Ottawa 67's Withstand Kingston Rally to Claim 2-0 Series Edge in OHL Playoffs
The Ottawa 67's demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess on Sunday, March 29, 2026, as they navigated a momentum shift to secure a 4-3 victory over the Kingston Frontenacs. This win grants them a commanding 2-0 lead in their Ontario Hockey League (OHL) opening-round playoff series, a best-of-seven showdown that has already delivered intense action.
Early Struggles and Swift Recovery
Initially, the 67's faced adversity by taking three early penalties, which allowed the Frontenacs to capitalize and build an early lead. However, Ottawa quickly regrouped, unleashing a barrage of 15 unanswered shots to erase the deficit. By the end of the first period, they had turned the tide, establishing a 2-1 advantage that set the stage for their eventual triumph.
Offensive Firepower and Key Contributions
Ottawa's offense was led by standout performances from multiple players. Thomas Vandenberg, a native of Ottawa, netted two crucial goals, while fellow local talent Shaan Kingwell and Finnish centre Jasper Kuhta each added one to the scoreboard. This balanced attack overwhelmed Kingston's defense, pushing the 67's to a 4-1 lead by the second period.
Kingston's Late Surge and Ottawa's Defensive Stand
Refusing to go down without a fight, the Frontenacs mounted a comeback in the third period with goals from Aleks Kulemin and Alex Misiak, cutting the deficit to 4-3 before the four-minute mark. Despite this pressure, Ottawa's defense held firm. Goaltender Ryder Fetterolf made 22 saves to earn his second playoff win, and the team's penalty-killing unit excelled, neutralizing four of five Kingston power plays.
Series Shifts to Kingston for Critical Games
With the first two games concluded in Ottawa, the series now moves to Kingston's Slush Puppie Place for Games 3 and 4, scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday. The Frontenacs, eager to even the series after dropping the opener 7-4, will look to leverage home-ice advantage. Meanwhile, the 67's aim to maintain their momentum and edge closer to advancing in the playoffs.
Statistical Highlights and Team Dynamics
Ottawa's special teams played a pivotal role, with their power play converting on both opportunities, while their penalty kill remained robust after a flawless performance in Game 1. Kingston made a goaltending change after two periods, replacing starter Gavin Betts, who allowed four goals on 31 shots, with Matthew Minchak, who stopped all 11 shots he faced in the third. Despite pulling their goalie for an extra attacker late in the game, the Frontenacs managed only one shot on goal, highlighting Ottawa's defensive discipline.
This victory not only solidifies the 67's position in the series but also underscores their ability to adapt under pressure, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of OHL playoff hockey.
