By / Steve Fitzsimmons
The 2007/08 OHL season is just past the 1/3 mark. The Kitchener Rangers are leading the pack, with only three losses in 22 games.
Oshawa stars John Tavares and Brett Maclean are 1-2 in the OHL scoring race, causing nightmares for goalies. Here is a snapshot look at each team. Rankings are based on points earned.
1. Kitchener Rangers
Their offence is humming, with C Justin Azevedo third in league scoring, with 46 points in 21 games. Last year he had 56 all season. C Nick Spaling has 22 goals in 22 games, after popping 23 last year.
Many players have stepped up their play. Even little moves are working out.
The team claimed RW T.J. Battani off waivers from Barrie and he has six goals in 19 games.
2. Soo Greyhounds
Staying among the league’s elite, in spite of predictions otherwise. C Dustin Jeffrey is proving to be an elite player, with 37 points in 20 games, putting him in the top ten in league scoring. Superb goaltending from Kyle Gajewski.
3. Windsor Spitfires
Continuing to play above all expectations. Made a bold move acquiring elite goalie Michal Neuvirth from Plymouth, giving up less than expected for a top-flite keeper. Looking very solid.
4. Belleville Bulls
Playing extremely well. Forward Shawn Matthias continues his strong play, with 41 points in 21 games. Most improved player of the year may well be LW Eric Tangradi, who has 32 points in 21 games, after a 20-point campaign last year.
5. Oshawa Generals
John Tavares and Brett Maclean are sizzling, with 53 and 46 points respectively, putting them 1-2 in league scoring. A good record, but goaltending has been inconsistent at best. Will need a goalie to be serious Memorial Cup contenders.
6. London Knights
Throw out their 0-6 start and they are 14-2 since G Steve Mason returned. Some talk that C Sam Gagner may be returned from the Edmonton Oilers. That may determine whether they go for it this year or trade valuable players for future help. One thing is for sure. No one is more competitive than the Hunter clan.
7. Barrie Colts
RW Vladimir Nikiforov had nine points in a 3-game span recently, and has 37 points already. Not bad for a guy who had 51 last year. A team that is winning a lot of close contests.
8. Plymouth Whalers
Traded G Michal Neuvirth to Windsor, picking up promising import defender Michal Jordan and picks. Also traded RW Sean O’Connor to London for a pick, clearing up their over-ager situation. Playing well and appear play-off bound.
9. Sarnia Sting
C Steven Stamkos is rolling, with 22 goals and 40 points in 23 games. Ranked first by I.S.S. for the 2008 NHL Draft, scouts are following this team closely. Playing better on the road, after a horrendous start.
10. Brampton Batallion
D Bobby Sanguinetti continues to perform, leading all OHL defencemen in scoring with 36 points in 23 games. C Thomas Stajan has 10 goals already, after registering only seven last season. Stajan was a throw-in on a deal with Owen Sound and is paying off in spades.
11. Niagara Ice Dogs
A tough five-game winless streak has dropped this team down to almost .500. Many players struggling at the same time. Look for D Alex Pietrangelo to raise his game and lead this team out of their recent funk.
12. Saginaw Spirit
Sitting right at .500. RW Jan Mursak is starting to find the range, with 21 points. C Jack Combs is delivering more than anyone thought possible, with 33 points in 21 games, after having 33 points for the entire season last year.
13. Ottawa 67’s
Made a shrewd trade with the Kitchener Rangers, picking up LW Adam Zamec for a seventh rounder. He had five goals in 133 career games, but has six goals and one assist in five games with the 67’s and has made an immediate impact.
14. Mississauga St. Mike’s Majors
Are falling back to the pack after a quick start. 3-7 in their last 10 games. LW Kaspars Daugavins has been a bright spot, with 14 goals and 28 points in 21 games.
15. Peterborough Petes
Had looked good for a play-off spot, but a 1-9 record in their last ten has hurt. D Zach Bogosian, ranked 14th by ISS for the NHL draft, continues to impress NHL scouts with his poise and point per game scoring pace.
16. Guelph Storm
In turmoil. C Jamie Arniel left the team and went home to await a trade. Captain Rafael Rotter has no goals in 23 games. They may soon shake things up and make trades. Coach/GM Dave Barr will have some serious decisions to make.
17. Owen Sound Attack
After a 1-12-1 start, are 7-2 in their last nine games. GM Dale DeGray went on local radio and announced that some of their older players would be traded soon, igniting a firestorm of speculation. The logical names would appear to be RW Wayne Simmonds and captain RW Scott Tregunna.
18. Kingston Frontenacs
Frontenac fans have started a website to get rid of Coach/GM Larry Mavety. The team is 5-5 in their last 10 games. LW Corey Emmerton continues to be surrounded by trade speculation.
19. Sudbury Wolves
A team in full rebuilding mode. Some bright spots, including rookie D Peter Hermenegildo, a third round pick in 2007, with five goals in 18 games.
RW Jared Staal is making a strong case to be drafted in the NHL draft, with eight goals in 20 games and playing with confidence not seen last season as a rookie.
20. Erie Otters
Brought in veteran NHL head coach Robbie Ftorek as the new bench boss to try and right the sinking ship that has now accumulated 17 losses in a row. Enough said.
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