The CHL on Sportsnet returns with Game 3 between the Erie Otters and the London Knights from Budweiser Gardens. Erie leads the series 2-0. This series includes six of the OHL’s nine 100-point players from the regular season.
After losing Game 1 of their opening round series to the Sarnia Sting, the Otters have been on fire, winning their last six and in impressive fashion, outscoring their opponents 32-11.
Part of that has been goaltender Devin Williams, whose regular season numbers left doubt in the minds of many. Williams has played well and his save percentage (.892) is more a result of Erie not allowing a lot of shots, and possessing the puck much more frequently than its opponent.
Watch the Erie Otters take on the London Knights in Game 3 of their OHL playoff series live on Sportsnet 360 with coverage starting at 7:00 p.m. EST/4:00 p.m. PST.
On the back, Erie misses Kurtis MacDermid, who will need an extended run into the next round in order for him to return from suspension. The Otters defensive corps is still big, strong and nasty with over-agers Cory Genovese and Troy Donnay leading the way. Darren Raddysh and Travis Dermott support the rush well. Patrick Murphy is better as a defenceman than he was as a forward. When slotted properly, T.J. Fergus can get the job done. Patrick Fellows can move back if required.
Connor McDavid has somehow found another level to his game, coming off a five-goal performance in Game 2. Dylan Strome has two playoff game-winners. Remi Elie and Jake Marchment have used their big frames to combine for 20 points. Scoring is evident throughout the forward group, despite Mason Marchment’s abscence due to suspension, and Nick Betz who’s been injured. Nicholas Baptiste and Alex DeBrincat are masterful, and would be top-line options on any other team.
When fully healthy, the Knights are as formidable as anyone, especially the trio of Mitch Marner, Max Domi and Christian Dvorak. Domi and Marner both sat out Game 2 with upper-body issues and their status is questionable for Game 3. There will be a ton of pressure for Dvorak and Matt Rupert to fill in the gaps offensively. The Knights supporting cast of Aaron Berisha, Josh Sterk, Owen MacDonald and Jack Hidi is more effective when playing down the lineup, but will see more minutes if Domi and Marner remain on the sidelines.
Defensively, Victor Mete has taken massive steps and is well on his way to being an elite offensive defenceman. He’s been given the green light and takes it at every opportunity. Aiden Jamieson and Julius Bergman will play a ton, and both are physical. Bergman will play rover on occasion, and usually does a good job of picking his spots.
Tyler Parsons stole the net during the Kitchener series, and up until he was injured in Game 3 he remained the top option. The Knights don’t have a ton of faith in Michael Giugovaz and if Parsons can’t go, Giugovaz will once again have the spotlight to prove his worth.
Erie Otters
6-1-0 (2-0-0 Road), 6W, defeated Sarnia 4-1 in first round, 5th BMO Top 10
Playoff Top Scorers
Playoff Goaltending
London Knights
4-4-0 (2-1-0 Home) 2L, defeated Kitchener 4-2 in first round
Playoff Top Scorers
Playoff Goaltending