They might have been two of the highest scoring teams in the OHL, but don't expect a shootout at Budweiser Gardens when the Guelph Storm and London Knights kick off their best-of-seven series Friday in London.
Only the Niagara IceDogs scored more than Guelph and London this season, but Guelph Storm coach George Burnett said run-and-gun isn't going to cut it against the Knights.
"I can only speak about us. If we have the puck, we're a much better team and that's the best way to defend, is to have the puck in the offensive zone," Burnett said.
"If we get into a track meet and we're giving up a power play opportunities and chances off the rush, they're going to hurt you, there's no question about it.
"I don't want to speak for them, but we don't want to trade chances with them. That's not going to be healthy for us."
Guelph has some more offence on the way, with injured centre Cam Hillis expected back at some point in the series, perhaps as early as Friday.
Hillis, who hasn't played since injuring his collarbone on Feb. 8, has been practicing with full contact.
"He's getting very close," Burnett said.
The Knights pose a much different foe than the Kitchener Rangers.
One of the big difference is that London's big, experienced and talented back end helps create much of the team's offence.
"They've got four guys who had 40 to 60-plus points and are a significantly different look (than the last round)," Burnett said. "They're heavily involved in the offence, they lead an outstanding power play, they have the puck and they're part of the rush the whole time.
The Storm coach said he expects the players brought in this season, who have plenty of playoff experience, to lead the team.
Burnett brought in six players with over 20 playoff games under their belts this season, beefing up the experience factor on a team wher eonly one player (Liam Hawel) had played more than 10 games.
"The people that were added to our group here bring a considerable amount of playoff experience," Burnett said. "They've had the experience of playing London in the playoffs and playing in that environment.
"We're certainly looking for those guys to use the experiences they've had over the last two or three years, playing deep into the playoffs, to assist our group in this experience."
Guelph won four of the six meetings between the two teams during the regular season.
"We have the upmost respect. We're playing the top team in our conference and they're there for a reason," Burnett said.
Game 2 goes Sunday afternoon in London with Game 3 and Game 4 back in Guelph on Monday and Wednesday.
