Spits try and stall Rangers’ momentum in Game 7 showdown

The Kitchener Rangers enter tonight’s Game 7 matchup with the wind at their backs, having won three straight matchups and seeking to become the sixth team in OHL history to win a series after falling behind 3-0.

These two teams have been here before, only this time the roles are reversed. The 2010 OHL and Memorial Cup champion Spitfires fell down 3-0 against Kitchener in the Western Conference Final before rattling off four straight wins, advancing to defeat Barrie to hoist the J. Ross Robertson Cup.

Other teams that have accomplished a comeback from 3-0 include the 2019 Guelph Storm (def. London), 2014 Peterborough Petes (def. Kingston), 2005 Windsor Spitfires (def. Sault Ste. Marie) and 1988 Ottawa 67’s (def. Oshawa).

Halting the momentum can be done. The North Bay Battalion nearly pulled it off last spring, rebounding from down 3-0 only to lose Game 7 by a score of 6-1 in Oshawa as the Generals claimed the Bobby Orr Trophy as Eastern Conference champions.

Injuries and illness have played a part in stalling Windsor’s momentum in the series, with names like AJ Spellacy, Cole Davis, Jean-Christoph Lemieux and Liam Greentree among those affected. Add them to a list of names that includes wounded defenders Carson Woodall and Tnias Mathurin and Spits head coach Greg Walters has had his hands full trying to keep the lines rolling.

The Rangers, to their credit, have taken full advantage of Windsor’s turbulence as goaltender Jackson Parsons has logged a pair of shutouts, Luke Ellinas has returned from suspension as a game-changer and the gritty checking line of Cameron Mercer, Andrew Vermeulen and Cameron Arquette has been very good for the Blueshirts.

Both teams have had excellent seasons, and its a shame only one can advance. We’ll find out if its Windsor or Kitchener battling the London Knights for the Wayne Gretzky Trophy pending the outcome of tonight’s Game 7.

The Series so far:
Game 1 – Kitchener 1 at Windsor 5 (WSR: Morneau 2G / Robinson 1G)
Game 2 – Kitchener 1 at Windsor 5 (WSR: Abraham 2G / Davis 2A)
Game 3 – Windsor 6 at Kitchener 3 (WSR: Greentree 5G, 1A / Protas 1G, 3A)
Game 4 – Windsor 0 at Kitchener 3 (KIT: Ellinas 3G / Parsons 24 SV SO)
Game 5 – Kitchener 5 at Windsor 2 (KIT: Swick 2G, 1A / Humphreys 1G, 2A)
Game 6 – Windsor 0 at Kitchener 4 (KIT: Pridham 2G / Parsons 29 SV SO)

Windsor Game 7 History (8-4-1):
2022 – defeated Flint in West Final / 2017 – lost to London in first round / 2011 – defeated Erie in first round / 2010 – defeated Kitchener in Western Conference Final / 2006 – lost to Plymouth in first round / 2005 – defeated Sault Ste. Marie in first round / 2003 – lost to London in first round / 2000 – defeated Sarnia in first round / 1992 – lost to Kitchener in first round / 1991 – defeated London in first round / 1980 – defeated Brantford in semi-final / 1979 – tied London 3-3 — defeated London 3-2 in protest game — both teams advanced due to protest

Kitchener Game 7 History (11-9):
2022 – defeated London in first round / 2018 – lost to Sault Ste. Marie in West Final / 2012 – defeated Plymouth in second round / 2011 – lost to Plymouth in first round / 2010 – lost to Windsor in West Final / 2010 – defeated London in second round / 2008 – defeated Belleville in OHL Championship / 2003 – defeated Plymouth in West Final / 1997 – defeated Sarnia in second round / 1996 – defeated Barrie in first round / 1993 – lost to London in first round / 1992 – lost to Sault Ste. Marie in second round / 1992 – defeated Windsor in first round / 1990 – lost to Oshawa in OHL Championship / 1984 – defeated Sault Ste. Marie in OHL Semi-Final / 1981 – defeated Niagara Falls in first round / 1979 – lost to Niagara Falls in second round / 1968 – lost to Niagara Falls in league final / 1967 – lost to Toronto in second round / 1966 – defeated Toronto in second round