This year’s run to the J. Ross Robertson Cup could be the most intriguing in years.
The back-to-back champion and MasterCard Memorial Cup host London Knights have every ingredient necessary to three-peat. The field, however, is among the deepest we’ve seen from the Ontario Hockey League in years. Midwest Division foes Guelph and Erie each finished with more points than the Knights and are legitimate threats standing in the Knights’ way.
The Sudbury Wolves and Peterborough Petes have potential to surprise in what should be a playoff season for the ages.
Here’s a look at some of the teams to watch.
The Favourite
London Knights
Regular season record: 49-14-1-4 (103 points)
League ranking: Fourth in Western Conference, third overall
First-round opponent: Windsor Spitfires
One can make the case that this London squad is the least-feared of the past three seasons. A major void was left on the blueline when Olli Maatta joined the Pittsburgh Penguins, and coupled with the graduation of former captain Scott Harrington, this defensive unit isn’t what it once was. The Knights, however, are still very talented and loaded with experience. The question is whether the back-to-back OHL champions will be as hungry as the many teams looking to take over the reins as league champs.
Strengths: Despite key graduations, the depth of offensive talent remains elite in London. Nine players produced more than 50 points, including 93 from Max Domi, their offensive catalyst. The Knights can roll two offensive lines over the boards, while still receiving a boost from defenders like Nikita Zadorov and Alex Basso. As is commonplace from the Knights, they have the depth of talent that a new hero can emerge on any given night.
In addition to playmakers and scorers, the Knights can also play a gritty game which will be crucial to success in a tough and physical conference. Add in the experience of two deep playoff runs and a system predicated on frustrating the opposition, and this team can three-peat.
Weaknesses: The biggest question mark is in goal with the tandem of Anthony Stolarz and Jake Patterson. Stolarz suffered a gruesome cut on his leg in January and only returned two weeks ago. Stolarz has the ability to carry his team, but also faltered late in last year’s playoffs and in the MasterCard Memorial Cup. His big-game ability remains in question.
X-Factor: Every team wants to be the one that snaps London’s streak of championships, particularly now that they’re also hosting the MasterCard Memorial Cup. The Knights will need to prove they’re just as hungry to defend it.
The All-In Team
Sudbury Wolves
Regular season record: 33-24-3-8 (77 points)
League ranking: Fifth in Eastern Conference, 10th overall
First-round opponent: Barrie Colts
The Wolves became the surprise buyers at the trade deadline and picked up several big names. The results haven’t been overwhelming, but the Wolves are still a team that can do some damage in the Eastern Conference.
Strengths: The Wolves possess a top six that can match most teams offensively. Nicholas Baptiste enjoyed a breakout campaign with 89 points while Nathan Pancel, Mathew Campagna, Connor Crisp and Radek Faksa give the Wolves a formidable front. Overage goaltender Franky Palazzese is steady and reliable and gives his team a chance to win most nights.
Weaknesses: After their top players, depth gets thin in Sudbury. One of their main problems has been the workload Palazzese faces on a nightly basis. The Wolves are among the leaders in shots allowed and in a long playoff series that will eventually become troublesome for the goaltender.
X-Factor: Can the Wolves find the secondary scoring necessary to make a long playoff run? When the checking gets tight and the top players are struggling, the Wolves will need someone to step up at crucial moments.
The Darkhorse
Peterborough Petes
Regular season record: 32-30-0-6 (70 points)
League ranking: Sixth in Eastern Conference, 11th overall
First round opponent: Kingston Frontenacs
It seems simplistic to address one trade as a defining moment in the season, but that’s the case in Peterborough. Many raised their eyebrows when the Petes paid a king’s ransom to the Guelph Storm for Hunter Garlent, yet it’s hard to imagine where they would be now without him.
Strengths: Ever since Garlent arrived and joined Nick Ritchie and Eric Cornel, there have been plenty of fireworks in Peterborough. Their top line is as good as any in the OHL and a nightmare for the opposition to defend. Much of their secondary scoring comes from veteran players, which is a good sign heading into the playoffs.
Weaknesses: Their overall team defence is a cause for concern. The Petes averaged nearly four goals against per game in the regular season, the second-most amongst playoff teams. Veteran goaltender Andrew D’Agostini will have his work cut out for him if the Petes are to make any noise in the post-season.
X-Factor: Can the Petes reward their fans for their patience? It’s been a long time coming for the Petes and their fans. One of junior hockey’s most iconic franchises has endured a string of three post-season misses. Now that they’re back in the playoffs, they face yet another team whose past failures have been amended. In a way, it’s fitting the Petes will meet the Frontenacs, who themselves are trying to erase forgettable seasons. The lack of playoff experience on both sides could make this one of the more unpredictable and entertaining series in the opening round.
First-round matchups
East
(1) Oshawa vs (8) Mississauga
(2) North Bay vs (7) Niagara
(3) Kingston vs (6) Peterborough
(4) Barrie vs. (5) Sudbury
West
(1) Guelph vs (8) Plymouth
(2) Sault Ste. Marie vs (7) Owen Sound
(3) Erie vs (6) Saginaw
(4) London vs (5) Windsor