Doyle: What to watch in the OHL Saturday

There are seven games in the Ontario Hockey League on the final Saturday of the regular season. There are plenty of storylines to watch for.

London Knights at Erie Otters
Midwest Division rivals often have spirited games, especially at Tullio Arena in Erie. It will be interesting to see who the Knights will take on the road with them to Pennsylvania. The Otters are still battling with Guelph and Saginaw for positioning in the Western Conference. This could also be a preview of a first round playoff series.

Belleville Bulls at Niagara IceDogs
The Bulls are playing for pride, and have shown plenty of it this week with wins against Oshawa and Mississauga. The IceDogs could still finish as high as fifth and as low as eighth in the Eastern Conference.

Oshawa Generals at Peterborough Petes
The Generals are a frustrated crew after being eliminated from the playoffs down the stretch, but always get up for games against the Petes. While Peterborough can still move up to fifth place, priority is to get out of the game healthy and suspension-free.

Kitchener Rangers at Saginaw Spirit
Spirit enter the day tied with Erie for the seventh spot in the conference, with Saginaw having one extra game remaining. They also have a game in-hand on Guelph. This gives Saginaw control of their own destiny in their quest to move up to the sixth spot in the Western Conference. If they end up doing that, the Rangers and Spirit will go head-to-head in round one. With the Spirit sputtering a little bit of late, no better time to find their game and try to regroup heading into the postseason.

Guelph Storm at Owen Sound Attack

The Storm enter on a five-game winning streak and want to keep the hot streak going right into the playoffs. Coaching staff has looked for opportunities to give key players rest. If this game gets out of reach, do not be surprised to see goalie Brandon Foote come out late and some of the big guns to get a few shifts off.

Kingston Frontenacs at Barrie Colts
This game does not mean anything in terms of standings. The Colts are locked into the top spot while the Frontenacs will finish fourth. After losing on home-ice Friday night against Sudbury, the Frontenacs will look to bounce back and avoid bad habits. Do not be surprised to see both teams give some of their key players, including goalies, some rest.

Windsor Spitfires at Sarnia Sting
The Sting will open the night by saying goodbye to longtime associate coach Greg Walters. He and his family are moving back to the Greater Toronto Area after eight years with the Sting. The Spitfires rested Taylor Hall, Ryan Ellis and Greg Nemisz Friday night in London. I would expect you will see more players being rested Saturday night against the Sting in the regular season finale for both teams.

tdoyle@loosepucks.com
Twitter: Loosepucks