OHL Eastern Conference Semi-Final Preview

 

The Eastern Conference Semi-Finals are set as four teams get ready to face off in the second round of the 2022 OHL Playoffs.

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EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS:

(1) Hamilton Bulldogs (51-12-3-2) vs. (4) Mississauga Steelheads (37-23-2-6) – #HAMvsMISS

A battle of Highway 403, Mississauga will face off against the League-leading Bulldogs in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, as Hamilton launches the round two series at home on Thursday night.

The Bulldogs defeated the Peterborough Petes 4-0 in the first round of the OHL Playoffs, the franchise’s first ever sweep of a playoff series. The Bulldogs continue to dominate their opponents as they outscored the Petes 24-9 in four games. Logan Morrison (6-2-8) and Anaheim Ducks prospect Mason McTavish (5-3-8) lead Hamilton in playoff scoring, each recording eight points so far in the post-season.

Avery Hayes, who has feasted on the Steelheads with nine points (5-4–9) in the eight meetings between the two clubs this season, will be sidelined due to a suspension for the opening three games of the series.

Winning 40 of their last 43 games, the Bulldogs entered the playoffs as regular season champions for the first time in franchise history. The Steelheads have their work cut out for them as they’ve struggled against the Bulldogs in the latter half of the season, with Hamilton winning the last four encounters. It should be noted that the Steelheads were one of two teams to defeat the Bulldogs at least three times during the regular season.

The Steelheads come off a 4-2 series victory against the Barrie Colts, winning a playoff round for the first time since their Eastern Conference title in 2017. Leading the club in playoff points, James Hardie recorded six goals and two assists for a total of eight points (6-2-8), including a double overtime goal in Game 4.

Finishing second in the Central Division with a 82-point regular season franchise record, the Steelheads will not go down without a fight. An OHL Coach of the Year finalist, James Richmond looks to lead the Trout to victory. Scouts will be out in force to see a young Trout team that features six players on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings released Thursday, including a pair of top-10 listings in Luca Del Bel Belluz and Owen Beck.

The Steelheads need to have their A-game from the get-go against a Bulldogs club with the best home record in the OHL this season, playing to a 27-4-1-2 mark at FirstOntario Centre.

Season Series:
Hamilton wins 5-2-0-1
Oct. 24 – HAM 4 at MISS 2
Oct. 30 – MISS 3 at HAM 2 (SO)
Nov. 5 – HAM 0 at MISS 3
Dec. 15 – MISS 4 at HAM 1
Feb. 5 – MISS 0 at HAM 1
Feb. 8 – HAM 4 at MISS 2
Mar. 3 – MISS 1 at HAM 2
Mar. 11 – HAM 5 at MISS 1

Playoff History:
This marks the first time the Bulldogs and Steelheads have met in the OHL Playoffs.

Series Schedule:
Game 1, Thurs., May 5 Hamilton 7:00pm
Game 2, Sun., May 8 Hamilton 2:00pm
Game 3, Tues., May 10 Mississauga 7:00pm
Game 4, Fri., May 13 Mississauga 7:00pm
Game 5, Sun., May 15 Hamilton 2:00pm *
Game 6, Tues., May 17 Mississauga 7:00pm *
Game 7, Wed., May 18 Hamilton 7:00pm *

*if necessary

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(2) North Bay Battalion (43-18-3-4) vs. (3) Kingston Frontenacs (41-22-4-1) – #NBvsKGN

The Kingston Frontenacs will take on the Battalion in the second Eastern Conference Semi-Final matchup as they head to North Bay for Game 1 of the series on Friday night.

The Fronts defeated the Oshawa Generals in a thrilling  Game 6 overtime finish on Sunday, overcoming a late scare to take the series 4-2. The Generals tied the game in the final seconds of regulation before top 2022 NHL Draft prospect Shane Wright netted the overtime winner. Wright (2-4-6) has been a solid contributor for the Fronts with six playoff points, while Zayde Wisdom‘s series performance earned him OHL Player of the Week honours, leading the playoff scoring race with 12 points (4-8-12).

Kingston has little room for error as they face off against the Central Division champion Battalion who completed a four-game series sweep against the Ottawa 67’s in the opening round of the playoffs.

Heading into the postseason with 43 wins under their belt, the Battalion have had Kingston’s number, going 4-0 against the Fronts in the regular season. Kyle Jackson scored five goals in his three outings against Kingston while Edmonton Oilers prospect Matvey Petrov racked up nine points (2-7–9) in four contests.

Sitting at third in the playoff scoring rankings and leading the Battalion in playoff points is San Jose Sharks prospect Brandon Coe (3-6-9). The Overage Player of the Year is looking to lead the Troops to victory in his final year of OHL action. Joe Vrbetic remains strong in the crease, backstopping the Battalion to all four of their playoff wins with a .904 save percentage.

Don’t overlook the importance of Liam Arnsby in this series. The two-way centre drew high praise on the Eastern Conference Coaches Poll for his tenacious work ethic and shutdown ability. He’ll likely see his fair share of tough matchups against Wright to start the series.

Both teams are well-rested and healthy to get things going in what looks to be a competitive series with high profile names on both sides.

Season Series:
North Bay wins 4-0-0-0
Nov. 5 – NB 4 at KGN 2
Nov. 26 – NB 5 at KGN 2
Feb. 6 – KGN 2 at NB 5
Mar. 6 – KGN 2 at NB 4

Playoff History:
This will be Kingston and North Bay/Brampton’s fourth meeting in the OHL Playoffs.
– 2018 KGN def. NB 4-1 – 1st round / 2015 NB def. KGN 4-0 – 1st round / 2010 BRA def. KGN 4-3 – 1st round

Series Schedule:
Game 1, Fri., May 6 North Bay 7:00pm
Game 2, Sun., May 8 North Bay 2:00pm
Game 3, Tues., May 10 Kingston 7:00pm
Game 4, Fri., May 12 Kingston 7:00pm
Game 5, Sun., May 14 North Bay 7:00pm *
Game 6, Tues., May 15 Kingston 6:00pm *
Game 7, Wed., May 17 North Bay 7:00pm *

*if necessary

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