THE GAME DAY GAZETTE

In an alternate universe, this game is a winner takes all match for the final playoff spot, but in this universe, it’s simply game 68 for both teams ending their regular season. For Kingston, it’s the end of their season altogether. For Oshawa, it’s their last tune-up chance before heading to Gatineau, Que., to take on the Ottawa 67’s in the opening round of the 2023 OHL Playoffs.

Oshawa used 67 games to punch their ticket, finally getting the elusive X next to their name last night, after defeating the Mississauga Steelheads 3-2, and a Kingston loss to the Barrie Colts 5-2.

While the game is far less important for the standings, as mentioned before, it’s Oshawa’s last chance to run their systems to perfection before clashing with the regular season champs. The 2022-2023 regular-season finale gets underway at the Tribute Communities Centre at 6:05 p.m. An extremely limited number of tickets will be available at the box office.

Last Meeting:

When these two teams met just four nights ago, everything was still in question, and the Frontenacs were playing in their first of many must-win games down the stretch. Oshawa went into Kingston with a simple mission, win the game and erase all doubt, clinching the 8th spot. Unfortunately for Oshawa, a hot start by Kingston just 100 seconds into the game sparked some belief in the desperate Frontenacs squad. Kingston would end up running away with the game by a score of 6-2, setting up a dramatic final weekend that ultimately went the way of the Generals anyway.

Players To Watch

LUCA D’AMATO ETHAN MEIDEMA CAMERON BUTLER

Hot off his NHL contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Cameron Butler was the difference down the stretch for Oshawa, scoring two goals in Mississauga to propel his team to victory and the postseason. Butler has now scored 27 goals this season, and is just three away from becoming the third General this season to hit 30 goals, following Stuart Rolofs and Ryan Gagnier. Butler is getting hot at just the right time, as Gens’ fans know he’ll need to keep it going against the 67’s.

You want to talk about resiliency? You can’t without mentioning Luca D’Amato. D’Amato has played a LEAGUE-high 70 games this season between both the Flint Firebirds and Oshawa Generals. A reliable asset on the back end, D’Amato has been a consistent staple in shutting down an opponent’s offense while also setting up his own. Just this week, he has found himself on a couple of offensive breakaways.

When the Frontenacs needed it most, Ethan Meidema put his team on his back and did everything he could to carry them into the postseason. When the two teams clashed Wednesday in Kingston, he scored four goals in the game propelling the Frontenacs to victory. Since arriving in Kingston, Miedema has only scored seven goals in total, so the offensive outburst on Wednesday was proof he wasn’t ready to call it a season yet. While the Frontenacs can’t catch the Generals in the standings, they’ll be playing for pride on Sunday night.