London, Ont. – The Kitchener Rangers made history becoming the first-ever eight-seed to sweep a one-seed in the OHL playoffs. However, Kitchener’s 4-0 deficit to London Thursday put a conclusion on the second round series with the Knights winning four games to one.
It was a defensive first period in game five Thursday night. Shots favoured the Knights 4-3 in a scoreless first period.
London opened things up in the middle frame with three unanswered goals. Max McCue broke the deadlock 4:19 into the period. A slot shot beat Marco Costantini over the glove arm. Then, Denver Bareky scored the next two goals for London, one on the power-play and one on the penalty kill.
London held a 3-0 lead after 40 minutes and shots favoured the Knights 19-8.
The Knights kept Kitchener off the board and with the goaltender pulled for the extra attacker, Logan Mailloux (Montréal Canadiens) shot the puck into the empty net to make it a 4-0 game and end the series for the Kitchener Rangers. Final shots favoured the Knights 27-16.
It was the final OHL game for the three Rangers overagers: Marco Costantini, Lleyton Moore and Reid Valade
Kitchener finished the game 0-for-3 on the power-play and and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill. All three stars of the game went to members of the London Knights.
Photo Credit: Tiffany Luke / Kitchener Rangers
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