Our Under Armour Game of the Week features the University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team hosting the Ryerson Rams in Game 2 of a best-of three first round OUA playoff series on Saturday, February 16 at Varsity Arena.
 
Game 1: Thursday, February 14 at Ryerson 7:15 p.m.
Game 2: Saturday, February 16 at Toronto 7:00 p.m.
Game 3: Sunday, February 17 at Ryerson 7:15 p.m.

MHKY: PLAYOFFS!!! The Varsity Blues face off with the @ryersonrams in an OUA Round 1 best-of-three series! Toronto will host Game 2 this Saturday at 7:00 p.m., in our @UnderArmour Game of the Week! WE ALL #BLEEDBLUE #WeAreTO

READ: https://t.co/QJz5c5ADPb pic.twitter.com/YHyIc0YQS9

— U of T Varsity Blues (@Varsity_Blues) February 11, 2019

 
The Blues head into the playoffs playing their best hockey of the season. They won six of their last eight games in order to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2017. During this stretch, Toronto defeated nationally ranked Brock and their future opponents Ryerson.
 
Toronto took the season series against their inner city rival winning two of three. Most recently defeating the Rams 5-4 in a shootout in early February, which marked the second time the Blues came out with a victory at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. Toronto came away with a 5-4 victory in late November, while Ryerson won the first game between the teams 6-2 at Varsity Arena.
 
A big reason for U of T's success down the stretch was the exceptional play of first-year goalie Alex Bishop. The Richmond Hill, Ont., has posted a 1.75 goal against average and .942 save percentage in his last eight starts. He will be heavily relied upon to stop one of the best offences in the country, which averaged 4.75 goals per game. The Rams unit is headlined by former Los Angeles Kings draft pick Matt Mistele, as well as Mathew Santos, who finished first and fifth, respectfully, in U SPORTS scoring.
 
The Blues have improved offensively throughout the season. In their final eight games the team averaged 3.25 goals per game compared to 2.2 prior. A big reason for the difference is a healthy balance. Second-year head coach Ryan Medel relies on all his lines to chip in offensively, as nine players on the roster registered double-digit points this season.
 
First-year forward David Thomson leads the way offensively in all major categories with nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points. Fellow rookie Joey Manchurek has also made an impact this season for the Blue and White, registering 18 points in only 16 games, including seven points (four goals and three assists) in the last four games.
 
Veteran Matt Campagna continues to be a threat especially down the stretch. The Mississauga, Ont., has posted seven points (one goal and six assists) in the last four games of the regular season.  
 
A key area will be the Varsity Blues ability to stay disciplined against this juggernaut offence. Ryerson holds the best power play in the province at 25% plus, they scored four goals with the extra man in the last two games against Toronto.
 
For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite U of T athletes and teams, please visit www.varsityblues.ca. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, SnaptChat and Facebook for the latest and greatest in Varsity Blues intercollegiate athletics