67’s visit Troops eyeing perfect weekend

Sunday afternoon’s tilt between the Ottawa 67’s (12-11-2-4) and the North Bay Battalion (13-12-3-0) is about as big as a mid-December game can be in the OHL, with the teams being separated by a single point in the standings. You can see all of the action on Rogers TV and CHLTV, and hear Kenny Walls’ call on TSN 1200.

Puck drop from the North Bay Memorial Gardens is at 2 p.m.

The Barber Poles head to North Bay following a shootout victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Barrie Colts on Saturday evening. Ottawa got goals from Will Gerrior, Chris Barlas, and Caden Kelly, who notched his first career multi-goal game. Nathan Amidovski scored the only goal in the shootout.

Henry Mews overtook Luca Pinelli — who is away at the World Juniors — for the team lead in points, picking up seven more by scoring a point on every goal the Barber Poles have scored in the past two games.

North Bay sat idle last night after playing Thursday and Friday this week. A big loss to the Niagara IceDogs was followed by a 3-1 road win over the Oshawa Generals, where the Troops used a strong second period to get all of the offence they needed.

Lirim Amidovski scored the winner for the Battalion, and is currently third on the team in goals.

These two teams have already met once in each arena this season, with the home side securing both victories. Ottawa currently sits in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with 29 games played and 30 points, while North Bay is in ninth with 29 points in 28 games.

By the numbers

Keys to the game 

• Momentum

The 67’s have played some really good hockey this weekend, and they’re rolling as a result. Keep working.

• Amidovski bros

Both brothers have been important players for their teams of late, so they could play a big part in a victory.

• Shift length

It’s the last game of a three-in-three, and you’ve been down some bodies. Keep the shifts short, or you’ll be gassed.