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London Knights Secure Dominant Victory Over Windsor Spitfires

The London Knights triumphed over the Windsor Spitfires with a resounding 6-2 victory at Canada Life Place on March 21, benefiting from standout performances by players Denver Barkey, Sam Dickinson, and Kasper Halttunen, each scoring two goals.

Barkey not only netted two goals but also contributed two assists, totaling four points on the night. Dickinson also had a notable performance, achieving a three-point game with two goals and one assist, which was pivotal in securing the win for London.

This victory allowed the Knights to amass 112 points for the season, a figure that ranks second in the franchise’s history, surpassed only by the illustrious 2004-05 Knights, who were recognized as the Team of the Century.

The game began with Dickinson striking first, scoring just 1:04 into the match with a wrist shot from the right point. Although Windsor managed to equalize through Jack Nesbitt’s 25th goal of the season at the 14:55 mark, Dickinson responded by netting his 29th goal of the year before the end of the first period, leaving London ahead 2-1 at the first intermission.

This goal by Dickinson marked a significant milestone, as it brought his point total to 90, making him the 17th OHL defenceman since 1980 to reach this achievement.

In the second period, Ryan Abraham tied the game with a quick goal off a faceoff just 3:48 in. However, London quickly surged back ahead, scoring two additional goals to lead 4-2 as they entered the final period.

First, Cam Allen connected with Denver Barkey, who returned to the lineup after a nine-game absence due to an upper-body injury, scoring a critical goal. Shortly after, Kasper Halttunen joined the scorer’s list with a power play goal, becoming the seventh Knight to reach the 20-goal mark for the 2024-25 season.

Barkey capped off his impressive night with his 25th goal of the season during a breakaway in the third period, and Halttunen added his second goal, also on a power play, sealing the game at 6-2. The Knights excelled in special teams, finishing 2-for-5 on the power play and successfully stopping all four of Windsor’s power play attempts.

London showcased their offensive strength by outshooting the Spitfires 47-32, setting a commanding tone for the game. Looking ahead, the Knights are gearing up for the playoffs, where they will face either the Sarnia Sting or the Owen Sound Attack in Game 1 on March 28 at 7 p.m. at Canada Life Place. Fans are encouraged to wear white shirts to support the team, with “Whiteout” shirts available at the Knights Armouries.

John Tavares Reaches 1,100 Points

In another highlight, former Knight John Tavares achieved a significant milestone in the NHL, surpassing 1,100 career points with two goals and an assist in a game against the New York Rangers. This accomplishment comes in his 16th season, placing him 68th in all-time NHL scoring. Tavares concluded his OHL career with London, contributing to the team’s run to the Western Conference championship series in 2009.

Upcoming Match Schedule

London will close out the regular season with a matchup against the Erie Otters on March 30 at 4 p.m. In their previous encounters this season, while the Otters claimed victory in their first meeting, London has since won all four subsequent games. Fans can tune in for coverage starting at 3:30 p.m. on 980 CFPL and through the iHeart Radio and Radioplayer Canada apps.

Source
globalnews.ca