Knight Watch: London searching for identity — at both ends of rink

The Knights finally got in the win column last week; Gone is Montgomery, back is Mailloux and George; What to expect this weekend after Wednesday’s lopsided loss? Columnist Jake Jeffrey has the latest Knights news & notes …

(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).

* * *

The London Knights finally got into the win column last weekend — and managed three out of a possible four points against Mississauga (5-4 OT loss) and Hamilton (4-2 win).

However, that was followed by a lopsided midweek loss in Owen Sound Wednesday, London’s second loss to the division-leading Attack this season.

The good news for London is that they have company in the Midwest division basement, as both the Kitchener Rangers and Guelph Storm both also have just a single win. It’s a situation quite uncommon for what is typically one of the league’s strongest divisions.

Brett Brochu had a rare off-night Wednesday, allowing six goals on 32 shots before exiting the game — although he didn’t get a whole lot of help. In fact, he made a handful of bigtime saves in the second period to keep the game within reach.

One thing that was evident Wednesday night: London really struggled to clear out the front of the net, with a bulk of Owen Sound’s offense coming off point shots through traffic (which made it a very challenging night for Brochu).

Zach Bowen made his OHL debut in relief of Brochu, making seven saves in 18 minutes of action. If the 17-year-old doesn’t get his first Knights start this weekend, he’ll likely get it next week when London plays three games in three nights.

Logan Mailloux made his season debut Wednesday, picking up a power play assist on George Diaco’s goal. Diaco has two goals in three games since joining London, providing a nice little jolt to the Knights’ offence. Mailloux should help improve London’s offense as well, especially with the man advantage. Also on the debut front, Isaiah George played his first game of the season in Sunday’s win over Hamilton.

With the departure of Bryce Montgomery, who joined Cedar Rapids of the USHL, the Knights sorted out their overager dilemma. It’s a big loss for London, but with an extra 20-year-old and a very crowded blueline, the move was a necessary one. With Montgomery going to a different league, though, London was unable to get anything back for him.

London’s defence experienced some changes last week, with the departure of Bryce Montgomery (pictured) to the USHL and the return of Logan Mailloux and Isaiah George. (Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).

* * *

UPCOMING GAMEDAYS

Friday (Oct. 21, 7:00pm) and Saturday (Oct. 22, 7:05pm) vs. Saginaw Spirit (5-2-1-0)

In what was expected to be a bit of a rebuilding year, Saginaw and its young guns are off to a solid start — most recently beating Windsor, 3-2 in overtime, Thursday night. Pavel Mintyukov leads all OHL defencemen (and most forwards) with 14 points through eight games.

Buffalo Sabres prospect Josh Bloom is coming off a breakout 61-point season, while London will get their first look at first overall pick Michael Misa, who has recorded 10 points in his first eight OHL games. Special teams will likely play a big role in the home-and-home series, as Saginaw has the league’s top penalty kill (94.3%), and are tied with Ottawa for the best power play (41.4%) heading into action this weekend.

A LOOK AT THE LOCALS

Brady Stonehouse remains hot for the unbeaten Ottawa 67’s, as he recorded three more goals last weekend, giving him six in his first six games of the season.

Brett Harrison returned from injury and made his season debut with the Oshawa Generals last week. He was held scoreless in his debut, but he scored 23 seconds into his second game, a 3-2 win over Mississauga Saturday.

A pair of Londoners are leading the Soo Greyhounds, as Jordan D’Intino has points in his last four games, while captain Bryce McConnell-Barker has five points in his last three games. McConnell-Barker leads the entire OHL in faceoff wins with 113. As of Thursday night, no other player had more than 100.

KNIGHTS BY THE NUMBERS

9 - Nine different players have contributed to London’s 14 goals this season.

2 - Sam Dickinson has the most goals among rookie defensemen with a pair.

4 - Only two teams have scored fewer goals on the powerplay than the Knights this season.

19 - Sean McGurn and Oliver Bonk lead the Knights in shots on goal with 19 apiece.