Give ’em a break: 67 lose to the Colts, extending the slide to five games, in the last test before the holidays

Article content

Colts 5, 67’s 2

Article content

Norm Milley had a special Christmas message after the game for the Ottawa 67, one that might be the best gift ever.

The 67’s interim head coach kept players from having to answer for what has been a forgettable stretch before the Christmas season.

He then wished everyone a very, very Merry Christmas, safe travels and said he would see them again on Boxing Day.

Such is the state of the 67 after a fifth straight loss, this was a 5-2 beating by the Barrie Colts in the Arena at TD Place on Saturday, when postponed games outnumbered games played in the Ontario Hockey League 4-3.

“I told them to go home and not talk hockey with anyone,” said Milley, who has been filling in for Dave Cameron, currently with the Canadian junior team preparing for the world championships in Alberta. “I know his parents and friends are going to want to talk about hockey, and I said, ‘No, don’t.’

Article content

“I told them to go home, relax, enjoy their mom’s food, and enjoy time with their families. Stay out of the game for a moment. “

The Colts arrived fresh-legged, having canceled games Thursday and Friday due to Covid-19 protocols with the Sudbury Wolves and Kingston Frontenacs.

Meanwhile, the 67 were completing their fourth three-game streak in less than 72 hours this season, and it showed.

After a couple of lively discussions in the last minute, the 67 dispersed after the game to their respective homes for what amounts to a seven-day break, knowing they have to get things back on track heading into 2022 or that their season may. ending too soon for anyone. taste.

Just two wins in the last 15 games is not what playoff-caliber teams experience. And, unlike other seasons, when all 67 were contenders, there will likely be no help at OHL’s January trade deadline. so what you see is what you will get.

Article content

“I remember playing as a junior and playing that last game before halftime,” said Milley, a two-time 50-goal scorer with the Wolves. “Everyone is eager to get home and it’s hard to stay focused. Nothing can be taken away from it.

“But, in the big picture, I thought it was a hockey game. Overall, I am proud of the effort.

“The break could not have come at a better time. This is an opportunity to refocus and regroup. “You have to believe in the process. And sometimes that can get lost when you’re on a slide. “

The 67s pitched a lineup for Saturday’s contest as they do in almost every game this season: seven rookies, sometimes even more.

The active roster includes 13 players 18 years of age or younger versus just five 19-year-olds and one older. Those numbers include five players from the 2020 draft and three 16-year-olds from the 2021 draft.

Article content

Either way you look at it, that’s a lot of youth in a league where 19-year-olds rule and a full complement of three surpluses is usually key.

“Maybe the number of games has affected the youngsters,” Milley said. “Those first two or three months are always a routine for the younger kids.

“And actually, we have two youth years in one.”

The No. 67 player needs a break more than goalkeeper Will Cranley, whom the team turned to on Saturday after hitting his ace after a rare night off Friday.

Cranley leads the league in minutes played (1,354). And, sometime around the middle of the first period on Saturday, with the Colts’ fifth shot at the net, Cranley became the league leader in shots faced. He is heading into halftime after having faced 697 shots in 26 games.

Article content

One thing Cranley does most nights is give his club a shot – he just wished he could have a return shot early in the opening period when Colts defender Ian Lemieux deflected a shot from spot on the general direction of the goalkeeper and Cranley deflected the puck. In the net.

Cranley was also caught not covering the post well enough when Barrie’s rookie Chris Grisolia skidded out of the corner and hit him high 4:23 in the second period. It was OHL’s first goal for Grisolia.

Anthony Tabak made it 3-0 before rookie Luca Pinelli put 67 on the board at 4:39 pm of the second.

Vsevolod Gaidamak gave the home team a chance with his 13th of the season at 55 seconds of the third period, but Nathan Allensen and Beau Jelsma scored to seal it for the Colts.