On paper one surely would think it would be one heck of a series. However, I guess for some reason Petezian was the difference-maker comparing the performance of this team vs last season (????....perhaps a bit of sarcasm, but yet still a head-scratcher). Quite honestly though, the way this team plays game in - game out, IMO London fans would only consider this match-up a minor concern.
I think rolls would be reversed in a Kitchener / London playoff matchup this year.
I’m not sold on Brochu again this year. He was average at best vs the Rangers last year even before his injury (my main reason for predicting Rangers in 6 last spring). But, Cajan / Parsons trumps Costantini / Vandenberg. Hands down. Therefore, it’s a wash in goal at best for the Rangers.
Also, as skilled as the Ranger D is, it’s very easy to play against. We’ll miss what Nolet brought last year. London’s D is skilled, physical and healthy. That trumps our D in my estimation.
Last year, our forward group had character guys like Petizian and Mutter. Petizian was a beast out there. Heart and soul. A true leader and still feel he should have worn the C. But he didn’t need to wear it to lead. And our guys played a couple inches taller with Mutter in the lineup. He kept McSorley in check. London, on the other hand, were an offence first lineup where the likes of Evangelista and especially Stranges were seemingly more interested in individual, flashy plays looking to get on the highlight reel instead of playing the game. That cost them big time.
This year, the rolls are reversed. London addressed their needs and are a different team. Brought in winners and they have jam in the lineup. MM, on the other hand, didn’t address our needs. We are a soft, one dimensional team better built for the regular season. We have a guy or two who tries to display what we lack. But Andonovski, for instance, is still young. He’s a year away from being a rock on the back end. Dare I say a Connor Hall type?
Come playoff time, I still think our best bet is to play London over Windsor or Sarnia, if it’s a competitive series we’re looking for. We could take the Knights to six games but I won’t predict we beat them.
I remember his 60th goal. One of the top goals I remember seeing. Dangled right through the opposing team from one end to the other. 1983-84 . He scored 63 goals , 76 assist and 156 PIMs. He wasn't a huge player. Just had jam. We use to take the boys to an outdoor rink on Natchez and Bruce would be on their goofing around. Great kids.
