GAME RECAP: 67’s fall to Rangers

Despite a valiant effort, the Ottawa 67’s weren’t able to secure the win over the Kitchener Rangers, losing 2-0 on Saturday.

“I think we played well,” said Fetterolf. “We weren’t able to bury, but we created chances, and I think we played a pretty good overall game—just couldn’t get one by them.”

After some feeling out, the Rangers would control the beginning of the first period, outshooting Ottawa 8-3 over the first 10 minutes. Ryder Fetterolf would have himself a monstrous period, flashing the leather several times as he stopped all 15 chances from the Rangers to keep the score 0-0 after 20.

Kitchener would continue to lead possession in the second, however Thomas Vandenberg would find some good chances on the power play early in the second. That power play would give the 67’s momentum, with Ottawa picking up a number of scoring chances, including a spin-o-rama wrap-around chance from Ondrej Ruml. Fetterolf would continue his masterclass, making a few more bailouts as he kept the door shut despite finishing the second period of play having faced 27 shots.

“I thought I could’ve had the net there on a few of those powerplay ones,” Vandenberg said. “

The 67’s would pick up the pace of play more in the third, but it would be the Rangers who would finally get on the board. However, the goal would get challenged for goaltender interference. Despite the challenge, the refs would allow the goal to give the Rangers to 1-0. 

“It was an unlucky bounce,” said Vandenberg. “If they had called the goal away, it would’ve been a much closer game.” 

“They are probably one of the hottest in the league,” Vandenberg said of the Rangers. “Shows in comparison where we are at, but I think we outplayed them in the back half.”

The Rangers would clog the middle as they looked to close out the game. The 67’s would pull the net to give themselves a chance to tie it up, but the Rangers would sink the empty netter and the game at 2-0. 

Fetterolf had a massive game, stopping 33 of 34 and keeping Ottawa in the game. However, he wasn’t as pleased with his play.

“I definitely wouldn’t say I am satisfied with my game,” Fetterolf said. “I think they created good offensive chances, but I don’t think it was anything we haven’t seen before playing Brantford and Barrie.”

“It could’ve been a shutout, and that would’ve forced overtime,” he said. “I think there’s always better.”

Already the loss seems to be in the rear view mirror, with Fetterolf and Vandenberg setting their sights on the next game on Monday.

“I think we did well today,” said Vandenberg. “We have to initiate against Barrie on Monday and make sure we’re on top of them quick.”

“It should be a fun game.”

 

Box score

Teams	Score	Shots on goal	Power plays
Ottawa	0	24	0/3
Kitchener	2	34	0/2

 

First period

 

Second Period

 

Third Period

#23 Sam O’Reilly (22) scores. Assists: #8 Carson Campbell, #16 Dylan Edwards

#23 Sam O’Reilly (23) scores. 

 

Up next

The 67’s return on Monday at 3 p.m., welcoming the Barrie Colts for the Family Day Game presented by Tim Hortons. Fans can buy tickets to the game here.