Game Recap: The @Oshawa_Generals defeat the @OHLBarrieColts in a playoff like game! #OHL

Last night the Oshawa Generals defeated the Barrie Colts 1-0 in an incredibly hard fought game that really had a playoff feel to it. Mackenzie Blackwood was out sick so Dan Gibl got his 10th start of the season and had an incredible showing minus a small error towards the end of the game.

The win resulted in the Generals take possession of first place in the OHL with 68 points.

First Period: Despite getting a couple chances on the power play the Colts were unable to capitalize in the first period. The period was well balanced seeing both teams go back and forth exchanging chances. The Colts came out looking really strong but the Generals got back to their game and didn't make any play easy on the Colts.

Colts had the edge in shots in the first period out shooting the Generals 16-14.


Second Period: Early in the period Oshawa defenseman Daniel Robertson would take a slashing penalty and despite some good looks the Generals and Appleby managed to kill off the penalty. Shortly after, Prophet went to the box for high sticking but the Colts responded with a solid penalty kill of their own and Daniel Gibl really stood on his head.

Both teams took more penalties but were able to kill them off. After 2 periods the game was still tied 0-0. Generals were stronger in this period out shooting the Colts 11-7 but "Danny G" was up for the challenge.

Third Period: Tensions were high in the 3rd period. 5 separate penalties were handed out, not including a couple of offsetting roughing calls and a fighting major towards the end of the period between Brendan Lemieux and D.Mermis at the end of the period.

It wouldn't be until 17:36 in the period when Cassels would score his 16 goal of the season and that would be enough to win the game. Both McCarron and Latour were credited with assists.

The Colts had a chance to get back in the game late with a power play opportunity but Gibl made a mistake on a play where he was anticipating the ref to make an icing call. He must have forgotten the Generals were killing a penalty and when he realized there would be no icing, he frantically went to get the puck in the no play area that saw the Colts take a delay of game penalty.

Both teams got 10 shots on goal in the period but the Generals got the edge in shots with 35-33 in the game and that would be enough to take home the win.

Notes:

• Gibl stopped 34 of 35 shots. He truly looked incredible. Easily his best start of the season which saw him receive the 2nd star of the game.
• after a 25 game point streak, Labanc was held off the score sheet for his 3rd straight game. 
• 6 of the top 20 point scorers in the OHL were in this game. Yet, there was 1 goal.
• Both teams were 0-4 on the power play. 

Things dom't get much easier for the Colts this week. Next game is this Thursday when they host Sault Ste. Marie. Puck drop is set for 7:30.

#GoColts