Livescore
It’s hard to find a team that is more dominant in all of junior hockey than the London Knights.
The defending OHL champions have shown no signs of regression and have been the top dogs in the OHL pretty much since the start of the year.
With still 20 games left to play, On Tuesday night, Feb. 4, the Knights became the first team in the league to clinch a playoff spot after defeating the second-place Kitchener Rangers 5-3.
Veteran forward Landon Sim scored his 22nd of the year to get the party started for the Knights, but then Luca Romano and Cameron Mercer scored within just under a minute of each other to put the Rangers up 2-1.
Edmonton Oilers prospect William Nicholl evened the game up midway through the second with his 13th of the season, but once again, the Rangers responded.
Kitchener defenseman Carson Campbell scored just his second of the season less than three minutes into the third to give his team a 3-2 lead.
However, there’s no quit in this London team.
Ottawa Senators prospect Blake Montgomery has been terrific for the Knights since joining the team in November. He scored his 20th goal in his 32nd game to tie the game up before a certain Los Angeles Kings prospect worked his magic.
Jared Woolley — drafted 164th overall in the sixth round in 2024 by LA — finds the wide open space in the offensive zone, takes the pass from Oliver Bonk, and then showcases incredible patience and soft sleek hands in tight for a 6-foot-5 defenseman.
Easton Cowan recorded a secondary assist on Woolley’s goal and added an empty-netter, extending his regular season point streak to 65 games.
Related: Maple Leafs Prospect’s Point Streak Hits 60 Games; London Dismantles Sudbury
London ranks amongst the top of the league in several categories. They sit atop the standings with 79 points, have recorded the most wins (39) and regulation and overtime wins (36), have scored the most goals (223), have allowed the least amount of goals (126), and therefore have the best goal differential (+103).
Their powerplay (26.3%) ranks third-best behind Kingston and Brantford. And their penalty kill (84.3%) is second to Kitchener’s league-leading 85%.
What’s remarkable about this team is that it is so deep and gets production throughout its lineup from its forwards and defensemen. London doesn’t have a player in the top 10 in scoring. Denver Barkey is closest, with 63 points in 15th.
Many star players have missed time due to injuries or representing their countries at the World Junior Championship, but this team is far from being a one-line type of team.
The Knights are fiercely prepared to defend their title, and this time, they are fully committed to securing the Memorial Cup.
Related: “I Want To Take Care Of Business And Bring Home A Memorial Cup” London Knights Austin Elliott Remains Undefeated Since Coming Over From The WHL; Announces NCAA Commitment
Bookmark The Hockey News OHL site to never miss news, interviews, and any updates around the league.
Read the full article here
Discussion about this post