The Kitchener Rangers held their final practice at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday before their second round playoff series against the Windsor Spitfires begins.
The first round saw the Kitchener Rangers douse the Flint Firebirds four games to one.
The Rangers know the competitive flame will be much stronger in this round with the Spitfires finishing just above them in the western conference standings.
“No matter who you play in the second round, it’s always going to be bigger, tougher, faster, stronger hockey,” said Rangers goalie Jackson Parsons.
For the third time in four seasons, the Rangers and Spitfires will face off in the post-season. Both sides have a fair bit of offensive firepower so Parsons knows he’ll see a lot of action in front of the net.
It’s something he’s well prepared for, especially after being named Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Goaltender of the Week on Monday.
“I think just staying even-keeled. It’s the playoffs. All that matters is wins, right? We want to get the four wins, whether that takes four games, or it takes seven games,” Parsons said.
Two seasons ago it only took the Rangers four games to knock the Spitfires out of the playoffs.
It’s a series that Rangers captain and defenseman Matthew Andonovski remembers well, knowing Windsor will be looking for revenge after missing the playoffs last year.
“That rink is super loud and it’s fun to play in. It’s always a fun time playing those guys. They’re a good team. They’re always a big physical team so it’s going to be a battle,” said Andonovski.
It’s also a battle that will require his leadership.
“Just stay level-headed and take it one game at a time,” he said, referring to the advice he’s given younger teammates.
That will start with the first game on the road. Head coach Jussi Ahokas understands how vital it is to take at least one game while playing away from home.
“If you want to win the series, you have to win at least once in an away game. We want to steal one for sure,” said Ahokas.
Perhaps a bit of a chip on the team’s shoulder will help fuel them too. Despite their 100-point season, and finishing with more wins than Windsor, the seeding didn’t work out in their favour since they came second in their division.
“We had more points than they did, but still we are second in points in the whole league and we have to draft second last. But still, we don’t have a home advantage. So for me, that’s a little bit stupid from the league,” said Ahokas.
Either way, having something extra to prove may not be a bad thing, especially if it propels them forward in the playoffs.
Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday at the WFCU Centre in Windsor.
