KNIGHTS LOOK TO TIE SEASON SERIES IN ERIE

By Yannis Economopoulos

Knights head to Erie looking to tie the season series at two

LONDON, ON – After having their 14-game winning streak snapped by the Peterborough Petes on Friday, the London Knights are looking to get back in the win column on Saturday as they visit Erie to take on the Otters.

Scouting the Knights (31-11-0-2)

With two assists on Friday night, Isaiah George extended his point streak to four games – three of them are multi-point performances. The New York Islanders prospect is a smooth-skating and trustworthy defenceman and has recorded nine points in his last 10 appearances (1G, 8A). Through 44 contests this season, George has 20 points, only two less than last year’s total.

Denver Barkey will return to the lineup tonight after serving a two-game suspension for an incident that occurred in Kitchener on January 19th. Before receiving his discipline, the Newmarket, Ont. native boasted a four-game, nine-point streak. Barkey, a Philadelphia Flyers prospect, is fourth in league scoring (64 pts) and leads the Knights in goals (24), assists (40), and points.

Special Teams

London owns the league’s best power play at 33.7%. They also have the top-ranked man advantage on the road, with a 41.3% conversion rate.

The Knights’ 84.1% penalty kill is ranked second in the league.

Know the Foe – Erie Otters (20-19-4-0)

Erie has dropped two consecutive games and have gone 4-6-0-0 in their previous 10 matchups. Returning home to face London after a four-game road trip, the Otters should be eager to get back in the win column.

In Friday’s loss to Oshawa, Sam Alfano recorded a goal and three points. The 6-foot-4 winger has scored in back-to-back contests and has 10 points in his last 10 outings. Alfano sits second on Erie in goals (16) and fourth in points (37). The Cayuga, Ont. product will try to extend his point streak to three as he closes in on 100 in his OHL career (95).

Special Teams

Erie has the fourth-ranked power player at 24.4%, while their penalty kill is 19th at 70.6%.

Standings

London remains in the Midwest Division’s top spot with 64 points, while the Otters are last with 45 points, one behind the Owen Sound Attack.

Head-to-Head

Erie has emerged victorious in two of three meetings against the Knights this season. However, in the last five years, London is 9-2-0-1 when visiting the Otters.

The puck drops from the Erie Insurance Arena at 7:00 p.m. EST.