OHL Kitchener Rangers

Rangers Force Game 7 with a 4-2 Victory

Published on April 15, 2012 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Kitchener Rangers News Release


Curtis Meighan's first career playoff goal was the game winner as the Kitchener Rangers kept their season alive with a 4-2 win over the Plymouth Whalers on Sunday night. Ryan Murphy scored his first of the playoffs and added an assist, while Ben Thomson and Cody Sol also found the back of the net for the Rangers, who evened the best-of-seven Western Conference semi-final series at three games apiece. Game 7 will be held on Tuesday night in Plymouth.

The Rangers opened the scoring, capitalizing on an early 5-on-3 power play opportunity. Scott Wedgewood was forced to make two big saves from close range, but could not control the rebound allowing Ryan Murphy to settle the puck in the slot and fire a shot past the Plymouth netminder. The goal was the veteran defenseman's first of the postseason, assisted by Tobias Rieder and league scoring leader Michael Catenacci.

The Rangers held a slight 17-16 advantage in shots on goal after one period.

Kitchener started the second period on the power play and quickly took advantage with the extra man, extending the lead to 2-0. Murphy wired a pass across the front of the crease that was pitched past Wedgewood by Ben Thomson. The third-year power forward has recorded a career-high three goals in this year's playoffs. Radek Faksa also collected an assist on the play.

The Whalers would tie things up before the end of the middle frame. First Rickard Rakell intercepted the puck deep in Kitchener territory and threw it on net, with Alex Aleardi on the doorstep to tap it by Rangers' keeper John Gibson. The former Ranger has scored six goals in the postseason.

Just over five minutes later, Plymouth leveled the scored at 2-all. Gibson made the save on J.T. Miller, but Tom Wilson potted the rebound, collecting his seventh of the playoffs, and third goal in two games. Rakell picked up his second helper of the night on the play.

The Whalers out-shot Kitchener 13-11 in the second period.

Curtis Meighan's first career OHL playoff goal put the Rangers back on top with 15 minutes to play. The freshman was in front of the Whalers' net to tip Ben Fanelli's point shot past Wedgewood. Fanelli has recorded four points in the playoffs, all assists.

Cody Sol added an empty net goal with 30.6 seconds remaining on the clock to seal the win. The unassisted tally was his third of the postseason.

Kitchener led shots on goal 16-14 in the final 20 minutes and finished with a 44-43 overall advantage. Gibson made 41 saves in his seventh postseason win.

With the win, the Rangers even the best-of-seven series at 3-3 and force a deciding game on Tuesday, April 17 in Plymouth.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from April 15, 2012


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