Halttunen hat-trick lifts Knights to victory despite Generals’ third-period push
The London Knights held off a determined third-period surge from the Oshawa Generals to claim a 7-5 victory in Game 3 of the 2025 OHL Championship Series, seizing a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Kasper Halttunen led the way for London, recording his first hat trick of the post-season. The San Jose Sharks prospect has been a force for the Knights, with 16 points (10-6-16) in 15 playoff contests. All-time Knights playoff points leader Easton Cowan (Toronto Maple Leafs) continued his impressive run, building on his five-point performance in Game 2 with two goals and an assist. Cowan’s second goal, an empty-netter in the final minute, helped secure the win. New York Islanders prospect Jesse Nurmi, a steady presence throughout the playoffs, scored the game-winner, capping off a well-balanced offensive effort from the Knights as they held on for the victory.
“I love to play those big games and play to my best ability in those big moments,” said Halttunen. “Sometimes the pucks are going in and sometimes they’re not. Today, I shot the puck more, and it was working for me.”
HALTSY HATTY HALTSY HATTY 🎩🎩🎩#TheFutureIsTeal | #OHLChampionship pic.twitter.com/W7rF9eEFUY
— London Knights (@LondonKnights) May 13, 2025
However, the Generals refused to go quietly, guaranteeing a thrilling performance in the final frame. Trailing 5-1 entering the third, they mounted a furious comeback, sparked by Luca D’Amato, who opened the scoring in the final frame. Colby Barlow (Winnipeg Jets) and Luke Torrance each found the back of the net as well, energizing the Oshawa crowd and shifting the momentum as the Generals pulled within one. Though Nurmi briefly restored London’s two-goal cushion, Anaheim Ducks prospect Beckett Sennecke cut the deficit to one again with less than two minutes on the clock, setting up a tense final push before Cowan’s late insurance tally sealed the win for the visitors.
WHAT. A. GAME. 👏
Take a look at @AnaheimDucks prospect Beckett Sennecke's STUNNING third period goal, which kept the @Oshawa_Generals in it until the very end!🤩#OHLChampionship | @CHLHockey | #flytogether pic.twitter.com/zG361rPOOC
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 13, 2025
Despite being outshot 36-27, the Knights relied on steady goaltending from Austin Elliott, who turned aside 31 shots, including several key saves during the Generals’ third-period rally.
“He’s a great goalie and a great guy too. When he’s making those saves for us, it’s huge. We have all the confidence in the world in him,” commented Cowan.
The two teams will face off again in a quick turnaround, with Game 4 taking place on Tuesday night in Oshawa. The Knights will look to build on their momentum and edge closer to the J. Ross Robertson Cup, while the Generals aim to bounce back and even the series in front of their home crowd.
What a finish!
The @LondonKnights battle their way to a 7-5 win in Game 3 of the #OHLChampionship Series 🔰 pic.twitter.com/QYEg514pd4
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 13, 2025
