The Kitchener Rangers are set to face off against the Flint Firebirds in Game 3 of their Ontario Hockey League playoff series on Tuesday, April 2, 2025, at the Dort Financial Center. Riding high on a 2-0 series lead after a commanding 6-1 victory in Game 2, the Rangers are looking to secure their third consecutive win against the Firebirds.
The Rangers delivered a dominant performance at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on March 30, showcasing their offensive prowess and solid defense. Jack Pridham, a Chicago Blackhawks prospect, was the standout player, scoring twice in a span of just 40 seconds during the first period, including a power-play goal that set the tone for the match. Flint managed to score their only goal of the game early on, but the Rangers quickly regained control.
Andrew Vermeulen, another key player for Kitchener, added an insurance goal, while Carson Campbell and Jakub Chromiak celebrated their first career playoff goals, extending the Rangers' lead to an impressive 5-1 by the end of the second period. Trent Swick capped off the scoring with a power-play goal in the third, solidifying the Rangers' victory.
"We came out strong and kept the pressure on them throughout the game," said Pridham, who finished with four points in Game 2. "We need to maintain that momentum as we head into Flint. Every game is important, and we want to keep pushing forward."
In the crease, Jackson Parsons made 21 saves, earning a .955 save percentage in the win. Parsons has been instrumental for the Rangers, boasting a 2-0 record in the playoffs with a 1.92 goals against average and a .922 save percentage over the first two games.
On the other side, the Flint Firebirds are looking to bounce back after a disappointing performance. Nathan Aspinall, who scored Flint's lone goal in Game 2, has been a bright spot for the team, leading the Firebirds with two goals and three points in the playoffs thus far. Despite the setback, Aspinall remains optimistic about the team's chances in Game 3.
"We know we can play better," Aspinall stated. "It's a long series, and we have to focus on our game. We need to capitalize on our opportunities and tighten up defensively."
Goaltender Nathan Day will aim for redemption after facing 43 shots in Game 2, stopping 37 but ultimately falling short. Day holds a 0-1-1 record in the playoffs, seeking to improve his .868 save percentage as the series shifts to Flint.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the matchup, with tickets for the postseason now available. The Rangers have a vibrant fan base, and the atmosphere at the Dort Financial Center is expected to be electric as they look to extend their series lead.
Meanwhile, in another OHL playoff matchup, the Barrie Colts edged out the Niagara IceDogs with a thrilling 7-5 victory on March 31, 2025. Anthony Romani delivered a hat trick, including the game-winner with just 1:10 left in the third period, as the Colts took a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Despite a strong comeback by the IceDogs, who erased a 5-1 deficit, Barrie's captain Beau Jelsma also shone with two goals and an assist. The Colts' offensive firepower was on full display, with contributions from Grayson Tiller and Emil Hemming, who both found the back of the net.
Owen Flores, who started in goal for the IceDogs, made 32 saves in just two periods, while Finn Moffett struggled in the opening frame, stopping only 13 of 16 shots. The IceDogs, facing internal discipline issues, had several key players, including captain Kevin He, sit out a period, impacting their performance.
The Colts will look to build on their momentum as they head to St. Catharines for Game 3, scheduled for April 1, 2025. The stakes are high as both teams vie for a spot in the next round.
In the Soo, the Greyhounds faced off against the Windsor Spitfires, with Caeden Carlisle scoring the overtime winner in a nail-biting 3-2 victory. The Greyhounds now trail the series 2-1, with Game 4 set for April 2, 2025. Carlisle, who scored the decisive goal at 7:31 of overtime, expressed his excitement, stating, "It’s the biggest goal of my life. I’m just happy to contribute."
The Spitfires had tied the game late in the third period, but the Greyhounds managed to pull ahead in extra time, showcasing their resilience and determination. Nolan Lalonde made 31 saves for the Greyhounds, while Joey Costanzo stopped 30 shots for Windsor.
As the playoffs continue to unfold, fans are treated to thrilling hockey action, with each team battling for glory. The Kitchener Rangers, Barrie Colts, and Soo Greyhounds are all in pursuit of the coveted OHL Championship, and the excitement is palpable as the series progress.
With Game 3 of the Rangers vs. Firebirds series approaching, all eyes will be on Flint as Kitchener aims to take a commanding 3-0 lead. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m., and fans can catch the action live on RogersTV and OHL Live.
