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Oshawa Generals dominate with power play prowess
The Oshawa Generals kicked off the OHL Championship Series in style, defeating the London Knights 4-2 in a thrilling Game 1 on March 8 at Canada Life Place. With a remarkable power play success rate of 35.8% leading into the series, the Generals showcased their offensive strength, scoring three of their four goals while on the man advantage.
This early victory gives them a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, setting the stage for an exciting playoff run.
Game highlights and key moments
The first period was a tight contest, with both teams struggling to find the back of the net, resulting in a 0-0 scoreline after 20 minutes.
Shots were evenly matched at 4-4, highlighting the defensive prowess of both teams. However, the second period saw the Knights strike first when Noah Read assisted Rene Van Bommel, who netted the opening goal of the series. The Generals quickly responded, with Andrew Gibson tying the game on a power play.
The back-and-forth continued as the Knights regained the lead with a goal from Kasper Halttunen, ending the second period 2-1 in favor of London.
Clutch performances and the final push
As the final period unfolded, tension filled the arena.
Gibson once again proved to be a key player, scoring his second power play goal with just three seconds left on a double-minor, leveling the score at 2-2. The Generals then took control of the game, with Cal Ritchie scoring on a 4-on-3 power play to give Oshawa a 3-2 lead.
Despite the Knights pulling their goaltender in a desperate attempt to equalize, Matt Buckley sealed the victory for the Generals with an empty-net goal. The final shot count favored London at 32-26, but Oshawa’s efficiency on the power play made all the difference.
Community impact and future games
Off the ice, London Knights captain Denver Barkey was recognized as the 2025 OHL Humanitarian of the Year for his efforts in the community. Barkey founded Barkey’s Buds, a program aimed at providing opportunities for young people to engage with hockey, including donating over 1500 pieces of equipment. As the series continues, Game 2 will take place at Canada Life Place on Saturday, May 10, at 7 p.m., before the action shifts to Oshawa for Games 3 and 4 on May 12 and 13. Fans can catch all the action live on 980 CFPL and through various streaming platforms.
