A four-point night from Tobias Rieder led the Kitchener Rangers to a 4-2 win over the Owen Sound Attack on Friday night. With the victory, the Rangers eliminate the defending OHL champions from the playoffs, taking the best-of-seven series 4-1. Rieder scored twice and set up two more, while Andrew Crescenzi added two goals and an assist for Kitchener.

The Rangers jumped in front just 75 seconds into the opening frame as they capitalized on an early power play opportunity. Michael Catenacci’s pass from the corner found Andrew Crescenzi wide open to the left of Attack netminder Scott Stajcer. Crescenzi buried the puck for his third goal of the series and second in as many games. Tobias Rieder was also credited with an assist on the play.

Owen Sound responded on their first chance with the extra man. Cameron Brace’s point shot flew high blocker-side past Rangers’ keeper John Gibson. The power play goal was Brace’s third of the series, assisted by Chris Bigras and Jay Gilbert.

With less than four minutes remaining in the first, Kitchener’s power play unit pounced again. Catenacci could not get a clean shot away in front of the net, but the puck bounced to Crescenzi, who snapped it in the open side of the cage for his second of the game. Rieder picked up his second helper of the game as the Rangers took a 2-1 lead.

The Attack out-shot the Rangers 15-12 through 20 minutes.

The Rangers extended their lead to two goals with a power play tally from Rieder seven minutes into the middle frame. The German winger collected the puck along the boards and fired a low shot that beat Stajcer blocker side. His team leading sixth of the playoffs was assisted by Crescenzi and Cody Sol, who has points in three consecutive games.

Special teams continued to be key in the second period. Brace recorded his second of the night with his team on the penalty kill just past the halfway point of the game. The veteran Attack forward beat Gibson with a shot high glove-side with two seconds remaining in a penalty to Joseph Blandisi. Brace’s short-handed marker was assisted by Daniel Catenacci.

Rieder re-established the Rangers’ two-goal cushion less than 90 seconds later, picking off a pass, racing over the Owen Sound blueline and launching a hard shot by Stajcer. The unassisted goal was his fourth point of the night and 13th of the postseason.

The Attack continued their pressure on Gibson in the second, leading shots on goal by a 20-8 margin.

Owen Sound failed to close the gap in the third, despite out-shooting the Rangers 18-7 in the period. The Attack finished the game with a 53-27 overall advantage in shots on goal. Gibson made 51 saves for Kitchener in his fourth win of the playoffs.

With the victory, the Rangers with their best-of-seven series 4-1 and become the second team in the Western Conference to advance to the next round of the playoffs.

Scoring

1. KIT A. Crescenzi, (3) (T. Rieder, M. Catenacci), 1:15 (PP)

1. OS C. Brace, (3) (C. Bigras, J. Gilbert), 5:22 (PP)

1. KIT A. Crescenzi, (4) (M. Catenacci, T. Rieder), 16:29 (PP)

2. KIT T. Rieder, (6) (A. Crescenzi, C. Sol), 7:31 (PP)

2. OS C. Brace, (4) (D. Catenacci), 10:24 (SH)

2. KIT T. Rieder, (7) (unassisted), 11:51

Three Stars

1. KIT – 9 Tobias Rieder

2. KIT – 20 Andrew Crescenzi

3. KIT – 35 John Gibson


Attendance: 5,679

The Rangers will return to action in the Ontario Hockey League Conference Semi-Finals between April 4th and 17th. Opponent, dates and times of games are not currently available and will be released when possible.

Tickets for home games E and F (Round 2, Home Games 1 & 2) will go on sale tomorrow - Saturday, March 31st at 10:00am.

Season ticket holders will have until 48 hours before the start of game E (Round 2, Home Game 1)  and 48 hours before the start of game F (Round 2, Home Game 2) to buy their season ticket locations.

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.


The Aud Box Office Hours Of Operation
Saturday, March 31 – 10:00am -  6pm
Sunday, April 1 – 10: 30am - 4pm
Monday, April 2 –  10 - 4
Tuesday, April 3 –  10-4
Wednesday, April 4 –  10-4
Thursday, April 5 -  10-4

Centre In The Square Box Office Hours Of Operation
Saturday, March 31 – 10:00am -  6pm
Sunday, April 1 –  closed
Monday, April 2 – 10 -8
Tuesday, April 3 –  10-8
Wednesday, April 4 –  10-8
Thursday, April 5 -  10-8

Ticket Pricing:
Adults (ages 13 and up) $23.25
Children (ages 3 -12) $19.50

Please note that there are no refunds or exchanges on playoff ticket purchases.