Sunday marks the end of the regular season schedule for the CHL on Sportsnet, and it’s the Erie Otters up against the Niagara IceDogs at the Meridian Centre.
Despite this being the last game of the season for both teams, this game is still filled with storylines. First, Niagara can clinch home ice in the first round of the playoffs with a win and an Ottawa loss against Sudbury.
Next, the OHL scoring title is on the line. Mitch Marner leads with 126 points, but the Knights have completed their schedule. Dylan Strome is two points back, while Connor McDavid will need a Connor McMiracle as he is 6 points behind, and Niagara is the only team to have held him off the scoresheet this season and it’s happened twice.
The IceDogs won just two of their first 15 games and thought Year One in the Meridian Centre was going to be a bust. However, a couple of things happened along the way. First, the Dogs found comfort in their new home. Trades for Brandon Hope and Josh Ho-Sang made the Dogs better on both sides of the puck. Finally, Brendan Perlini, the Arizona Coyotes first-round pick, returned to the lineup.
A month ago, Niagara shifted to a goalie rotation, giving Brandon Hope and Brent Moran equal playing time, having rotated games for the last twelve. It has allowed for both to prepare better, knowing exactly when they’re going to start and the results have been great, as Niagara has won 10 of 11.
On defence, Vince Dunn has earned his way back into first round consideration. Blake Siebenaler adds offence. Ryan Mantha, Aaron Haydon and Aleksander Mikulovich are big bodies that defend well, have some grit and puck-moving ability.
Niagara possesses a dangerous top six, lead by Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick Carter Verhaeghe. Josh Ho-Sang is a disher, Bredan Perlini, a sniper. Graham Knott is still out of the lineup, but Billy Jenkins, Mikkel Aagaard and Anthony DiFruscia have picked up the slack in his absence.
In goal for Erie, Devin Williams is finding the game he displayed last year down the stretch and into the playoffs. His March numbers are off the charts (6-0, 2.00, .932%). If the Otters get that kind of goaltending in the playoffs, you may see them right through to the end of May.
Defensively, while not amazingly mobile, the over-age trio of Kurtis MacDermind, Cory Genovese and Troy Donnay are difficult to play against. All three are big, have long reach and play physically. Donnay is still out of the lineup, and hopes to be ready for post-season play. Travis Dermott is having a banner year playing in the shadows of all Erie’s stars.
Erie’s forward group is simply deadly. Kris Knobaluch has the luxury of a top 9, not just a top 6. McDavid and Strome are the frontrunners, but Alex DeBrincat has had a rookie year for the ages. Remi Elie has a great power game, Nick Betz will likely be a late round pick, and Nick Baptiste is a 30-goal scorer. The Marchments add grit, while Kyle Pettit is playable in all situations.
Erie Otters 49-14-2-2 (21-8-1-2 Road), 9W (1st Midwest Division, 2nd Western Conference), 5th BMO Top 10
Individual Stats
In Goal
Team Stats
NHL Drafted/Signed Players
Remi Elie (DAL 40th 2013)
Nicholas Baptiste (BUF 69th 2013)
Kyle Pettit (VAN 156th 2014)
Jake Marchment (LAK 157th 2014)
Kurtis MacDermid (signed LAK FA)
Troy Donnay (signed NYR FA)
NHL Central Scouting
Connor McDavid #1
Dylan Strome # 5
Travis Dermott #44
Nick Betz #129
Under The Radar
Patrick Murphy is extremely versatile and slightly more productive as a defenceman. He’s the type of player you need on your team in order to win a championship.
Niagara IceDogs 37-26-2-2 (24-7-2-0 Home), 4W (3rd Central Division, 5th Eastern Conference)
Individual Stats
In Goal
Team Stats
NHL Drafted/Signed Players
Brendan Perlini (ARI 12th overall 2014)
Josh Ho-Sang (NYI 28th 2014)
Blake Siebenhaler (CLB 77th 2014)
Carter Verhaeghe (TOR 82nd 2013)
Ryan Mantha (NYR 104th 2014)
Brent Moran (DAL 115th 2014)
Aaron Haydon (DAL 154th 2014)
NHL Central Scouting
Vince Dunn #53
Graham Knott #54
Under The Radar
Billy Jenkins has had a great overage season, exceeding expectations. Jenkins is extremely mature and the type of player who has excelled in a secondary role.