Win column the mission against Steelheads

Oshawa, Ont., – Just twice, that’s the number of times the Generals have won since February 14th. Victories over the Bulldogs on February 15th and February 26th are the only four points the Generals have earned in over a month. With that, they look next at the Mississauga Steelheads as their next chance to score a win. The Generals enter the Sunday night matchup losers of eight in a row, while the Steelheads continue fighting for home ice in the first round of the playoffs.

Coming into Sunday night, the Steelheads currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with 68 points, just two points back of the Hamilton Bulldogs and Peterborough Petes, both tied for fourth, and home ice in the opening round. The Steelheads were winners in their last outing, holding off Bradnt Clarke and the Barrie Colts long enough to push the game to a shootout, before winning the extra point 6-5.

Every game is important, including this one, in the Generals’ hopes for that eighth and final playoff spot. All the action gets underway at 6:05 p.m.

Last meeting:

Last running into each other on January 3rd, it was the Generals coming away with a 5-4 overtime win. The Generals took an early 3-1 lead all the way into the second period where the Steelheads rattled off three unanswered to take the lead. In the third period, Stuart Rolofs tied the game with under a minute to go, before Joseph Serpa scored in overtime to win the game for Oshawa. Former Steelhead Luca DelBelBelluz had two goals in the loss, while Generals’ Dylan Roobroeck had two of his own.

Players to Watch: Oshawa

Dylan Roobroeck: It’s clear the 6’7 forward enjoys playing against the Steelheads, but the Gens’ coaching staff and crowd, hopes the production continues on Sunday. In their last meeting, Roobroeck scored two goals in the first period to help Oshawa take an early lead. We’ve talked about it before, but despite his size, Roobroeck has really begun to find his offensive touch in the later parts of this season, now connecting for 15 goals and 50 points on the year. At just 18 years old, GensNation should be excited to watch Roobroeck again next season.

Ryder McIntyre: Another Generals player who really found himself after arriving in Oshawa, Ryder McIntyre has been coming to life. More so than ever before, McIntyre has become that player on the ice you never want to share a shift with if you’re the opposition. Whether he’s using his grittiness in the corner, or straight-up outpacing you to the puck, McIntyre will make you earn every inch. Number 72 on the ice also managed two points of his own the last time these two teams connected.

Players to Watch: Mississauga

James Hardie: Take a quick look at the stats sheet in Mississauga and it won’t take long to see who’s driving the offense for the Steelheads. In 62 games, the forward has amassed 37 goals and 42 assists for 79 points. Hardie has a 36-point lead over his next closest teammate in Zander Veccia and his 43 points. Night in and night out, Hardie will drive the Steelheads’ offense, so if he can get it going early in Oshawa, it will be tough for Oshawa to stay in the game.