Zack Kassian scored a power play goal with 1:36 left to play on Monday as Team OHL defeated Team Russia 5-2 in Game #4 of the Subway SuperSeries. The play developed when Nick Crawford flipped a shot to the front of the cage where a waiting Kassian tipped the puck past tired Russian netminder, Alexander Zalivan (42 saves). The assist was Crawford's only point of the night.
2010 stud Taylor Hall scored the game winning goal at 15:56 of the second period when he danced around a hit just inside the blueline to put the OHL ahead 3-0. The win gives the CHL a 4-0 record as the series moves to the WHL for the final two games on Wednesday and Thursday.
It has been confirmed that Kootenay defenceman Brayden McNabb will be in the WHL lineup when the puck drops for Wednesday's Game #5. McNabb, 18, hasn't played since injuring his knee on November 1st, but will jump at the chance for a final audition before Hockey Canada announces their World Junior Selection Camp roster next week.
McNabb, 18, was sixth in WHL scoring for defensemen with three goals and 13 assists in 18 games played before getting hurt. In a year when Canada may take size over speed, the 6'4 lefty joins 6'6 Brett Ponich, 6'5 Jared Cowan, and 6'4 Colten Teubert on a sturdy Dub blueline.
Luke Adam previously made his case for inclusion at Canada's final cutdown with five points, including two goals and two assists in Game #2, as the QMJHL kicked the series off with a pair of victories. Darkhorse candidate Jacob Lagacé joined Adam on a line for Game #2, netting goal and three assists in the 8-3 win.
EDIT: Brayden McNabb is scheduled to play in Game #6 on Friday, not Game #5 as mentioned above.
