Knights Checklist Complete - Game One

Bo Horvat and sparkling pre-game introductions kicked off the playoffs

The London Knights made sure Saginaw goalie Jake Paterson wouldn't steal game one of their OHL Western Conference quarter final.   Their five goals through two periods against Paterson forced coach Greg Gilbert to pull the man thought to be the best hope of a Spirit upset.

Is the House of Green ready to join in on the anthem?  Yes.

The Knights first goal was a perfect example of the game plan they had to employ against Paterson.  The Knights knew they had to get to the net and try to gobble up rebounds, set screens and try for tip-ins.   Chris Tierney's clever pass gave Alex Broadhurst a good scoring chance five minutes into the first period. Broadhurst's shot was stopped by Paterson but defenseman Dakota Mermis followed up and jammed home the rebound.

Chris Tierney sets up first Knights playoff goal

The 'greasy' goals lead to the pretty ones.  The next four goals were a perfect 10 for style points.  All artistic gems led by Max Domi's pair, one on a long breakaway pass by Mermis.

Meanwhile, Knights defensive play was solid, limiting the Spirit to maybe a handful of scoring chances.

The Knights also got Seth Griffith just enough playing time to get him comfortable.  Griffith missed the last month with a hand injury.

Anthony Stolarz was solid when he had to be and the Knights also got great work from young players like Remie Elie, Paxton Leroux, Kyle Platzer and Miles Liberati.
Saginaw was game, well prepared and put in a good effort.  If winning the third period means anything, game two will be competitive.

Anthony Stolarz - confident and comfortable 

House of Green welcomed back the Knights after a two week hiatus