Ottawa's 67's are ready to make a statement when they face off against the Peterborough Petes in what promises to be a charged season-series finale between two of the OHL's most storied Eastern Conference rivals.
A Rivalry With Roots
The 67's and the Petes have one of the longer-running rivalries in the Ontario Hockey League. Both clubs carry deep histories and passionate fanbases, which means even a late-season regular-season matchup carries extra weight in the dressing room. Closing out a season series with a win is a matter of pride — and it can set the tone heading into the playoffs.
For Ottawa, locking down the series win is about more than just the standings points. It sends a message about the team's identity and readiness as the postseason approaches.
What to Watch
The 67's will be leaning on their depth up front and a defence that has steadily grown more cohesive as the season has worn on. Goaltending has been a key factor in Ottawa's recent performances, and how the crease holds up against Peterborough's attack will likely be the deciding factor.
Peterborough, for their part, is never an easy out. The Petes have a physical, structured style that can make life difficult for opposing offences, and they'll come in looking to salvage some pride in the series finale.
Home Ice, Home Energy
There's something about playing in front of Ottawa fans that lifts the 67's game. The TD Place atmosphere when the team is rolling is one of the better junior hockey environments in the country, and the club will be looking to feed off that energy.
For fans heading out to the game, expect a physical, competitive sixty minutes. Season-series closers tend to bring out the edge in both teams — players remember what happened earlier in the year, and the chippy stuff tends to follow.
Looking Ahead
For the 67's, every game down the stretch is about building habits and momentum ahead of the OHL playoffs. Winning this kind of game — against a divisional rival, with the series on the line — is exactly the type of character-building moment that can pay dividends in April and May.
Ottawa has been one of the more intriguing teams in the Eastern Conference this season, and a confident finish to the regular slate could set them up for a deep postseason run that would get the TD Place faithful very excited.
Whether you're watching from the stands or catching the broadcast, this is exactly the kind of OHL matchup that reminds you why junior hockey in Ottawa is so worth following.
Source: Ottawa 67s / Canadian Hockey League via Google News
