Oster posts back to back zeros as Oshawa Generals pull within one point of final playoff spot
Published January 30, 2023 at 8:50 am
It was a big weekend for newly acquired Oshawa Generals netminder Jacob Oster, who made 19 saves in recording his first career OHL shutout Friday night as the Gens blanked Kingson 2-0 and followed that up with a 30-save performance and his second straight zero as Oshawa surprised the Central Division-leading North Bay Battalion 4-0.
Ryan Gagnier supplied the offence Sunday with three goals (his first career hattrick) and an assist (Stuart Rolofs had the other goal) while Calum Ritchie, who potted both goals Friday, collected a pair of assists Sunday to bring his season totals to 44 points in 43 games.
The game featured just two minor penalties, both going to Oshawa, and Oster, picked up in a trade with the Guelph Storm January 9, had to be sharp as the Battalion outshot Oshawa 30-29 before a boisterous crowd at the Tribute Communities Centre.
The win, along with Sudbury’s 5-4 overtime loss to the Storm, helped Oshawa (18-21-4) pull within two points of Sudbury for the last playoff spot in the East. The Generals are also just five back of Kingston now with two games in hand.
Oshawa is next in action Friday at home against Barrie.
#OHL Performer of the Night 🌟
Ryan Gagnier scored his first career OHL hat trick and was involved in all four @Oshawa_Generals goals in their Sunday night victory. pic.twitter.com/VAkKF8SZT5
— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) January 30, 2023