Game Preview: Kitchener Rangers VS Barrie Colts on Sportsnet. #OHL

This afternoon the Barrie Colts (12-5-1-1) host the Kitchener Rangers (13-6-2-0) for the first of two meetings this regular season. The game can be seen nationally on Sportsnet to kick of the networks CHL Saturday Showcase on Sportsnet schedule.

Kitchener enter today's game with 6 wins in their last 7 games. Last night they won 7-5 on home ice over the Guelph Storm. Adam Mascherin scored a pair of goals, including the game winner late in the 2nd period. Joseph Garreffa would be named the games 1st star after putting up 4 assists on the night. Luke Richardson got the start for Kitchener and made 20 saves on 25 shots faced. Kitchener had a successful night on the power play scoring 2 goals on 4 man advantages but allowed 2 goals on 4 penalty kills. Penalty killing wasn't the only struggle for the Rangers; they also only were able to win 29 of 79 face-offs.

Barrie was hot until they got rolled over by the Sudbury Wolves Thursday night at Barrie Molson Centre 8-2. Leo Lazarev got the start and played his worst game of the season allowing 6 goals on 18 shots faced. He was pulled early in the 3rd period and was relieved by Kai Edmonds who saved 5 of 7 shots. Barrie out-shot Sudbury 35-25 but struggling goaltending and a terrible night on special teams ultimately hurt the Colts chances of victory. Barrie went 0 for 6 on the man advantage and allowed 2 goals on 5 penalty kills. Alexey Lipanot and Zach Magwood got the goals for Barrie.

Barrie is 7-3-0-1 at home this season while Kitchener is 6-3-1-0 on the road.

The Ponies likely worked on their power play following Thursdays game. One thing to look at is that after all 6 losses (excluding last game) the team has bounced back with a win the following game. They are 6 for 6 in games following a loss. Leo Lazarev has been outstanding all season and I would look for him to have a strong game.

Puck drop is scheduled for 3:30 today and the game can be seen across the country on Sportsnet.