A big series for the Bitten brothers

Sam and Will Bitten don’t just share a last name and good genes, but a unique knack for scoring timely goals — especially against one another.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” said Andre Tourigny, the head coach of Sam’s Ottawa 67’s. “I’m speechless.”

Going into Game 5 at Hamilton’s FirstOntario Centre Friday, the siblings from Gloucester had accounted for every opening goal in the best-of-seven conference quarterfinal.

Sam, an 18-year-old centre, scored first in Games 1 and 4, while Bulldogs winger Will, 19, tallied first in Games 2 and 3.

Unfortunately for the brothers, the bizarre trend hasn’t translated to any kind of on-ice advantage — Ottawa lost both games in which Sam opened the scoring and won Game 2 when Will did. Still, both Bittens were eager to strike first — again — in Game 5.

“The first goal is key and I’m happy we can both get that for our clubs,” said Sam. “And when I get it? That’s huge.”

The younger Bitten isn’t wrong. The fact that he’s found a way to finish against the conference’s top-seeded Bulldogs is obviously big for his team, the underdog 67’s, but also for him individually. That’s because if Ottawa loses the series (and it was on the brink heading into Friday’s game), he won’t have another chance to make an impression on scouts before the NHL draft in June.

So far, anyway, the rookie third liner has made the most of his opportunity.

In the first four games of the series, he had three power play markers, which accounted for more than a quarter of Ottawa’s overall production. His screens and work in front of the net also contributed to at least a couple of the team’s other goals and numerous chances.

“He’s a big body presence. He got the height, right? So he just sits in front of the net and gets the

big goals,” said Will, a Montreal Canadiens prospect, who, at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds comes in two inches and 12 pounds shy of his little brother.

“He’s playing really well and finds a way to score. It’s pretty annoying when he gets the first one, but it’s his draft year so that’s big for him,” he added.

In the regular-season, Sam, who rated 94th on Central Scouting’s midterm list of North American skaters, was given little time on the power play and registered just seven goals in 68 games — all at regular strength.

Tourigny, the 67’s bench boss, said he only started playing Sam on his top unit with three games to go in the campaign. He tested him out on the advantage a few months earlier, too, but with a far lower success rate.

“Sam was not holding in front, he was drifting outside and trying to make plays,” he said. “I think the fact that he took about 40 games to have another chance made him stay in front of the net and he’s been pretty successful. It’s a matter of timing,” he added.

Tourigny also agreed with big brother Will that Sam’s work in the playoffs will resonate well with NHL scouts.

Ottawa went into Game 5 a loss away from elimination. After splitting the first two games in Hamilton, the Bulldogs won twice on the road to take a 3-1 series lead.

On both sides, special teams have played a significant role in the matchup and the Bulldogs power play, in particular, has been potent.

In the teams’ first four meetings it scored eight times on 16 opportunities, which was damning for the younger and less experienced Ottawa side.

Following a 5-2 win in Game 4 Wednesday, Will, who will likely move on to professional hockey next season, said his Bulldogs had thrived in the series by frustrating the 67’s and getting them off their game.

“They were taking penalties and we were taking advantage,” added the elder Bitten, who, in addition to his two goals, had four assists heading into Game 5, including a pair on the power play. “We showed them why we are the first place team in the East.”

The potentially series-ending matchup was to get underway at 7 p.m. Friday.

Visit e2e.thespec.com for the score and a story from the game. Series schedule

Game 1: March 22, Ottawa, 3 at Hamilton, 6

Game 2: March 25, Ottawa, 5 at Hamilton, 4

Game 3: March 27, Hamilton, 8 at Ottawa, 1

Game 4: March 28, Hamilton, 5 at Ottawa, 2

Game 5: March 30, Ottawa at Hamilton, 7 p.m.

Game 6: April 1, Hamilton at Ottawa, 2 p.m.*

Game 7: April 3, Ottawa at Hamilton, 7 p.m.*

*If necessary