Ottawa 67's Back Against the Wall After Game 4 Defeat
Ottawa's 67's showed plenty of heart in Game 4 of their OHL second-round playoff series against the Barrie Colts Thursday night, but a valiant comeback attempt ultimately fell short, leaving the team in a 3-1 series hole with their season on the line.
The loss is a tough pill to swallow for 67's fans who watched their squad battle back and make things interesting, only to come up empty when it mattered most. Now Ottawa needs to win three straight games just to advance — a task that has historically been one of the most difficult in hockey.
A Rally That Almost Was
The 67's weren't going down without a fight. Ottawa clawed their way back into the game after falling behind, giving TD Place Arena fans a glimpse of the resilience that has defined this squad throughout the season. But the Colts, who have been the stronger team throughout this series, managed to hold on and extend their lead.
Barrie has looked sharp and disciplined across all four games, and their ability to weather Ottawa's push in Game 4 speaks to why they've been such a formidable opponent in this post-season run.
What Went Wrong
While the 67's deserve credit for not giving up, the series has exposed some troubling patterns. Ottawa has struggled to maintain leads and has been outplayed in key stretches — particularly in the second periods, where the Colts have repeatedly seized momentum.
The margin for error is now razor-thin. Every decision, every line change, every shift matters when you're playing elimination hockey. Ottawa's coaching staff will need to make adjustments and find a way to generate more consistent offensive pressure if they hope to extend the series.
Can Ottawa Pull Off the Comeback?
Coming back from a 3-1 series deficit is rare but not impossible in the OHL. Ottawa fans will point to the team's competitive spirit as a reason for optimism, and there's no question the 67's have the talent to make things difficult for Barrie.
Game 5 will be a must-watch for local hockey fans. The atmosphere at TD Place — when the building is buzzing for playoff hockey — is one of the best experiences Ottawa sports has to offer, and fans will be hoping to pack the arena and give the boys the boost they need to keep the dream alive.
Looking Ahead
Regardless of how this series ends, the 67's have given Ottawa something to cheer about this spring. The organization continues to develop young talent and compete at a high level in the OHL, and that foundation bodes well for seasons to come.
But right now, the focus is singular: win or go home. Ottawa faces Game 5 needing a miracle run — and sometimes, playoff hockey delivers exactly that.
Source: Ottawa Citizen. Original article by the Ottawa Citizen sports desk.
