Rangers season comes to a close after making postseason history
London, Ont. – The Kitchener Rangers made history becoming the first-ever eight-seed to sweep a one-seed in the OHL playoffs. However, Kitchener’s 4-0 deficit to London Thursday put a conclusion on the second round series with the Knights winning four games to one.
Since the OHL Trade Deadline on Jan. 10, the Rangers racked-up the second-most points in the OHL (40), after only the Windsor Spitfires. Additionally, the Rangers’ record after making a coaching change on Feb. 10, was 12-5-4-0. Kitchener finished the season with an impressive 9-3-2-0 record in their last 14 games.
It was a defensive first period in game five Thursday night. Shots favoured the Knights 4-3 in a scoreless first period.
London opened things up in the middle frame with three unanswered goals. Max McCue broke the deadlock 4:19 into the period. A slot shot beat Marco Costantini over the glove arm. Then, Denver Bareky scored the next two goals for London, one on the power-play and one on the penalty kill.
London held a 3-0 lead after 40 minutes and shots favoured the Knights 19-8.
The Knights kept Kitchener off the board and with the goaltender pulled for the extra attacker, Logan Mailloux (Montréal Canadiens) shot the puck into the empty net to make it a 4-0 game and end the series for the Kitchener Rangers. Final shots favoured the Knights 27-16.
It was the final OHL game for the three Rangers overagers: Marco Costantini, Lleyton Moore and Reid Valade.
Kitchener finished the game 0-for-3 on the power-play and and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill. All three stars of the game went to members of the London Knights.
Next Up: The Rangers will focus on the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Rounds 1-3 begin Friday at 7 p.m., while rounds 4-15 start at 9 a.m. Saturday. For all the latest coverage on the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, stay tuned to KitchenerRangers.com.
Photo Credit: Tiffany Luke / Kitchener Rangers
For inquiries, contact:
Dominic Hennig
Senior Director, Broadcasting, Communications & Hockey Operations
Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club
519-497-9342
[email protected]
