The London Knights may have dispatched the Ontario Hockey League's top seeded team in four straight games, but they are taking nothing for granted in the league's championship series.
The Knights host Niagara in game one of the final on Thursday night. London advanced to the series with a four-game sweep of the Erie Otters in the Western Conference final, while the IceDogs clinched their spot in the final with four straight wins against Barrie in the Eastern Conference final.
It's a rematch of the 2012 OHL final, which London won in five games.
The Knights finished the regular season with 105 points while the IceDogs finished with 77. Despite London's superior record in the regular season, co-captain Christian Dvorak says the IceDogs won't be taken lightly.
"They're a very good defensive hockey team," says Dvorak. "Obviously, they've got a tremendous goalie. We have to make sure we use our speed and get bodies in front of their goalie, because if he sees the puck he's going to stop it."
Niagara's Alex Nedeljkovic finished the regular season with a .907 save percentage, good enough for sixth in the OHL. In the playoffs, his save percentage of .921 is second only to the Knights' Tyler Parsons.
Knights coach Dale Hunter says he expects a hard fought series. He also believes his players are prepared for a strong IceDogs team that won't give them an easy time.
"You watch video and you see how Niagara has played. They've played well," says Hunter. "They've won eight straight. Niagara is hitting on all cylinders right now. It's pretty obvious they're playing well and the kids know it."
Knights Vs IceDogs for the J. Ross Robertson Cup
Game 1: Thursday, May 5 at Budweiser Gardens Game 2: Saturday, May 7 at Budweiser Gardens Game 3: Monday, May 9 at Meridian Centre Game 4: Wednesday, May 11 at Meridian Centre Game 5: Friday, May 13 at Budweiser Gardens* Game 6: Sunday, May 15 at Meridian Centre* Game 7: Monday, May 16 at Budweiser Gardens*
*if necessary
