My kind of player

Mitchell Theoret (OHL Images)

With only one prospect Mitchell Theoret (NYI 2011 7th) in action on Monday, it was nice to see him put on the kind of performance that Theoret has given this season first with Niagara and now Barrie. Theoret had a 2-1-3 performance to help his Barrie Colts come from behind to earn a 4-2 win over the Kingston Frontenacs in game 3 of their OHL Eastern Conference playoff series.

The Colts have a 3-0 series lead thanks in large part to the efforts of Theoret who once again was plugged into a spot by his coach and produced. Theoret was elevated to the first line by Barrie Colt coach Dale Hawerchuk (yes the former NHLer) to replace suspended Anthony Camara who is sitting out a 3 game suspension.

Theoret got things going with his second goal of the playoffs just 1:21 into the second period which gave Barrie a 1-0 lead. Kingston would respond with 2 goals to take a 2-1 lead into the 2nd intermission and it was a lead they would hold until late in the 3rd period.

With 3:58 remaining in regulation the Colts scored to tie the game setting the stage for a heartbreaking loss for Kingston. Theoret would earn the primary assist on Mark Scheifele's goal at 18:38 putting the Colts up 3-2.

Theoret would then put the finishing touches on the win when he scored an unassisted empty net goal at 19:07 and the final score. Theoret is 3-1-4 in the first 3 games for the Colts but it was more than his offense that stood out.

Theoret was too much for the Frontenacs to handle either in the crease or in the corners; he was doing the kind of plays teams need in order to win in the playoffs. When Camara returns from his suspension odds are good that Theoret will return to his second line role.

As an older player, Theoret sets a great example for his younger teammates for his willingness to play whatever role the team needs to help them win. The Colts will go for the sweep Wednesday night but they do need to clean up their game if they want to move on.

It is one thing to give an inexperienced Frontenac team 7 power plays (they went 1 for 7) but that won't work if the Colts are serious about trying to win an OHL championship.

Oh and am I the only one who is scratching his head wondering why the Ranger's are resigning Matts Zuccarello? John Tortorella would not use him in the 2 years that the Rangers had him on the roster so what makes anyone believe he will now?

Are Glen Sather and John Tortorella on the same page because it sure doesn't look like it.