NHL Network and the internet are abuzz with highlights of Connor McDavid’s end-to-end rush and assist on his team’s lone goal in game one of the OHL finals between Erie and Oshawa. Here is a clip of that highlight for those interested:
But McDavid’s Otters fell in game one to the Josh Brown captained Generals by a score of 4-1. This is particularly note-worthy to Panther fans, as Brown is a Panther draft pick who will turn pro at the conclusion of the playoffs. The nature of Brown’s game, and a history of his time as a Panther prospect can be found here.
Oshawa coach D.J. Smith had this to say about his team’s game one victory:
“guys are making hits or blocking shots. The energy is contagious on our bench and you could see our players start to pick their legs up.”
More exciting for Panther fans is this report from “Durham Region: Oshawa This Week” writer Brian McNair:
“McDavid was held in check during even strength play, primarily by a line centred by Cole Cassels and the defensive pairing of overagers Josh Brown and Dakota Mermis.”
It goes without saying that its nice to hear that a Panther draft pick not often mentioned in the top tier of our prospect system had a hand in shutting down what many consider the top NHL prospect since Sidney Crosby. That should come as little surprise to those who follow the OHL, however. As Yahoo Sports writer Neate Sager recently wrote of Brown:
“To those who follow the OHL closely, Brown’s a big name as an imposing shutdown defenceman for a team that has paced the Eastern Conference in back-to-back seasons. Over the past two rounds, he’s led the defensive dragnet that contained both overage player of the year Joseph Blandisi of the Barrie Colts and limited Ottawa Senators signing and Team Canada member Nick Paul to one goal in a six-game semifinal against North Bay.”
Game two of the series is tonight in Oshawa.