Connor McMichael and Aliaksei Protas, both of the Capitals’ most recent draft class, have continued their hot starts to the 2019-20 season.
A huge four-point night from McMichael (London Knights) saw him earn three primary assists and score the game-winning goal in the final minutes against the North Bay Battalion. Protas (Prince Albert Raiders) chipped in a point as well in a victory against the Brandon Wheat Kings.
As of Saturday morning, both Capitals prospects lead their respective junior leagues in scoring.
McMichael’s 4-point night
McMichael’s first assist of the evening came on the power play as he filtered possession to San Jose Sharks prospect, Ryan Merkley.
London’s #2 overall PP in OHL finally scores on North Bay’s 17th ranked PK unit on the 5th try. Merkley from McMichael and Foudy. 2-1 Battalion. pic.twitter.com/3cS78XNb5D
— Sean Patrick Ryan (@TheOilKnight) November 9, 2019
His next was almost a carbon copy of the first, this time coming off an offensive zone power-play faceoff.
Ryan Merkley scores 2nd goal of game 15 seconds into 3rd period to tie game at two. pic.twitter.com/El63wrElmw
— Sean Patrick Ryan (@TheOilKnight) November 9, 2019
The third assist was his best as he uses his speed and aggressiveness to create an odd-man rush that backs both defensemen up, allowing a drop pass and a free slot drive for Columbus Blue Jackets prospect, Liam Foudy.
Liam Foudy then makes it 3-2 London with 10 mins to go. Assist McMichael. pic.twitter.com/epQnSTqbl5
— Sean Patrick Ryan (@TheOilKnight) November 9, 2019
Lastly, his 18th goal in only 15 games came after a relentless, game-winning London shift late in the third.
Terrific shift by London and great effort by Connor McMichael who buries it to make it 4-3 London just over a minute to go. McMichael’s 18th goal in 15 games. pic.twitter.com/tTUbhCaNCQ
— Sean Patrick Ryan (@TheOilKnight) November 9, 2019
Protas’s league-leading point
Protas’ lone point of the night came on the power play as he filtered the puck down low to Spencer Moe who then fed Brayden Watts out front for the goal.
The power play is buzzing for the Raiders, and they add another one here tonight. Brayden Watts with a snipe after great puck movement from the Raiders. Raiders lead 3-2 with 49.3 seconds left in 1st. https://t.co/lTaCAjui9S pic.twitter.com/F6I6fplSe4
— Jeff D'Andrea (@Jeff_paNOW) November 9, 2019
McMichael has especially impressed in the early goings, as he has already racked up two OHL player of the week titles and is scoring at a rate the OHL hasn’t seen in a few years.
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