Sunday, January 27, 2008

1/27 Recap: Gogulla goes off, Schiestel solid

It's always a Super Sunday here at SabresProspects.com. Cologne's Philip Gogulla erupted for three assists tonight in the Sharks 5-4 overtime win over Struabing. The three-point night marked his highest output since starting the year with a two goal, one assist performance against Hamburg back in September. The 6'2 left wing signed a contract with the Sabres prior to training camp, but returned to the DEL where his 31 points are third-best on the league's third place team. Gogulla's frequent linemate in IIHF play, Felix Schutz of Ingolstadt, was -1 in a 6-0 shutout loss to Mannheim. The Sabres 4th round pick in 2006, Schutz has just six points in his last 21 games after starting the year with 12 through his first 14. He hasn't recorded a multi-point night in over three months. A neck injury once again sidelined 2006 first-round pick Dennis Persson as Nykopings fell to Vaxjos, 3-1. He should be ready to resume play within the week. In a North American tilt featuring a pair of top-ranked 2008 draft prospects, Drew Schiestel assisted on the game winning goal and was a game-best +3 in Niagara's 3-1 win over Sarnia. Currently rated the #1 North American by Central Scouting Bureau, dynamic Sting center Steven Stamkos was held off the scoresheet for 54:00 before setting up his team's lone goal. To date, the Unionville, ON native has 34 goals and 65 points in 40 games. Schiestel's touted teammate, 6'4, 210-pound defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, demonstrated the strength and ability that's put him top-5 in most 2008 mocks. In the Q, T.J. Brennan assisted on the first two Fog Devil goals in their 4-3 win at PEI. Playing the left side, the New Jersey product also contributed a game-high six shots on goal to spark the visitors. J.S. Allard was -1 for St. John's in the win. Benjamin Breault was quiet offensively as Baie-Comeau continued to roll in their 3-2 shootout win over Victoriaville.