KNIGHTS TAKE GAME ONE 3-1
Darby Llewellyn scored the lone Kitchener Rangers goal in a 3-1 loss to the London Knights on Friday night. The Knights lead the best-of-seven Western Conference Quarterfinal series 1-0.
The Knights opened the scoring seven minutes into the opening frame. Rookie rearguard Victor Mete initiated the play, forcing a turnover in his own zone and moving the puck to Mitchell Marner. The second year forward moved a quick pass to Matt Rupert before regaining possession and lifting a shot high over the glove of Rangers starter Jake Paterson. The second-best scorer in the OHL, Marner’s tally was the fourth of his playoff career.
London added a second goal late in the frame, capitalizing on a 4-on-3 power play opportunity. Christian Dvorak’s shot was stopped by Paterson, but the Arizona Coyotes prospect picked up the loose puck behind the netminder and moved it to Marner. The draft eligible forward hit the open net for his second of the night, with a secondary assist from Rupert.
The Knights out-shot the Rangers 18-7 through the opening 20 minutes.
The clubs skated through a scoreless second period, with the Rangers out-shooting London 15-9.
Darby Llewellyn put Kitchener on the board early in the third period. The veteran winger pushed a puck past starter Tyler Person for his first career playoff goal. Ryan MacInnis picked up an assist on the play, giving him points in all seven meetings with the Knights this season. Brandon Robinson was credited with the second assist on the play.
Rupert’s first goal of the postseason pushed the Knights ahead 3-1. The Toronto Maple Leafs prospect was hooked while chasing down an empty net, and was awarded the empty net tally.
The Rangers outshot the Knights 14-8 in the final frame, and 36-35 overall.
London takes a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 2 will be played at the Budweiser Gardens on Sunday, March 29 at 4:00.
Scoring
1. LDN M. Marner, (1) (M. Rupert, V. Mete), 7:09
1. LDN M. Marner, (2) (C. Dvorak, M. Rupert), 16:57 (PP)
3. KIT D. Llewellyn, (1) (R. MacInnis, B. Robinson), 3:15 (PP)
3. LDN M. Rupert, (1 (unassisted), 18:13
Attendance: 8740
Three Stars
1. LDN – 93 Mitchell Marner
2. LDN – 1 Tyler Parsons
3. KIT – 57 Jake Paterson
The Rangers will host the London Knights in home playoff games on: March 31, April 2 and April 5* at 7:00pm. (*if required). Tickets for home playoff games are on sale now! Don’t miss a minute of the action: Playoff tickets may be purchased by phone at 519-578-1570 or 1-800-265-8977, via the internet or in person at The Aud Box Office or Centre in the Square.
