I thought Rangers pushback in the first was solid. They were not intimidated IMHO at all. BUT they were careful not to get sucked into penalties and certainly cleared the net to protect Parsons from the goon squad. The same goon squad that took out Mesar. Note to Burchell...there are few choir boys on that team.
London is tough in its own end but has issues when Rangers move the puck quickly and are hard on the puck. For me, first period to Kitchener.
Now, the 2nd period was more London than Kitchener. They are overly aggressive on the PK and ready to pounce on any mistake (as was on display for the shortie). The other goal of course was on the PP....the place that Kitchener does not want to be with the top PP in the league. No team does. Parsons was stellar. Lots of penalties both ways. Burchell was warming up.
I felt that the 3rd period started off well and Rangers were getting back to their game but then Burchell strikes again. That 5 on 3 was a game changer for London.
I'd like to note that the London Dive Team is back in action. One tap on a skate or bump of some sort, they fly to the ice...some mortally wounded in an Oscar-like fashion.
Overall.....not a blow out by London in any way. It was 2-2 up to receiving the 5 on 3 which put London ahead. Only a matter of time before they scored.
Issue.....Kitchener's best players were NOT their best players....unlike London who did their job. This MUST change in today's game. Oh....and more pucks on the net and less passing around like a hot potato. Shoot and go to the net.
Hopefully, no Burchell today.....
