Peterborough Petes Struggle To Find the Back of the Net, Shutout In Game One of OHL Championship 3-0

The 2006 OHL Championship rematch started on the wrong foot for the Peterborough Petes as they were shutout by the London Knights in Game One, 3-0 at the Budweiser Gardens in London on Thursday night.

Peterborough won the series 4-0 during the 2006 OHL Championship against the London Knights. Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes found themselves in an unfamiliar position as they were trailing in shots on goal, a stat they typically lead in. They were up 3-1 in shots then let nine consecutive shots from London after that. Petes goalie Michael Simpson stood tall and stopped all 12 in the period to keep the Knights off the board. Peterborough only registered seven shots and Zach Bowen was able to shut them all down for London for a 0-0 tie into the second.

The shots were exactly the same with London restricting Peterborough’s chances once again. Gavin White had a close one, ringing it past Bowen from the point but off the post during a powerplay to keep the game scoreless. Owen Beck received a pass to the high slot but Bowen robbed him with an incredible glove save that kept the former in disbelief. London eventually broke the deadlock as Denver Barkey gained the zone and skated to the side of the net. He dished it to Easton Cowan who had a wide-open chance and sent it home for a 1-0 lead going into the third.

Peterborough was able to register more shots in this period than the Knights, 10-8 but struggled to get one past Bowen. Jacob Julien doubled the lead as he had shot sent wide however on a fortunate rebound, it got back to his stick and took advantage of an aggressive Simpson for a 2-0 lead with under 6:30 left in the game. London added an empty netter to seal it and took Game One.

Bowen, Easton Cohen and Isaiah George, all form London were awarded the three stars of the game.

The Petes seek a series split as Game Two is on Saturday in London.

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