Ottawa 67s Fan Report: 67's Drop Second Consecutive Teddy Bear Toss Game, 7-2 to Barrie

Philippe Trudeau did everything in his power to grab a win in his 17th consecutive start, but a late three-goal outburst in the third period for the Barrie Colts put the stamp on a 7-2 road win Sunday afternoon.

Erik Bradford, Andrew Mangipane and Tyson Fawcett scored just over five minutes apart to blow open what could have been a solid home effort.

“We played as individuals today,” said Chris Byrne. “We played a really good team game on Friday night and that's how we have to play to be successful.”

“It's not easy to play that tough but if we want to be a playoff team, that's the way we have to play.”

Late in the second, despite being outshot 31-10, Ottawa looked to be in a good position heading into the final frame.

Tyler Hill closed Barrie’s lead to 3-2 in the final 30 seconds, as a clearly frustrated Barrie netminder Daniel Gibl threw his stick into the corner.

Gibl, after allowing two goals on 10 shots, faced his 12th shot of the game at the buzzer from Brett Gustavsen. Upset at the late shot, Gibl threw the puck at Gustavsen, a hint that the rookie netminder was coming unglued.

In the third, Ottawa wasn’t able to capitalize.

“Our penalty kill was really good through two periods, so was Trudeau,” added Byrne. “It's up to the guys to come out strong, first shift of the (third) period we don't backcheck, and we're down 4-2.”

Mitchell Theoret scored his ninth of the year and 19th point lifetime against Ottawa to re-gain the two-goal advantage.

Trudeau ultimately made 46 saves on the afternoon.

Down 2-0 early in the first, Troy Henley got the home side on the board with his first career OHL goal, setting off Ottawa’s annual Teddy Bear Toss.

“It was unbelievable,” said Henley on his tally. “Before the game I was thinking to myself, what if I were the one to score that goal for the Teddy Bear Toss? Hopefully there are a few more big goals to come.”

Henley, who was an occasional healthy scratch just a few weeks ago, seems to be a mainstay on the blueline for now.

“He just gets better all the time,” said Byrne. “He's a smart, young defenceman.”

The 67’s spend the next three weeks at home, taking on Oshawa and Belleville this upcoming week.

Game sheet can be found here.

Assorted notes:

Adrian Sloboda also had a very solid game, assisting on Henley's goal, but the two didn't get much ice time. Nevin Guy and Alex Lintuniemi played top minutes and got walked all over.
After a game like this, you have to wonder if Owen Stewart jumps back into the lineup. The same 67's defence that smothered Connor McDavid on Friday was anything but solid today.
Ottawa's second line of Gustavsen, Dante Salituro and ex-Colt Brendan Bell had a number of chances to break the ice in the first, but ultimately ended up on the ice for four goals against each.
If Jacob Blair doesn't get the call on Friday against Belleville, it's safe to assume we've seen the last of his game action with the 67's. Trudeau can handle the extra playing time as an overager, but if Blair were really the starter of the future, he wouldn't spend this much time on the bench.