Thursday, February 16, 2012

OHL Playoff Sleeper Pick.

If the playoffs started today, my sleeper pick to represent the Eastern Conference in the OHL final would be the Oshawa Generals.

Big things were expected of the Generals this season, and they haven't lived up to the hype. So they made a coaching change. Chris DePiero stayed on as the teams GM, but was replaced behind the bench with Gary Agnew.

Coach Agnew comes to the Generals with a nice resume, He's coached in the NHL, AHL. Is a two time winner of the Matt Leyden Trophy for OHL Coach of the year. He took the London Knights to the OHL Final in 1999, where his Knights would lose to the Belleville Bulls in 7 games. He also holds the distinction of being the only coach to lead the Kingston Frontenacs to a division title in 1994–95.

Up front the Generals are loaded with fire power. Where do you start ? Andy Andreoff , Lucas Lessio , Nicklas Jensen, Boone Jenner and lets not forget former 50 goal scorer Christian Thomas, who we all know is capable of more. The Generals could have six 20 goal scorers in the line up when the playoffs start. And with import Sebastian Uvira and Scott Laughton also on the roster, if they can get rolling any team in the East would have a hard time handling what would be three very solid lines.

On the back end the Generals are lead by two players they picked up at the trade deadline. 1st is Matt Petgrave, who brings a wealth of playoff experience and Julian Melchiori. Both can put up points. Chris Carlisle and Colin Suellentrop are both over +11 and give the Generals a nice top 4.

But as we know all playoff runs start and end in net. This is a question mark for Oshawa. They have a former 1st rounder in Kevin Bailie. Who up to this year, hasn't really lived up to expectations. But as of late the Belleville Minor Hockey product seems to be coming in to his own . Daniel Altshuller has showed in his rookie year that he also has the tools to help the Genny's go far. With a lead both goalies are able to win games.

If all of the pieces fall in to place and everyone reaches their potential look for the Oshawa Generals to make some noise.

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