OHL Announces 1st Round Playoff Schedules and Scenarios

March 19, 2016 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL) News Release

Toronto, ON - The 2015-16 Ontario Hockey League regular season schedule wraps up on Sunday with just 12 games remaining to determine final playoff positioning.

16 teams have now clinched a berth in the 2016 OHL Playoffs however only three 1st round matchups have been confirmed. In the Eastern Conference, the 1st place Kingston Frontenacs will face the 8th place Oshawa Generals. In the Western Conference, the 2nd place Sarnia Sting will face the 7th place Soo Greyhounds, and the 4th place Kitchener Rangers will face the 5th place Windsor Spitfires.

The Barrie Colts (2nd) have clinched their position in the Eastern Conference, while the Owen Sound Attack (6th) and Saginaw Spirit (8th) have clinched their position in the Western Conference with 1st round playoff opponents still to be determined.

Here's a look at the current OHL standings and playoff matchup scenarios, with full schedules listed thereafter for all potential outcomes.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

1. Kingston Frontenacs - 95PTS (45-17-3-2) with 1 game (HAM)

- East Division Champions have clinched 1st place in Eastern Conference and will host 8th place OSH in 1st round playoffs.

2. Barrie Colts - 86PTS (42-22-0-2) with 2 games (SBY, at NB)

- Central Division Champions will be 2nd seed in Eastern Conference playoffs and host 7th seed PBO or MISS.

3. North Bay Battalion - 78PTS (34-23-6-4) with 1 game (BAR)

- Can only finish as high as 3rd but no lower than 4th needing 1 point to clinch 3rd place. NB will face either MISS, PBO, or OTT in 1st round.

4. Niagara IceDogs - 74PTS (34-26-3-3) with 2 games (PBO, MISS)

- Can still finish as high as 3rd place but no lower than 5th needing 2 points to clinch home ice. NIAG will face either OTT, MISS, or PBO in 1st round.

5. Ottawa 67's - 73PTS (35-29-2-1) with 1 game (at OSH)

- Can only finish as high as 4th place but no lower than 5th. OTT will face either NIAG or NB in 1st round.

6. Mississauga Steelheads - 71PTS (33-29-2-3) with 1 game (NIAG)

- Can only finish as high as 6th place but no lower than 7th. MISS will face either NB, NIAG, or BAR in 1st round.

7. Peterborough Petes - 71PTS (32-28-2-5) with 1 game (at NIAG)

- Can still finish as high as 6th place but no lower than 7th. PBO will face either BAR, NB, or NIAG in 1st round.

8. Oshawa Generals - 62PTS (27-32-4-4) with 1 game (OTT)

- Generals have clinched 8th place, will play 1st place KGN in 1st round playoffs.

9. Hamilton Bulldogs - 58PTS (25-34-8-0) with 1 game (at KGN)

- Eliminated from playoff contention, will pick 4th overall in 2016 OHL Priority Selection.

10. Sudbury Wolves - 38PTS (16-45-5-1) with 1 game (at BAR)

- Eliminated from playoff contention, will pick 2nd overall in 2016 OHL Priority Selection.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

1. London Knights - 105PTS (51-13-2-1) with 1 game (at ER)

- Can still finish in either 1st or 3rd place needing 1 point to clinch Hamilton Spectator Trophy and Midwest Division title. LDN will play either SAG or OS in 1st round playoffs.

2. Sarnia Sting - 89PTS (41-18-5-2) with 2 game (at SAG, WSR)

- West Division Champions will be 2nd seed in Western Conference and host 7th seed SSM in 1st round.

3. Erie Otters - 103PTS (51-15-1-0) with 1 game (LDN)

- Can still finish in either 1st or 3rd seed needing a regulation win to clinch the Hamilton Spectator Trophy and Midwest Division title. ER will play either OS or SAG in 1st round.

4. Kitchener Rangers - 93PTS (43-17-5-2) with 1 game (at OS)

- Rangers have clinched 4th place, will host 5th place WSR in 1st round.

5. Windsor Spitfires - 85PTS (39-21-6-1) with 1 game (at SAR)

- Spitfires have clinched 5th place, will play 4th place KIT in 1st round.

6. Owen Sound Attack - 75PTS (32-24-8-3) with 1 game (KIT)

- Attack have clinched 6th place, will play either 3rd place ER or LDN in 1st round.

7. Soo Greyhounds - 72PTS (32-27-7-1) with 1 game (GUE)

- Greyhounds have clinched 7th place, will play 2nd place SAR in 1st round.

8. Saginaw Spirit - 56PTS (24-35-5-3) with 1 game (SAR)

- Spirit have clinched 8th place, will play 1st place LDN or ER in 1st round playoffs.

9. Flint Firebirds - 46PTS (20-41-4-2) with 1 game (GUE)

- Eliminated from playoff contention, will pick 3rd overall in 2016 OHL Priority Selection.

10. Guelph Storm - 30PTS (12-48-4-2) with 2 games (at FLNT, at SSM)

- Eliminated from playoff contention, will pick 1st overall in 2016 OHL Priority Selection.

EASTERN CONFERENCE (CONFIRMED PLAYOFF SCHEDULE):

Series "A" - Kingston Frontenacs (1) vs. Oshawa Generals (8)

Game 1, Fri, Mar 25 at Kingston - 7:00 p.m.

Game 2, Sat, Mar 26 at Kingston - 7:00 p.m.

Game 3, Tues, Mar 29 at Oshawa - 7:05 p.m.

Game 4, Thurs, Mar 31 at Oshawa - 7:05 p.m.

Game 5, Fri, Apr 1 at Kingston - 7:00 p.m.*

Game 6, Sun, Apr 3 at Oshawa - 6:05 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at Kingston - 7:00 p.m.*

*if necessary

EASTERN CONFERENCE (PLAYOFF SCHEDULE SCENARIOS):

Series "B" Scenario 1 - Barrie Colts (2) vs. Peterborough Petes (7):

Game 1, Thurs, Mar 24 at Barrie - 7:30 p.m.

Game 2, Sat, Mar 26 at Barrie - 7:30 p.m.

Game 3, Tues, Mar 29 at Peterborough - 7:05 p.m.

Game 4, Thurs, Mar 31 at Peterborough - 7:05 p.m.

Game 5, Sat, Apr 2 at Barrie - 7:30 p.m.*

Game 6, Sun, Apr 3 at Peterborough - 7:05 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at Barrie - 7:30 p.m.*

*if necessary

Series "B" Scenario 2 - Barrie Colts (2) vs. Mississauga Steelheads (7):

Game 1, Thurs, Mar 24 at Barrie - 7:30 p.m.

Game 2, Sat, Mar 26 at Barrie - 7:30 p.m.

Game 3, Tues, Mar 29 at Mississauga - 7:00 p.m.

Game 4, Thurs, Mar 31 at Mississauga - 7:00 p.m.

Game 5, Sat, Apr 2 at Barrie - 7:30 p.m.*

Game 6, Sun, Apr 3 at Mississauga - 2:00 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at Barrie - 7:30 p.m.*

*if necessary

Series "C" Scenario 1 - North Bay Battalion (3) vs. Mississauga Steelheads (6):

Game 1, Fri, Mar 25 at North Bay - 7:00 p.m.

Game 2, Sun, Mar 27 at North Bay - 2:00 p.m.

Game 3, Tues, Mar 29 at Mississauga - 7:05 p.m.

Game 4, Thurs, Mar 31 at Mississauga - 7:05 p.m.

Game 5, Fri, Apr 1 at North Bay - 7:00 p.m.*

Game 6, Sun, Apr 3 at Mississauga - 2:00 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at North Bay - 7:00 p.m.*

*if necessary

Series "C" Scenario 2 - North Bay Battalion (3) vs. Peterborough Petes (7):

Game 1, Fri, Mar 25 at North Bay - 7:00 p.m.

Game 2, Sun, Mar 27 at North Bay - 2:00 p.m.

Game 3, Tues, Mar 29 at Peterborough - 7:05 p.m.

Game 4, Thurs, Mar 31 at Peterborough - 7:05 p.m.

Game 5, Fri, Apr 1 at North Bay - 7:00 p.m.*

Game 6, Sun, Apr 3 at Peterborough - 7:05 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at North Bay - 7:00 p.m.*

*if necessary

Series "C" Scenario 3 - Niagara IceDogs (3) vs. Mississauga Steelheads (6):

Game 1, Thurs, Mar 24 at Niagara - 7:00 p.m.

Game 2, Sat, Mar 26 at Niagara - 7:00 p.m.

Game 3, Tues, Mar 29 at Mississauga - 7:00 p.m.

Game 4, Thurs, Mar 31 at Mississauga - 7:00 p.m.

Game 5, Fri, Apr 1 at Niagara - 7:00 p.m.*

Game 6, Sun, Apr 3 at Mississauga - 2:00 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at Niagara 7:00 p.m.*

*if necessary

Series "C" Scenario 4 - Niagara IceDogs (3) vs. Peterborough Petes (6):

Game 1, Thurs, Mar 24 at Niagara - 7:00 p.m.

Game 2, Sat, Mar 26 at Niagara - 7:00 p.m.

Game 3, Tues, Mar 29 at Peterborough - 7:05 p.m.

Game 4, Thurs, Mar 31 at Peterborough - 7:05 p.m.

Game 5, Fri, Apr 1 at Niagara - 7:00 p.m.*

Game 6, Sun, Apr 3 at Peterborough - 7:05 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at Niagara 7:00 p.m.*

*if necessary

Series "D" Scenario 1 - Niagara IceDogs (4) vs. Ottawa 67's (5):

Game 1, Thurs, Mar 24 at Niagara - 7:00 p.m.

Game 2, Sat, Mar 26 at Niagara - 7:00 p.m.

Game 3, Mon, Mar 28 at Ottawa - 7:00 p.m.

Game 4, Wed, Mar 30 at Ottawa - 7:00 p.m.

Game 5, Fri, Apr 1 at Niagara - 7:00 p.m.*

Game 6, Sat, Apr 2 at Ottawa - 7:00 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at Niagara - 7:00 p.m.*

*if necessary

Series "D" Scenario 2 - Ottawa 67's (4) vs. Niagara IceDogs (5):

Game 1, Fri, Mar 25 at Ottawa - 7:00 p.m.

Game 2, Sun, Mar 27 at Ottawa - 2:00 p.m.

Game 3, Mon, Mar 28 at Niagara - 7:00 p.m.

Game 4, Wed, Mar 30 at Niagara - 7:00 p.m.

Game 5, Fri, Apr 1 at Ottawa - 7:00 p.m.*

Game 6, Sun, Apr 3 at Niagara - 2:00 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at Ottawa - 7:00 p.m.*

*if necessary

Series "D" Scenario 3 - North Bay Battalion (4) vs. Ottawa 67's (5):

Game 1, Fri, Mar 25 at North Bay - 7:00 p.m.

Game 2, Sun, Mar 27 at North Bay - 2:00 p.m.

Game 3, Mon, Mar 28 at Ottawa - 7:00 p.m.

Game 4, Wed, Mar 30 at Ottawa - 7:00 p.m.

Game 5, Fri, Apr 1 at North Bay - 7:00 p.m.*

Game 6, Sun, Apr 3 at Ottawa - 2:00 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at North Bay - 7:00 p.m.*

*if necessary

WESTERN CONFERENCE (CONFIRMED PLAYOFF SCHEDULES):

Series "B" - Sarnia Sting (2) vs. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (7)

Game 1, Fri, Mar 25 at Sarnia - 7:05 p.m.

Game 2, Sun, Mar 27 at Sarnia - 4:05 p.m.

Game 3, Tues, Mar 29 at Sault Ste. Marie - 7:07 p.m.

Game 4, Thurs, Mar 31 at Sault Ste. Marie - 7:07 p.m.

Game 5, Sat, Apr 2 at Sarnia - 7:05 p.m.*

Game 6, Sun, Apr 3 at Sault Ste. Marie - 7:07 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at Sarnia - 7:05 p.m.*

*if necessary

Series "D" - Kitchener Rangers (4) vs. Windsor Spitfires (5)

Game 1, Thursday, March 24th at Kitchener - 7:00 pm

Game 2, Saturday, March 26th at Kitchener - 7:00 pm

Game 3, Monday, March 28th at Windsor - 7:05 pm

Game 4, Wednesday, March 30th at Windsor - 7:05 pm

Game 5, Friday, April 1st at Kitchener - 7:30 pm*

Game 6, Sunday, April 3rd at Windsor - 2:05 pm*

Game 7, Tuesday, April 5th at Kitchener - 7:00 pm*

*if necessary

WESTERN CONFERENCE (PLAYOFF SCHEDULE SCENARIOS):

Series "A" Scenario 1 - London Knights (1) vs. Saginaw Spirit (8):

Game 1, Fri, Mar 25 at London - 7:30 p.m.

Game 2, Sat, Mar 26 at London - 7:00 p.m.

Game 3, Tues, Mar 29 at Saginaw - 7:05 p.m.

Game 4, Thurs, Mar 31 at Saginaw - 7:05 p.m.

Game 5, Fri, Apr 1 at London - 7:30 p.m.*

Game 6, Sun, Apr 3 at Saginaw - 4:00 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at London - 7:00 p.m.*

*if necessary

Series "A" Scenario 2 - Erie Otters (1) vs. Saginaw Spirit (8):

Game 1, Fri, Mar 25 at Erie - 7:00 p.m.

Game 2, Sun, Mar 27 at Erie - 7:00 p.m.

Game 3, Tues, Mar 29 at Saginaw - 7:05 p.m.

Game 4, Thurs, Mar 31 at Saginaw - 7:05 p.m.

Game 5, Sat, Apr 2 at Erie - 3:00 p.m.* (First Niagara Centre, Buffalo)

Game 6, Sun, Apr 3 at Saginaw - 4:00 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at Saginaw - 7:00 p.m.*

*if necessary

Series "C" Scenario 1 - Erie Otters (3) vs. Owen Sound Attack (6):

Game 1, Fri, Mar 25 at Erie - 7:00 p.m.

Game 2, Sun, Mar 27 at Erie - 7:00 p.m.

Game 3, Tues, Mar 29 at Owen Sound - 7:00 p.m.

Game 4, Thurs., Mar 31 at Owen Sound - 7:00 p.m.

Game 5, Sat, Apr 2 at Erie - 3:00 p.m.* (First Niagara Center, Buffalo)

Game 6, Sun, Apr 3 at Owen Sound - 2:00 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at Erie - 7:00 p.m.*

*if necessary

Series "C" Scenario 2 - London Knights (3) vs. Owen Sound (6):

Game 1, Fri, Mar 25 at London - 7:30 p.m.

Game 2, Sat, Mar 26 at London - 7:00 p.m.

Game 3, Mon, Mar 28 at Owen Sound - 7:00 p.m.

Game 4, Wed, Mar 30 at Owen Sound - 7:00 p.m.

Game 5, Fri, Apr 1 at London - 7:30 p.m.*

Game 6, Sun, Apr 3 at Owen Sound - 2:00 p.m.*

Game 7, Tues, Apr 5 at London - 7:00 p.m.*

*if necessary

PLAYOFF STRUCTURE:

The top eight teams in each conference qualify for the OHL playoffs with the division leaders ranked one-two in each Conference.

In the first round of the playoffs, first place plays eighth, second plays seventh, third plays sixth and fourth plays fifth in each conference.

Teams are re-seeded within their conference after each round and the division winners are always ranked 1-2 within the conference as long as they progress. The champions from each conference play in the OHL Championship Series for the J. Ross Robertson Cup.

The OHL Playoffs are scheduled to begin on the Thursday following the conclusion of the regular season. The first round series must be completed within 13 days; the second round series have 14 days to finish while the Conference Championships are 13 days in length. The OHL Championship Series is 14 days in length.

TIE BREAKING SYSTEM:

If two or more teams are tied for the final OHL playoff position in either conference, sudden-death playoff games will be used to determine the team that advances.

For all other playoff positions, the following tie-breaking system is in place:

The team with the most number of wins during the regular season shall be declared higher in the standings.

If two teams are still tied, the team with the best record in head-to-head competition (based on points including overtime losses) shall be declared higher in the standings. If more than two teams are tied after the first tie-breaker, the percentage of available points earned in games among each other shall be used to determine the standing.

If still tied, the team with the greater differential between goals scored for and against by clubs having equal standing after the second tie-breaker shall be declared higher in the standings.

REGULAR SEASON TROPHIES:

Hamilton Spectator Trophy: TBD (London Knights or Erie Otters)

The Hamilton Spectator Trophy is awarded to the team that finishes the regular season first overall in the Ontario Hockey League. The trophy was presented to the Ontario Hockey Association by the Hamilton Spectator in the 1957-58 season. The winner of the Hamilton Spectator Trophy has gone on to win the OHL championship 23 times and the Memorial Cup 11 times.

The Knights are in search of their seventh Hamilton Spectator Trophy last winning in 2013. The Otters captured their only regular season title in 2001.

Leyden Trophy (East Division): Kingston Frontenacs

The Frontenacs captured the East Division title for the second time in franchise history following the 1994-95 campaign. The club has already established new franchise records for wins and points in a season.

Emms Trophy (Central Division): Barrie Colts

The Colts earned their seventh Central Division title and third in four years also winning in 2015 and 2013. Prior to that they won division crowns in 2010 as part of their franchise-best 116-point season, 2007, and back-to-back in 1999 and 2000 en route to capturing the club's first and only Robertson Cup.

The Emms and Leyden Trophies were first presented in the 1975-76 season when the OHL was split into divisions with the expansion of the league to 12 teams. The awards originated in recognition of Matt Leyden and Leighton 'Hap' Emms for their contributions to junior hockey in Ontario.

Bumbacco Trophy (West Division): Sarnia Sting

The Sting seized the West Division title for the second time in franchise history following the 2003-04 season. The club is one win and three points shy of setting new franchise records in both categories. The Bumbacco Trophy was inaugurated in 1994-95 when the league realigned into three divisions. The award is named after former Greyhounds' General Manager Angelo Bumbacco.

Holody Trophy (Midwest Division): TBD (London Knights or Erie Otters)

The Holody Trophy, awarded in recognition of the contributions to the OHL by former Guelph and Owen Sound Platers Governor Joe Holody, was presented following the 1998-99 season for the first time with the realignment of the league into four divisions.

The Knights are in search of their ninth Midwest Division title since 2004, last winning in 2013. The Otters are the reigning Midwest Division champions in the hunt for their fifth since 2000.

Check out the Ontario Hockey League Statistics

Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2016

Bulldogs Wrap up Season with Loss to Frontenacs - Brantford Bulldogs
Storm Snap Skid, Down Firebirds - Guelph Storm
Spirit Wrap up Regular Season in 6-4 Loss to Sarnia - Saginaw Spirit
Otters Clinch First Seed - Erie Otters
IceDogs Fall to Petes 5-4 in OT - Niagara IceDogs
Offensive Outburst Provides Rangers with Positive Finale to OHL Regular Season - Kitchener Rangers
Otters Announce First Round Schedule, Game Five Venue Change - Erie Otters
OHL Announces 1st Round Playoff Schedules and Scenarios - OHL
Schedule Packs Punch to Final Whistle - North Bay Battalion
Game Preview: Storm Hit the Road, Visit Firebirds - Guelph Storm
Preview: Firebirds Host Guelph for Final Game of the Season - Flint Firebirds
Preview: Spirit Wrap up Regular Season with Sting Saturday - Saginaw Spirit
Steelheads Move into 6th with 5-3 Win over Petes - Brampton Steelheads
Wolves Fall to Troops in OT - Sudbury Wolves

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