LONDON/NIAGARA SERIES TIED AT ONE

The margin for error for success and failure has become even more narrowly defined as the OHL play-offs march on.  This has been extremely evident so far in the first two games of the OHL final between London and Niagara.  In game one, Niagara parlayed two London penalties into some overtime momentum, finally winning on Dougie Hamilton's seemingly harmless shot from the point that eluded Michael Houser.  Houser, who had been brilliant  to that point, let one slip by that he likely should have had.  Game over, advantage IceDogs.

Fast forward to game two and the Ice Dogs this time took advantage of their power play opportunities, counting twice through Agozzino and were on their way to putting London on the ropes in the series.  However, that turned out to be something of fools gold for the IceDogs.  Though up 2-0, the chances and the shots were pretty even.  Jared Tinordi jumped into the rush and was not picked up. He netted the shot and the Knights were down one.  In the second period it was time for the Knights to be opportunistic as they turned a couple of defensive turnovers into goals via Ryan Rupert and then added a fourth as for some reason three IceDogs got caught up ice while shorthanded and that allowed a pretty three way passing play finished off by Olli Maatta.  Though the IceDogs would respond through Agozzino's 3rd of the evening, they got no closer despite a furious rally in the third.  Rupert would match Agozzino in the hat-trick department with an empty net marker late in the 3rd to cap the scoring.

Game 3 will be tonight (Monday) in London, and there is no reason to believe the game will be anything but close.  They both roll four lines deep, have standout defensemen and series changing goaltending.  Batten down the hatches for a long one fans!

Highlights from Game 2 in Niagara are here: