Cowan leads the charge as Knights even Championship Series
The London Knights rebounded in style, defeating the Oshawa Generals 5-2 in Game 2 of the OHL Championship Series on Saturday night at Canada Life Place.
After the Generals handed the Knights their first loss of the post-season on Thursday, London came back at full speed to restore their winning ways. Speaking at pre-game media availability on Saturday morning, San Jose Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson emphasized the importance of resetting for Game 2.
“We get to forget about Game 1 and focus on Game 2. We’re excited to play. We just have to get on the ice and worry about ourselves,” said Dickinson.
"New day, we're excited to play Game 2. We just have to get on the ice and worry about ourselves."#OHL Defenceman of the Year Sam Dickinson (@SanJoseSharks) and the @LondonKnights aim to bounce back from their first post-season loss as they prepare for Game 2 at home.🎥 pic.twitter.com/rSXFTZA9ts
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 10, 2025
The Knights did just that, led by a standout performance from 2024 Red Tilson Trophy winner Easton Cowan. The Toronto Maple Leafs prospect wasted no time making an impact, netting his ninth goal of the playoffs late in the first period to tie the game at one, with Sam O’Reilly providing the setup.
Easton Cowan SAUCE 🤢#OHLChampionship | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/YBqjqzC9fi
— London Knights (@LondonKnights) May 11, 2025
Cowan continued to drive the Knights’ offence in the second, assisting on O’Reilly’s go-ahead goal just over five minutes into the frame. Moments later, he picked up another assist on Oliver Bonk’s game-winner, extending London’s lead.
Oshawa briefly closed the gap with a goal from Luke Torrance, but Cowan wasn’t done. Late in the period, he set up Jacob Julien’s insurance marker, then sealed the win with an empty-netter, capping a two goal, three-assist night and tying the franchise record for most playoff points in Knights history with 89, matching Rob Schremp’s mark.
“Being able to achieve that type of mark come playoff hockey, that’s the key to good players”, said Knights Head Coach Dale Hunter. “To do it during the year and then to bring it to the playoffs when the compete is high, that’s what NHL teams look for.”
Fittingly, Cowan now occupies the same locker stall that Schremp once called home.
“Schremp has been great to me and he’s taught me a lot of things over my career here in London”, commented Cowan.
Five points from Easton Cowan and the @LondonKnights tie the #OHLChampionship Series! 🔰 pic.twitter.com/D1GoDmbZeE
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 11, 2025
With the series now tied at one, the Knights will look to keep the momentum rolling as they head to Oshawa for Game 3 on Monday night, followed by a quick turnaround for Game 4 on Tuesday.