Minor Hockey Talks - Hockey Forum

OHL Playoffs First Round Upsets and Underdogs: Are We Witnessing a Changing of the Guard?

The first round of the OHL playoffs has wrapped up, and some unexpected results have left me wondering about the future landscape of the league. Brantford’s decisive victory over North Bay, a team many predicted to go deep, raises questions. Is this a sign of Brantford’s untapped potential or North Bay’s vulnerability? What other teams might be underestimated heading into the next round?

The Colts and Otters also secured their spots in round two, both finishing their series in five games. While these outcomes may have been less surprising, the dominance displayed by both teams is noteworthy. Are we seeing the emergence of new powerhouses in the OHL? Could this be the year for a Cinderella story?

I’m particularly intrigued by the offensive performances we witnessed. Lardis netting a hat trick, Misiak’s three-goal, one-assist game – are these standout individual efforts, or are we seeing a league-wide trend toward higher-scoring games? How much of this offensive surge can be attributed to improved power plays versus overall skill development?

Looking ahead, what are your bold predictions for the second round? Which players do you expect to shine? And ultimately, who do you see hoisting the J. Ross Robertson Cup this year? Let the discussion begin!