Game Preview: Spitfires with a Chance to Go to Round 2
OHL Windsor Spitfires

Game Preview: Spitfires with a Chance to Go to Round 2

Published on April 4, 2025 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Windsor Spitfires News Release


WINDSOR, ON. - The Windsor Spitfires and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are set to face off in Game 5 tonight at the WFCU Centre. In what promises to be an exciting OHL matchup in Round 1 of the OHL Playoffs, all four previous games have been excellent hockey. The Spitfires were able to assert themselves in the drivers seat for the series headed for home after a 4-1 win in Game 4, they lead the series 3-1.

TV: YourTV Windsor

Video Stream: OHL Live on CHL TV

Radio: AM800

Series Recap:

Game 1 (March 27): Windsor dominated with a 7-2 victory. Liam Greentree and Ilya Protas each tallied four points, and overage forward Noah Morneau contributed two goals. The Spitfires outshot the Greyhounds 37-16.

Game 2 (March 29): The Spitfires continued their offensive surge, winning 7-1. Carter Hicks scored the game-winner, and Morneau recorded a hat-trick, bringing his playoff total to five goals. L.A. Kings prospect Liam Greentree added a goal and two assists.

Game 3 (March 31): The Greyhounds responded with a 3-2 overtime win. Captain Liam Greentree tied the game for Windsor with 20 seconds left in regulation, but the Greyhounds secured the victory in overtime.

Game 4 (April 2): The Spitfires with 7 regulars out of their lineup put the Soo on the brink with a 4-1 win up North. Protas and Morneau both scored twice.

Head-to-Head:

Tonight's contest will be the 10th meeting this season between the two clubs. During the 2024-25 regular season, the Spitfires went 4-1-1 overall against the Greyhounds. Through the Playoffs the Spitfires are 3-0-1.

Game 3 a few nights ago was a close affair after Liam Greentree tied the game with 20 seconds left to send it to overtime. The Soo would win in the overtime frame, the full story can be found here.

Game 4 was a big bounce back for the Spitfires and a big win with a lot of regulars injured. Protas and Morneau both scored twice, the full story can be found here.

Key Players to Watch:

Windsor Spitfires: Liam Greentree has been a pivotal player, contributing significantly in the first four games and delivering a clutch game-tying goal in Game 3. Noah Morneau's offensive prowess, including a hat-trick in Game 2, has been instrumental for Windsor.

Soo Greyhounds: After three tough losses, the Greyhounds' resilience was evident in their Game 3 overtime victory. Marco Mignosa led the Hounds in the regular season and has yet to find the back of the net in 4 games but leads with 5 assists. Their ability to capitalize on critical moments will be crucial as they aim to even the series.

Scouting the Windsor Spitfires

The Spitfires come into the game with a solid mix of veteran leadership and young talent. Their offense has been clicking, led by their dynamic forwards, who have consistently pressured opposing defenses. Their power play has been struggling to get going, a respectable 23.53% (4/17) so far in the series and 1/5 on the road but the coaching staff would like to convert more. They're 3/12 at home.

Ilya Protas, Liam Greentree and Noah Morneau combined for 20 points between them in the first two games. Greentree and Protas both had a point in the game 3 loss. Protas found the back of the net twice in Game 4 for his first OHL playoff tallies.

Carson Woodall has broken the deadlock twice in the first 4 games of the series. He will be looking to find the scoresheet again in Game 4.

Anthony Cristoforo and AJ Spellacy both missed Game 3 and 4 with injuries and will again be gametime decisions for tonight's Game 4. The Spitfires are still missing a few other regular starting players.

In goal, Joey Costanzo has been rock solid with a 1.70GAA and a .929 save percentage.

Scouting the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

The Greyhounds, known for their speed and offensive creativity, will be looking to outpace Windsor with their transition game.

Marco Mignosa leads the Greyhounds with 5 assists. Travis Hayes has 3 goals and Owen Allard has two goals for the Hounds.

In goal, the Soo have gone with Nolan LaLonde for all 4 starts and his status will be questionable to start for Game 5 after leaving game 4 with an injury.

Key Matchups

Goaltending Battle: Both teams will need their netminders to be at their best, as this game could easily turn into a high-scoring affair.

Special Teams: Windsor's power play needs to start scoring to help the offence.

Home crowd: The Spitfires will have the home crowd to feed off and will be looking to get the building rocking.

Historical Context:

This playoff meeting marks the first between these teams since 2005, when the Spitfires overcame a 3-0 series deficit to win in seven games.

Tickets

With a Game 5 scheduled for Friday at the WFCU Centre, tickets can be purchased at the WFCU Centre Box office or online here. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05pm.

Check out the Windsor Spitfires Statistics

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from April 4, 2025


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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