67’s look to claim series lead in Kingston
The Ottawa 67’s (21-32-3-6) are into the final six games of their season with their postseason hopes still intact, and tonight at 7 p.m., they’re in Kingston for a cash with the Frontenacs (36-18-5-3).
You can follow all the action at Slush Puppie Place on Rogers TV and CHLTV, or hear Kenny Walls’ call on TSN 1200.
Ottawa is just three days removed from a difficult weekend where they managed to score only a single point in three important games against the Peterborough Petes twice, and the North Bay Battalion. On the road against the Troops on Sunday, the Barber Poles took a 2-1 lead before the first intermission, but gave up four unanswered goals to lose 5-2.
Despite the loss, 67’s forwards Luca Pinelli and Filip Ekberg extended their point streaks to four and five games respectively. The Swedish import Ekberg has seven points during that stretch, and is now up to 35 points in 47 games in his rookie campaign.
Kingston, too, had a difficult weekend last time out. On the road, they lost to Western Conference top dogs in the Windsor Spitfires and London Knights, before securing an overtime win against the Niagara IceDogs on Sunday. The Fronts scored goals from four different sources, with Joey Willis scoring the overtime winner, his fifth as a Frontenac.
Former 67’s forward and World Juniors silver medalist Tuomas Uronen has been phenomenal for Kingston this season, scoring 36 goals and 83 points in 57 games. He’s tied with Jacob Battaglia in the team lead for points.
When the 67’s and Frontenacs have met this season, games have been competitive despite the difference in the standings. Each club has won three and lost three, with matching 3-2-1-0 records.
By the numbers
| Ottawa 67’s | Player | Total |
| Goals | Luca Pinelli | 33 |
| Assists | Matthew Mayich | 31 |
| Points | Luca Pinelli | 63 |
| Power play goals | Luca Pinelli | 14 |
| +/- | Shaan Kingwell | +3 |
| Kingston Frontenacs | Player | Total |
| Goals | Jacob Battaglia | 38 |
| Assists | Tuomas Uronen, Cedrick Guindon | 47 |
| Points | Tuomas Uronen, Jacob Battaglia | 83 |
| Power play goals | Cedrick Guindon | 12 |
| +/- | Quinton Burns | +38 |
Keys to the game
- High dough
The 67’s need to be excited and ready to go for this one. With only six games to go, they have to put everything they have into earning some points.
- Fireworks
This game is sure to be eventful, as matchups with Kingston always are. Be ready for it, and don’t back down, no matter what happens.
- (Fifty) mission
Two points are critical in the standings now. The 67’s must be willing to stick to their game plan and battle like it’s the playoffs.
