Game Recap (vs Oshawa)

Ottawa wins 5-2 over Oshawa. OHL game summary here. Articles on the game: From SLAM! Sports Generals surrender to Ottawa, and from Dave Gross, Ottawa Sun, Talbot's four points march 67's past Generals

OTTAWA SCORING:
1, Talbot, (Petruzalek, Kaspar), 09:53 (PP)
2, Hulit, (Talbot, Todd), 09:18
2, Talbot, (Van Herpt, Petruzalek), 12:21
2, Hulit, (Talbot, Colbert), 19:28
3, Bonello, (Mancari), 18:59 (EN)

OSHAWA SCORING:
3, Torres, (Trudell), 11:40
3, Trudell, (Halasz, Torres), 16:05

Ottawa Lines
1st Petruzalek, McIlveen, Kaspar
2nd Bickell, Bonello, Mancari
3rd Todd, Talbot, Hulit
4th McGinn, Ouellette, Alphonso

Sitting out were Akeson (flu, via Rogers broadcast), Lahey, Reid, and Aitcheson.

General impressions:

McIlveen centred the first line, surprisingly. Petruzalek moved back to the left wing position with McIlveen at centre. Bickell moved to the second line.

Both teams came out a little slow. "It's a good thing they're [Ottawa] not playing a good team," said StatsGuy. Ottawa was a little unsteady in their end in the first period. Tsimikalis centred the 2nd line for Oshawa, and when he touched the puck on his first shift the crowd booed, and booed half-heartedly every touch for the remainder of the first period. They were definitely not the majority. I think he played a good game. He had a lot of ice time, and he was on the ice for both of Oshawa's goals (no points though). The 67s played better in the second period, then had some bad moments in the third --- allowing Oshawa to score two goals.

On the 67s home record, they are now (9 1 1), with an 0.864 average. This home record is the second best average next to the London Knights who are now (14 0 2) at home.

And on the home game front, the 67s have only played 11 home games (17 away games) compared to other teams who have played between 14 and 17 home games. Contrast this with Kitchener, who have only played 11 away games.

OHL Three Stars were: 1. OTT - 27 Julian Talbot, 2. OTT - 9 Chris Hulit, and 3. OTT - 30 Danny Battachio.

Impressions of the 67s:

Talbot was the star of the game. He's tenacious. He worked hard every shift. When he wasn't scoring goals, he was setting them up. (He had the hard hat on for the post-game interview on Rogers broadcast, btw.) Recorded his 100th career OHL point. Since Hulit's arrival, Talbot has 3G and 4A in 4GP. The game prior to Hulit's arrival (ironically, versus Hulit and the Oshawa Generals) Talbot had a hat trick and 1A. He's had 3 OHL Game Stars: 15-Oct-04 2nd star at home vs SAR, 24-Oct-04 1st star at home vs PLY, and last night 10-Dec-04 1st star vs OSH. (He wasn't awarded a star during his hat trick game, go figure.) And this snippet from SLAM! Sports:

"Me and Hulit have been clicking since he got here," Talbot said. "I don't know what it is, but we keep working hard and it just keeps coming."

Hulit, oh what a player, what a game. He works so hard, and tonight was rewarded with 2 goals against his former team. He's got 4GP in total for Ottawa. He's been awarded OHL Game Stars twice: 05-Dec-04 1st star away (Corel Centre, OT winner) vs TOR, and last night 10-Dec-04 2nd star at home vs OSH.

Battachio made his usual great saves, although one he let in in the third wasn't a particularly difficult save. With 18GP this year, he's been awarded OHL Game Star 8 times: 24-Sep-04 3rd star away vs SUD, 01-Oct-04 1st star at home vs SUD, 17-Oct-04 2nd star at home vs BEL, 24-Oct-04 3rd star at home vs PLY, 20-Nov-04 1st star away vs OWE, 26-Nov-04 3rd star at home vs OSH, 03-Dec-04 3rd star at home vs TOR, and 10-Dec-04 3rd star at home vs OSH.

McIlveen played a good game. He didn't look out of place on the first line, his first OHL game. While he didn't register a point, he played well, skated fast. Things will continue to improve with more ice time with his team mates.

Brody Todd has 3A in 4GP, primarily since Hulit arrived.

Bonello’s points have slowed over the last couple games. Last night he had 1G(EN), and last w/e he was 1A in 3GP. Overall, though he is 10G and 9A in 18GP. He’s been awarded OHL Three Stars twice: 30-Oct-04 2nd star away vs SAG, and 26-Nov-04 1st star at home vs OSH. He remains a feisty, scrappy, hard working player who is so fun to watch.

The 4th line were their usual energetic selves - working hard, getting chances. Alphonso continues to play a mature game.

Impressions of the Gens:

Hesmatpour, with his size, makes his presence known. (Kavanagh also looked pretty big out there.) Heshmatpour and B. Todd had the only fight of the game --- a tilt at a face-off at the end of the second period. Impressively, Todd didn't get flattened or thrown to the ice. He stood his ground against the giant.

Tsimikalis was interviewed on Rogers broadcast during the 1st period intermission. When asked about his reason to leave the team, Tsimikalis said he didn't see eye to eye with the Coach, and that he wanted to part ways before it got really bitter. Trudell and he are working well together. He was nervous prior to this game. He said he got some cheers and boos; it was a little overwhelming, but eventually he got over it.

Trudell had a good game, scoring and assisting in their two goals. In fact, that line worked hard.

Thompson made a few good stick poke check moves, to block shots on his goal.

Neal looked pretty steady.

Reffing was not bad tonight - Parlette did a good job.

8 moms were appreciated prior to the game. Each player escorted their mother out to centre ice and gave her a bouquet of flowers. (Joslin, Akeson, Mancari, Alphonso, Wharton, Colbert, Battachio, Bonello?)

Announced attendance was 8860, but many people did not show up d/t the snow. There were a lot of empty seats. Parking not a problem. Grey Cup seats halfway down on the canal side (not sure about Bank street).

Next up, Peterborough Saturday night. Then back to the Civic Centre to host the Soo on Sunday.