The Kitchener Rangers fell 5-1 to the London Knights on Sunday afternoon. Brett Welychka scored the game winner, one of his two goals, while Austin Watson recorded three assists for the Knights. Brandon Francisco scored the lone Rangers’ goal and Franky Palazzese made 36 saves in the loss.

London got on the board five minutes into the contest, when Max Domi picked up the puck behind the net found and found Brett Cook in high slot. He fired a shot high blocker-side past Franky Palazzese for his third of the season and first since joining the Knights via trade from Erie last month. Domi has recorded 42 points this season and sits second in OHL rookie scoring. Austin Watson was also credited with an assist on the play.

Less than a minute later, Matt Rupert’s backhand pass found Brett Welychka in front and he lifted the puck over the glove hand of Palazzese for his eighth of the year and second in as many meetings with the Rangers. Rupert’s helper came in his first game back in the line-up, having been sidelined with injury since January 22. Twin brother Ryan recorded the other assist. 

The Rangers responded near the midway point of the opening frame, cutting London’s lead to one. Brandon Francisco found himself alone inside the Knights’ blueline and snapped the puck just under the crossbar behind netminder Michael Houser. The third-year forward’s unassisted goal was his fifth of the season.

London capitalized on a late power play opportunity, reestablishing a two-goal cushion with just over three minutes remaining. Defenseman Olli Maatta launched a shot from just inside the blue line that cleared Palazzese blocker-side. Watson picked up his second assist of the afternoon on the play. Seth Griffith picked up the other helper on Maatta’s third of the year.

The Rangers led shots on goal 14-11 through the opening 20 minutes.

London continued to hold a 3-1 lead after a scoreless second period. Palazzese made 15 saves in the frame, while Houser stopped eight shots for the Knights.

The Knights jumped on an early man-advantage in the third. Greg McKegg was looking for Jared Knight at the goal crease, but the puck deflected off a skate and slid by Palazzese. The Toronto Maple Leaf prospect’s 26th of the season put the Knights up by three. Assisting on the play were Knight and Watson, who recorded his third point of the contest. 

Welychka’s second of the game near the halfway mark of the final frame put the Knights ahead 5-1. Matt Rupert found Welychka open to the left of the Kitchener net and he fired high glove side, bouncing the puck off the crossbar and behind Palazzese. Ryan Rupert picked up his second point of the afternoon with the other assist.

The Knights continued to lead shots on goal 15-11 in the third and finished the game with a 41-33 advantage. Houser made 32 saves in his league-leading 40th win of the season.

With the victory, Knights improve their record to 42-12-0-1 and continue to lead the Western Conference. Despite the loss, the Rangers still hold a 3-2 advantage in the season series with London and sit at 36-17-1-1

Scoring
1. LDN B. Cook, (3) (M. Domi, A. Watson), 4:44
1. LDN B. Welychka, (8) (M. Rupert, R. Rupert), 5:31
1. KIT B. Francisco, (5) (unassisted), 8:15
1. LDN O. Maatta, (3) (A. Watson, S. Griffith), 16:48 (PP)
3. LDN G. McKegg, (26) (J. Knight, A. Watson), 1:36 (PP)
3. LDN B. Welychka, (9) (M. Rupert, R. Rupert), 9:36

Three Stars
1. LDN – 27 Brett Welychka
2. LDN – 51 Austin Watson
3. LDN – 3 Brett Cook


Attendance: 9,046


Kitchener’s road trip continues on Monday, February 20 when they meet the Guelph Storm at 2pm.  The Rangers return to home ice on Friday, February 24, when they host the Peterborough Petes at 7:30pm. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 519-578-1570 or 1-800-265-8977, via the internet or in person at The Aud Box Office or Centre in the Square Box Office.