Morning Skate: Bulls Fight for Survival in Oshawa
Published on March 14, 2014 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
OSHAWA, ON -ÃÂ Wins against Sudbury and Peterborough have the Belleville Bulls cruising into the final weekend of the regular season, but a Friday night challenge awaits, one that they'll have to conquer if the postseason is going to remain a possibility. The Bulls visit the Oshawa Generals, trailing the eighth placed Mississauga Steelheads by two points in a must win situation.
Wild Thursday night action in the Ontario Hockey League sawÃÂ Mitchell Theoret lift the Barrie Colts to a much appreciated 5-3 win over the Ottawa 67's. In St. Catharines,ÃÂ Eric Ming'sÃÂ hat-trick led the Niagara IceDogs to a 5-4 shootout victory, but not before the Mississauga Steelheads gained a point in a three point game.
The Bulls have done some scoreboard watching and now it's time to take care of business. "We need to make sure we're advancing pucks and looking after our own zone most importantly," said overaged veteranÃÂ Scott Simmonds.ÃÂ "We've had mixed results against Oshawa this season. The General Motors Centre isn't an easy building to play in. We'll need to be mentally tough."
The Bulls took a 6-5 shootout victory over Oshawa on home ice last Wednesday.ÃÂ David Tomasek scored twice and provided the shootout winner as the Bulls came back from a 5-2 deficit to stun the Generals.
Oshawa has a firm grip on the season series, playing to a 5-0-0-2 record against the Bulls. They've startedÃÂ Ken Appleby in six of the seven encounters this season. Appleby took the loss in goal on Thursday night as the Generals, who were withoutÃÂ Scott Laughton andÃÂ Josh Brown, fell 3-0 at the hands of the North Bay Battalion. With the Eastern Conference locked up, Oshawa Head CoachÃÂ D.J. Smith may seek opportunities to rest players prior to what the Generals hope is a lengthy postseason run.
The Bulls are nearly back to full health withÃÂ Jake Worrad and Brody Morris remaining as the last two wounded warriors.ÃÂ Justin Lemcke returned to the lineup on Thursday in a 6-2 win over Peterborough, registering an assist.
Tonight's game starts at 7:35pm. The Bulls would appreciate the support of any Bullievers who can make the trek to Oshawa!
Tune in to AM 800 CJBQ at 7:20pm for pre-game coverage with Bulls voice Jack Miller. Fans can follow all of the action on the Bulls Twitter feed (@OHLBulls).
Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 14, 2014
- Spits Rally for Shootout Win in Kitchener - Windsor Spitfires
- Stayin' alive: 67's remain in playoff hunt - Ottawa 67's
- Erie beats Plymouth - Plymouth Whalers
- Meighan and Sergeev Score in Final Game of Season - Kitchener Rangers
- Saginaw Prepares for Final Two Home Games After High-Scoring Contest in Sault Ste. Marie - Saginaw Spirit
- Otters Stomp Whalers for Franchise Points Record - Erie Otters
- IceDogs Fall 2-1 in Shootout in Mississauga; Clinch Playoff Spot - Niagara IceDogs
- Stayin' alive: 67's remain in playoff hunt - Ottawa 67's
- Guelph Storm 1st Round Playoff Dates Announced - Guelph Storm
- Steelheads Pick up Point, IceDogs Win Round 1 - Brampton Steelheads
- IceDogs 7th Man Convoy Maxes out at 10 Buses for Tonight in Mississauga - Niagara IceDogs
- Larisa Yurkiw at the Bayshore on Saturday - Owen Sound Attack
- Morning Skate: Bulls Fight for Survival in Oshawa - Belleville Bulls
- Kevin Maracle Named 2014 Medigas Hounslow Award Winner - Belleville Bulls
- Victorious Battalion Secures Home Ice - North Bay Battalion
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