Spitfires Headed To The Second Round After Greentree's Hattrick In Game Five

The Windsor Spitfires clinched their spot in the second round of the OHL playoffs by taking down the Soo Greyhounds 8-4 last night. Spitfires' captain Liam Greentree played a huge role in the win, scoring a hattrick. 

Going into the game, the Spitfires held a 3-1 series lead. They handily won the series' first two games before losing game three on the road. Windsor bounced back in game four, registering a 4-1 win. 

As in all of the Spitfires' wins during the first-round series, Windsor jumped out to an early lead, scoring three unanswered goals in the first half of the opening period. By the end of the first, Windsor held a 6-2 lead. 

The Greyhounds pushed back in the second and third, scoring another pair of goals to make the score 6-4. The Spitfires then put the game out of reach, scoring two more goals, including an empty-net goal with four seconds remaining in the game. 

Greentree, an L.A. Kings prospect, sealed his hattrick with the empty-netter at the end of the game. He ended the game with three goals and two assists for a total of five points. Linemate and Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas also had a fantastic game, scoring a goal and adding three helpers. The pair of NHL prospects are tied for the playoff lead in points with 15 in their first five games. 

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Windsor's power play took advantage of the Greyhounds scoring an impressive six goals on the man advantage. Their power play was clicking at 66 percent during the game. The effectiveness of their power play was aided by the Greyhounds' inability to stay out of the penalty box during game four. 

In general, Windsor's offense has been impressive through the first round, averaging five goals per game. Only London averaged more goals per game in the first round. 

The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds fought hard in the first round of the playoffs but ultimately only picked up one win. They will head into the offseason with intentions of retooling before next season. They will be aided in their goal by a compensatory pick in the first round of the upcoming 2025 OHL Priority Selection.

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The Spitfires will play the Kitchener Rangers, who won their series against Flint last night, in round two of the OHL Playoffs. The Spitfires ...