The Windsor Spitfires are finding their groove at the right time. On Thursday night, they opened their 2024-25 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) second-round series with an impressive home win over a very-game Kitchener Rangers team.
After a bruising first-round series against the seventh-seeded Soo Greyhounds, the second-seeded Spitfires knew they would be in tough against a strong defensive third-seeded Rangers. The Rangers finished four points ahead of them in the standings, but because the Spitfires won the West Division, they earned the second seed. The clubs were very close head-to-head and Thursday night set up what should be a classic series. Here are three takeaways from the WFCU Centre.
Spitfires’ Defence Shines
This was supposed to be a battle of the Spitfires’ third-ranked offence against the Rangers’ second-ranked defence. Early on, it was much more defensive.
In the first, the teams took a bit of time to feel each other out. The Rangers were quick, keeping the Spitfires from creating chances around goaltender Jackson Parsons. The home side did similar, giving the visitors little to work with around goaltender Joey Costanzo. However, in the second, everything changed.
Just 2:31 into the second, Spitfires’ rookie defenceman Andrew Robinson pinched from the point to score his first OHL goal. Shortly after, defenceman Anthony Cristoforo blocked a pass in his own zone, battled a Rangers’ defenceman to Parsons, got a stick on it, and it was 2-0. Captain Liam Greentree (Los Angeles Kings) then capitalized on the power play for a 3-0 lead after 40. It was the first power-play goal given up by the Rangers in 22 chances in the playoffs. In the third, Noah Morneau scored twice, including on the power play, before Tanner Lam broke Costanzo’s shutout with two minutes left. The Spitfires locked it up for a 5-1 win.
The Spitfires’ offence was a result of strong defence drawing penalties and creating offence. They held the Rangers to just 19 shots, including five in the first period and four in the third period. It’s been head coach Greg Walters’ approach all season, and after, he said their defence and depth were essential.
“(The defence) were amazing,” Walters said. “You had two 2008-born (rookies) playing multiple minutes against a team like the Rangers … Robinson is special, (Carter) Hicks keeps getting better every day. (Conor) Walton, (Josef) Eichler, Cristoforo, and (Wyatt) Kennedy were outstanding … We want our defencemen activating at the right times, into the rush, especially off the blue line … The more depth scoring we can get, it’s so important.”
Related: Windsor Spitfires Look for Immediate Help at 2024 OHL Draft
The Spitfires have had an outstanding offence all season. However, the more they can get out of their defence, the better they’ll be in the long run.
Robinson Scores First OHL Goal
The Spitfires have dealt with injuries for much of the season and playoffs. However, it’s given general manager Bill Bowler a chance to call up prospects for a look. That includes Robinson, their 2024 third-round pick. The 6-foot, 185-pounder was playing with the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Georgetown Raiders when the Spitfires called in mid-March.
Robinson had one assist in nine OHL games prior to Game 1. In the second period, with everyone focused on the corner, he snuck towards the goal, took a pass from Ryan Abraham, and beat Parsons for his first OHL goal. He said he blacked out while celebrating.
“Their goalie was way out of position, I was able to slide it in,” he said, all smiles. “After that, I kind of blacked out. I don’t remember much about how I celebrated. I remember skating by the bench, everyone was screaming … It’s something you dream about when the draft day comes and your name is called. Now that it’s happened, it’s something I’ll remember for my whole life.”
Windsor #Spitfires rookie D Andrew Robinson scores his first #OHL tonight against the Kitchener #Rangers in Game 1 of their Round 2 series. pic.twitter.com/tF58yhI7uU
— Dave Jewell (@DaveJewellOHL) April 11, 2025
Robinson gave a shoutout to his parents; his dad was “over the moon” celebrating in the stands while his mom is coming down for Game 2 on Saturday. He’s trying to soak everything in, going from summer training at home four weeks ago to the OHL playoffs now. He said the experience will only help him.
“It’s been awesome for me playing with guys like Greentree and (Washington Capitals’ prospect Ilya) Protas,” Robinson said. “Guys who have been drafted and been where I want to be. When they’re coming down 2-on-1 in practice, you learn a little bit different than you would playing Junior A. That kind of experience has been key for me…”
Walters was all praise for Robinson. He said the kid is fearless and constantly improving.
“He gets better every day,” Walters said. “He’s poised, he’s fearless, his puck touches are good, he makes good reads, his sticks good, and he defends well. He’s a warrior and fearless.”
Rangers Are a Different Beast
While the Spitfires came away with a 5-1 win, and it seems like a similar story to the Greyhounds’ series, the Rangers are likely going to respond. They’re the third seed for a reason.
From puck drop, it was clear that the Rangers were several steps up from the Greyhounds. They pressed the pace, found a way to stifle the Spitfires’ top line of Greentree, Morneau, and Protas, at least early (the trio finished with seven points), and were happy to throw their weight around. Was it a wakeup call? Perhaps. Was it a sign of things to come through the rest of the series? That’s likely.
The Greyhounds were a physical, heavy-forechecking club who had heart but lacked the skill to compete with the Spitfires. The Rangers are a different beast. Their defence, led by Parsons, was only bested by the top-ranked London Knights. Their offence will burn you if you give them any chances. Walters said they were feeling each other out but it’s a very different approach to this series.
“(The Greyhounds and Rangers are) two totally different animals,” He said. “The Greyhounds are a forecheck team with five guys going. The Rangers are elite off the rush. They don’t want to dump pucks.”
Game 1 was a strong start for the Spitfires. However, just like in the Greyhounds’ series, one game is nothing more than a bit of momentum. If they’re going to get four against a very good Rangers club, they’ll need to play the same style every night. Game 2 is set for Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at the WFCU Centre.
