What a year it’s been for Colorado Avalanche first rounder Calum Ritchie.
Ritchie’s Oshawa Generals advanced beyond the first round with a six game win over the Barrie Colts, and round two started for them on Friday night against the Ottawa 67’s.
In round one, Ritchie put up a respectable eight points in six games. Not bad at all, but not quite the same scoring pace he posted in the regular season. Not terribly surprising, as things tend to tighten up in the playoffs, but on Friday, he got off to a dazzling start in round two of the OHL playoffs.
Ritchie picked up an assist on Oshawa’s first goal of the second period to get them back in the game, but most of his damage was done in the third period. The 19 year old center scored two goals in the final 10 minutes to lead his Generals to the 4-3 win, but it’s his third goal that everyone can’t stop talking about.
These types of goals are a big reason why the Avalanche didn’t want to move Ritchie in any deals at the trade deadline. A beautiful move from the youngster that gave the Generals the lead, a lead they never gave up.
The reason why Oshawa never gave up that lead is because Ritchie scored again just a few minutes later. This one was a little more meat and potatoes, just crashing the net and banging away at the puck.
Ritchie was named first star of the game with two goals, one assist, and a +4 rating.
Oshawa now leads the series 1-0, with game two taking place on Sunday.
Ritchie is still looking for his entry-level deal from the Avalanche, but I’m sure it’s coming at some point. If his Oshawa team does get eliminated from the playoffs while the Eagles are still playing, he could join Colorado’s AHL team for another postseason run. It looks like we’re still a ways away from seeing that, though.
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