We've reached the end. The 2016 OHL Finals kick off next Thursday in London where the IceDogs and Knights will compete for the J. Ross Robertson Cup and a trip to the Memorial Cup.
Thus far, I'm 9-5 in my predictions. Here's my breakdown of the OHL Finals.
3. London Knights vs. 4. Niagara IceDogs
Season Series: 1-1, TIE
Analysis: Will we finally get a close series in these OHL playoffs? The last two rounds have been complete blowouts, much to the surprise of OHL fans and followers. Both of these teams are absolutely rolling right now. London's top line has looked unstoppable, as Tkachuk/Marner/Dvorak have totalled 41 goals between them this postseason. Meanwhile, Niagara's aggressiveness on the trade market this year has paid off with the team steamrolling Kingston and Barrie. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, the team's biggest acquisition, has been sensational and well worth the high price paid to acquire him. But of course, one of these teams is going to have to go home empty handed. For London, they'll have to continue to get secondary scoring (which they did against Erie) in case the Dogs are able to shut down (or at least slow down) that top line. They'll have to also play disciplined and stay out of the box (which they did against Erie) as their penalty kill has struggled this postseason. Niagara, will have to exploit the two things I just mentioned. They've got to be the first team to shutdown Marner & company (which they were unable to do in two regular season matchups) and they've got to get London to take some penalties so that their powerplay can go to work. Niagara will also continue to need Nedeljkovic to stand on his head and steal games for them. Here's the thing though, and I think it's the X factor in this series. For as good as Nedeljkovic has been for the Dogs, Tyler Parsons has been every bit as good for London. He may not have as much experience as Nedeljkovic, but he's proving to be just as capable of stealing games and making big saves when needed. I just don't see anyone stopping that first line in London right now and with quality goaltending in Parsons, I see London capturing the crown.
Prediction: London in 6
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4 comments:
The 2 best teams are going to tangle in a very entertaining series. I will be hot goalie, key injuries, coaching, lucky bounces you get my point of many variables to determine the winner.
Looking at your mock draft I thought Chychrun was your #1 D man you have him going #11 why? Have you changed your mind?
JC seems like the best defensive player of the top 3 and the worst offensive
OJ- 2nd offense 2nd defense
MS- Best offensive and worst defensive
MS- Highest risk highest upside
Is that correct?
In regards to the mock draft, it's just that. Going with what I believe other teams will do and how it would all play out. Chychrun would still be my top defender (of the big three). But depending on how the dominoes fall, I could easily see him being the 3rd of the three selected. It's all relative.
As for the comment regarding ranking their offensive/defensive games. I would agree with that. Although I'd have Chychrun and Juolevi tied for 2nd in offensive game. Chychrun the best defensively. MS the worst. But Sergachev has very high potential (although I believe Chychrun has higher as an impact two way player).
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