The London Knights showcased their offensive prowess with a decisive 6-3 victory over the Owen Sound Attack in Game 2 of their OHL playoff series on March 30, 2025. A crowd of 9,061 at Canada Life Place witnessed a stellar performance from Knights captain Denver Barkey, who registered two goals and three assists, leading his team to a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Barkey's five-point outing was a highlight in a game that saw the Knights jump out to an early lead, scoring four goals in the first period alone. Easton Cowan, Landon Sim, and Jared Woolley also contributed offensively, each adding to the scoreboard as the Knights capitalized on their chances. Woolley, who recently signed an NHL contract with the Los Angeles Kings, netted one of the crucial goals in the first period.
While the Knights dominated the early stages of the game, outshooting the Attack 19-4 in the first period, they faced a spirited comeback attempt from Owen Sound, who surged back with three goals of their own. The Attack capitalized on their power-play opportunities, holding an 8-4 advantage in power plays throughout the game, but only managed to convert once.
Despite the Attack's resilience, the Knights managed to hold off their opponents, thanks in part to the solid performance of goaltender Austin Elliott, who made 22 saves. Elliott's timely stops were crucial in maintaining the Knights' lead, particularly during moments when the Attack threatened to tie the game.
As the game progressed, the physicality increased, and both teams found themselves embroiled in a series of penalties. Barkey emphasized the importance of maintaining composure amidst the chaos. “There are a lot of highs and lows throughout a game and a series,” he noted, referring to the penalties that disrupted the flow of play. “We have to focus on staying calm and getting back to 5-on-5 when we’re at our best.”
The game featured a pivotal moment late in the third period when Owen Sound rookie Pierce Mbuyi was handed a controversial slashing penalty that many felt was unwarranted. Knights forward Kasper Halttunen took advantage of the power play, scoring a crucial goal with just 3:13 left in regulation to extend the Knights' lead.
Owen Sound's coach Scott Wray expressed frustration over the officiating, stating, “They (the Knights) had some calls against them that were phantom calls. Dale (Hunter) and I just want consistency. That’s all we care about.” Wray's sentiments echoed the frustrations felt by many in a game marked by contentious calls and physical play.
Despite the setbacks, the Attack showed promise, particularly in the second period, where they managed to score two goals. However, they were unable to find the equalizer, with Barkey acknowledging the need for his team to improve their performance in the middle frame. “Our second period was a low, and we have to learn from it and grow,” he said. “Better teams will capitalize and might end up winning a game like that.”
As the series shifts to Owen Sound for Game 3 on April 1, 2025, the Attack will be looking to rebound and regain momentum. Wray is confident his team can build on their second-period performance and find a way to start strong from the opening puck drop. “Maybe we need to play the first period in our pregame skate,” he quipped, adding a touch of humor amidst the competitive tension.
In the broader context, both teams are aware that the playoffs bring heightened emotions and intensity. With the series now moving to the Bayshore Community Centre, fans can expect another thrilling encounter as the Knights and Attack continue their battle for supremacy in the OHL playoffs. The stakes are high, and each team knows that every game counts in the quest for the championship.
As the Knights look to maintain their lead and the Attack aim for a comeback, the excitement of playoff hockey is palpable. With plenty of action still to come, both teams will need to adapt and respond to the challenges that lie ahead, making for an exhilarating continuation of this series.
