A night to remember: Rangers complete comeback, advance to finals
Posted Apr 23, 2025 06:39:07 AM.
Last Updated Apr 29, 2025 05:03:56 AM.
It was a night the Kitchener Rangers, their fans, and the hockey world will remember long after this season is over.
The Blueshirts wrote their names into the history books on Tuesday night after completing the series comeback, taking Game 7 against the Windsor Spitfires 2-1 after overtime.
The Rangers are just the sixth team in OHL history to win a playoff series after trailing 3-0, joining the illustrious company of the 2019 Guelph Storm, 1988 Ottawa 67’s, 2014 Peterborough Petes, and the Windsor Spitfires, who have completed the feat twice.
Rangers forward Luke Ellinas was the hero on the night and scored both Blueshirts goals, including the overtime winner.
“There’s a lot of excitement for sure,” said Ellinas after the game. “Really, no-one believed in us other than our group here. To be able to come back is huge. There’s a lot of excitement but we know we got to get back to work.”
The story of the series
Ellinas raised the bar in the second round, scoring six goals in the seven-game series against Windsor.
“He just seems to have found a different gear, a different level, and has elevated his game,” said 570’s Colour Commentator Paul Fixter about Ellinas. “He’s giving a star performance each and every night, none bigger than the most important game.”
The game was also won between the pipes, as Rangers goaltender Jackson Parsons recorded 39 saves in the victory.
Next up for the Rangers is a trip to London to continue their rivalry against the Knights in the Western Conference Finals.
The East Avenue Blue will be looking for a shot at redemption after the Knights swept them in the second round last season, and to book their ticket to the finals for the first time since 2018.
Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals take place at Canada Life Place on Friday, with Game 3 in Kitchener set for Monday night.
