters. Reinforcements are on the way however as the Fronts gear up for a 3 team race in the East.
Games This Week: Jan 5 vs Wsr; Jan 6 @ Bar; Jan 7 @ Nia
(13) North Bay Battalion 13-18-5 PR%.5640
3 points in 4 games for the Battalion including a big win over Mississauga which gives them more breathing room on the 8th and final playoff spot in the East.
3 points in 4 games for the Battalion including a big win over Mississauga which gives them more breathing room on the 8th and final playoff spot in the East.
Games This Week: Jan 1 @ Osh; Jan 4 vs Osh; Jan 5 @ Ham;
Jan 7 vs Ldn
(14) Sudbury Wolves 11-21-5 PR% .4788
The Wolves ended the week with a win over Guelph which helped end a 4 game losing streak. With London, Niagara and Hamilton on the docket this week it looks like another losing streak maybe on the horizon.
The Wolves ended the week with a win over Guelph which helped end a 4 game losing streak. With London, Niagara and Hamilton on the docket this week it looks like another losing streak maybe on the horizon.
Games This Week: Jan 5 vs Ldn; Jan 6 @ Nia; Jan 7 @ Ham
(15) Owen Sound Attack 14-15-6 PR% .4644
The Attack gave up 12 goals in 3 games this week as Lafreniere seems not be the answer to their problems. Are they creeping closer to being sellers at the deadline? One would think so.
The Attack gave up 12 goals in 3 games this week as Lafreniere seems not be the answer to their problems. Are they creeping closer to being sellers at the deadline? One would think so.
Games This Week: Jan 5 @ Gue; Jan 6 vs Kit; Jan 7 @ Osh
(16) Erie Otters 12-19-6 PR% .4367
The Otters ended the year with a big home win against Kingston after suffering close losses to Oshawa and Kitchener. Picking up the win in net however for Erie was Daniel Murphy the last player selected in the 2016 OHL draft
The Otters ended the year with a big home win against Kingston after suffering close losses to Oshawa and Kitchener. Picking up the win in net however for Erie was Daniel Murphy the last player selected in the 2016 OHL draft
Games This Week: Jan 3 vs Miss; Jan 5 @ Sag; Jan 6 @ Fli
(17) Mississauga Steelheads 14-22-1 PR% .4338
Outscored this week 16-7 in games against Hamilton and North Bay they were somehow able to get by Windsor 3-2 between those two losses. Time is running out for the Steelheads this year but you have to wonder about James Richmond's future. This is 2 straight years of disappointing regular season results.
Outscored this week 16-7 in games against Hamilton and North Bay they were somehow able to get by Windsor 3-2 between those two losses. Time is running out for the Steelheads this year but you have to wonder about James Richmond's future. This is 2 straight years of disappointing regular season results.
Games This Week: Jan 3 @ Eri; Jan 4 vs SSM; Jan 5 @ Kit
(18) Peterborough Petes 16-18-2 PR% .4312
The Petes with a big comeback win over the slumping 67's. They will need to start playing better against better teams but it is nice to see the team still has some fight in them.
Games This Week: Jan 1 vs Kit; Jan 3 @ Ham; Jan 4 vs Wsr; Jan 6 @ Ott
The Petes with a big comeback win over the slumping 67's. They will need to start playing better against better teams but it is nice to see the team still has some fight in them.
Games This Week: Jan 1 vs Kit; Jan 3 @ Ham; Jan 4 vs Wsr; Jan 6 @ Ott
(19) Ottawa 67s 15-19- 3 PR% .4166
A December to forget for the 67's as they finish 2-7-1 on the month. Both of their losses were by 1 goal as it looks like some of their luck in close games from early in the season has started to go the other way. Still a lot to like on this roster but something better than the 7th or 8th seed will be needed to deem this season a success.
A December to forget for the 67's as they finish 2-7-1 on the month. Both of their losses were by 1 goal as it looks like some of their luck in close games from early in the season has started to go the other way. Still a lot to like on this roster but something better than the 7th or 8th seed will be needed to deem this season a success.
Games This Week: Jan 6 vs Pbo; Jan 7 vs Wsr
(20) Flint Firebirds 11-22-3 PR% .4127
The Firebirds picked up a shootout win over London before making the Hounds sweat and then getting rocked by Saginaw. This Firebirds team is playing some good hockey right now although they are being weighted down in the rankings by their ugly stretch earlier in the year.
The Firebirds picked up a shootout win over London before making the Hounds sweat and then getting rocked by Saginaw. This Firebirds team is playing some good hockey right now although they are being weighted down in the rankings by their ugly stretch earlier in the year.
Games This Week: Jan 5 @ Sar; Jan 6 vs Eri
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