Preview: Ottawa 67’s at North Bay Battalion

NORTH BAY, Ontario (Interstat) — The Ontario Hockey League’s top team visits a squad fighting to get above .500 when the Ottawa 67’s face the North Bay Battalion on Thursday night at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens.

The 67’s (28-10-0) bring the league’s best record into the matchup, having won 10 of their last 12 games. Their most recent outing was a 4-3 shootout loss at Kingston on Jan. 2. Ottawa’s offense has been potent, scoring five or more goals in four of its last eight contests.

North Bay (19-18-0) looks to build momentum after a 5-2 home victory over Sudbury on Sunday snapped a three-game skid. The Battalion have been inconsistent at home, going 2-2 in their last four at Memorial Gardens.

A key matchup will feature two of the league’s productive defensemen. Ottawa’s Kaleb Dietsch, a player to watch, has been a steady contributor from the blue line, recording three assists over his last seven games. For North Bay, forward Ethan Procyszyn enters on a hot streak, coming off a two-goal, one-assist performance against Sudbury. He has five goals and eight points in his last six games.

The season series favors Ottawa, which has won both prior meetings. The 67’s earned a 3-1 victory in North Bay on Sept. 26, and a 6-3 win at home on Nov. 30.

Ottawa’s road-heavy schedule continues as they head to Sault Ste. Marie on Friday. North Bay begins a brief trip Friday at Brampton.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.