Gavin Hayes and Nick Lardis are in different spots with their playoff journey. But they’re both identical when it comes to production.
Both Hayes and Lardis have seven points in four playoff games, with mirroring marks of three goals and four assists. But Hayes and his Soo Greyhounds are through to the semfinal thanks to a sweep while Lardis and his Brantford Bulldogs are a game away from elimination.
Lardis opened up with a pair of goals in Brantford’s series opening win but it’s been three straight losses since then. Soo, meanwhile, made quick work of Guleph and will face Saginaw in the next round.
But it’s once again another impressive showing for both Blackhawks prospects who could factor into the team’s long term plans.
Nick Lardis and Gavin Hayes Continue Their Success From the Regular Season
Lardis returned after a nearly three month layoff and not only had a pair of successful games upon his return, but also signed an entry-level deal with the Blackhawks on Wednesday. Hayes, meanwhile, just continues to score goals at will as he did last season, too.
The difference now is that Hayes has a strong chance to see a long playoff with the high scoring Greyhounds.
In other OHL news, Paul Ludwinski and the Kingston Frotenacs bowed out in five games, but Ludwinski had a strong showing with six points (2-4) in those five games. Beyond that, he was voted as the Eastern Conference’s second best skater by OHL coaches.
That checks another box for the rebuilding Hawks looking for that speed and production to reach the big club. He was coming off a season where he was shut down by an ankle injury, but the strong season with Kingston (23-46-69) was not only a terrific bounce back season, but makes Ludwinski another intriguing prospect to watch through development camp and the preseason in the fall.
Erie’s Martin Misiak has one goal in four playoff games while the Otters are
So while Nick Lardis is at the brink of elimination, and Gavin Hayes waits for his next game, the Blackhawks delight knowing that their prospects continue to shine.
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