OHL Kitchener Rangers

Rangers Fall 4-1 in Game One

Published on April 5, 2013 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Kitchener Rangers News Release


Matt Puempel scored the lone goal for the Kitchener Rangers as they fell 4-1 to the London Knights in the opening game of the Western Conference Semi-Final on Friday night. John Gibson made 33 saves for the Rangers in the loss and received second star honours. The Knights lead the best-of-seven series 1-0.

Kitchener opened the scoring four minutes into the first period, converting their first shot on net into the first goal of the series. The Rangers forced a turnover deep in Knights territory and Matt Puempel jumped on the loose puck, lifting it high over the glove of London netminder Anthony Stolarz. His third of the postseason was assisted by veteran Eric Ming.

The Knights responded just four minutes later, evening the score at 1-1. Paxton Laroux moved the puck from behind the net to Kyle Platzer, who carried it in front and snapped it high past John Gibson. Remi Elie also assisted on the Waterloo native's second of the playoffs.

A power play marker from Tyler Ferry put the Knights ahead 2-1 late in the frame. Seth Griffith's shot on goal was turned aside by Gibson, but the veteran rearguard was on the doorstep to bury the rebound. His first goal of the postseason was also assisted by Ryan Rupert.

London led shots on goal 18-3 in the opening 20 minutes of play.

The score remained 2-1 after a scoreless second period. The Rangers out-shot the Knights 16-11 in the middle frame.

Chris Tierney's second of the playoffs pushed the Knights to a 3-1 lead with just over 11 minutes to play. The San Jose Sharks prospect deflected Olli Maatta's shot behind Gibson, bringing his postseason total to seven points. Draft-eligible forward Max Domi earned the second assist on the play.

An empty net goal by Ryan Rupert sealed a 4-1 London victory. Stolarz picked up a helper on Rupert's first of the playoffs.

Kitchener finished the third with an 11-8 advantage on the shot clock, but the Knights out-shot the Rangers 37-30 overall.

London leads the best-of-seven series 1-0. Game 2 is Sunday afternoon at the Budweiser Gardens.

Scoring

1. KIT M. Puempel, (3) (E. Ming), 4:09

1. LDN K. Platzer, (2) (R. Elie, P. Laroux), 7:55

1. LDN T. Ferry, (1) (S. Griffith, R. Rupert), 17:43 (PP)

3. LDN C. Tierney, (2) (O. Maatta, M. Domi), 8:44

3. LDN R. Rupert, (1) (A. Stolarz), 19:27 (EN)

Attendance: 9046

Three Stars

1. LDN - 43 Anthony Stolarz

2. KIT - 35 John Gibson

3. LDN - 71 Chris Tierney

Game 2 of the Western Conference Semi-Final will take place in London on Sunday, April 7 at 1:30pm. The series shifts to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium for Game 3 (Home Game E) on Monday, April 8 at 7:00pm. Tickets for Games 3 and 4 are on sale now. Playoff tickets may be purchased by phone at 519-578-1570 or 1-800-265-8977, via the internet or in person at The Aud Box Office or Centre in the Square."¨"¨

Adult (13+): $23.50/Round 2

"¨Child (3-12): $20.00/Round 2"¨"¨

No refunds or exchanges on playoff purchases. Limit of 6 tickets per game.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from April 5, 2013


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