![Bulldogs' backup goaltender David Egorov playing for Brantford [Image by Brandon Taylor/OHL Images].](https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_hockey_news_articles_331/38468dabdc3c491146cfc4e1f0b7bfa1)
The second round of the OHL playoffs didn't start the way Brantford would have wanted. Going into the second period, they were down 2-0 to the Oshawa Generals as a result of goals from Luca Marrelli and playoff breakout Owen Griffin.
Things looked like they were going from bad to worse when Buffalo Sabres prospect, and starting goaltender, Ryerson Leenders left the crease and headed towards the bench.
David Egorov then found himself in the unenviable position of a backup goaltender, having to take up the crease after sitting on a cold bench for an entire period. He turned out to be exactly the goalie Brantford needed in that moment.
For the rest of the game, the Ottawa native was perfect, making save after save, allowing his team to get back in the game. Minutes after he took up his post, Thomas Budnick scored Brantford's opening goal, making the game 2-1 in favour of Oshawa.
The Bulldogs scored five unanswered goals in the final forty minutes of play. Nick Lardis featured heavily in the game, scoring a goal and adding two assists while fellow star Jake O'Brien picked up a trio of assists.
By the end of the game, Oshawa outshot Brantford 43-22, yet it was the Bulldogs who took home the 5-2 victory.
Peterborough Petes Take Kaden McGregor With First-Overall PickThe Peterborough Petes kicked off the 2025 OHL Priority Selection by selecting Kaden McGregor with the first overall pick in the draft. It was a big moment for McGregor, who will go down in Pete's history as the only first-overall selection made by Peterborough to date.
A mountain of credit should go to Egorov, who didn't allow a single goal while facing 22 shots. His effort embodies the next man up philosophy that is so common in hockey. He gave his team the opportunity to win, which is all you can ask of a goalie at the end of the day.
The win is more evidence of Egorov's improved play this season. He had a 13-5-2 record by the end of the season while maintaining a 2.97 goals against average and a .906 save percentage. Those numbers are much higher than the 3.86 goals against average and .870 save percentage he posted last season.
OHL Playoff Primer: Round TwoIt's a busy night in the OHL tonight, with four games taking place as we kick off the second round of the playoffs. All four of the second-round series will play game one simultaneously in what promises to be an exciting night of junior hockey.
Brantford will need to find a way to limit the potent Oshawa offense that dominated large stretches of the game despite being without Anaheim Ducks prospect Beckett Sennecke.
Going into game two, it is unclear whether Egorov will get the start, seeing as Leenders' status remains unknown. However, Brantford fans can be satisfied that the backup goaltender can get the job done ...
