Who’s Johnny?

As the reciprocal to the words shouted to announce one of the best lacrosse players of our time, “Johnny Who”, the title is what Oshawa Generals fans are asking these days. Of course the Johnny being referred to is the OHL player, and nephew of the lacrosse great of the same name, John Tavares.

Since Tavares took a hiatus from the Generals, the endless supply of hard working players the Generals have came to the surface and showed themselves, the league and the world that they are more than just a one man show. Even with the OHL’s leading goal scorer, Brett MacLean, out of the lineup (slight concussion suffered in the Dec 13 game against the Brampton Battalion), Oshawa found ways to win hockey games. Upon Brett’s return, they have looked like a team destined for a springtime trip to Kitchener and the Memorial Cup.

As for Tavares, he is showing the World not only his amazing offensive skills but also his lack of toughness and defensive play as well. In the game against Sweden a couple of days ago, he dazzled in the offensive zone but whenever a Swede got close to him along the boards he would fall like a marionette that had his master hastily abandon the reigns, whether he was hit hard by a body or lightly tapped with a stick.

Hockey is a game of both offense and defense and with John Tavares out of the lineup, Oshawa has perhaps, lacked in the offensive category but has compensated more than enough defensively. In the end I am sure the Generals will be glad to have Tavares back in the lineup but I think the past five games have shown the kind of team the Generals are and with a bit of luck and more hard work, they could definitely come out on top in the Ontario Hockey League this year.