Thursday, April 21, 2011

4/21 Recap: Kassian nets winner as Spits pull even

Zack Kassian (+2) scored the game winning goal Thursday as Windsor evened the OHL Western Conference Final at one game apiece with a 4-2 win over Owen Sound. Kassian followed up on a Taylor Carnavale shot to bang in his sixth goal of the playoffs at 1:19 of the third period to give the Spits a crucial 3-2 lead. Windsor would hold on for the remainder of play, with Thomas Kuhnhackl notching his second of the game into an empty net to seal the deal. Kassian, who saw the red-hot Carnavale (4A) replace Kenny Ryan as his center on the #2 line, now has six goals and nine assists in 15 playoff games. He wasn't the most outstanding skater on the ice, but he capitalized with quick hands on his best chance of the night. The clubs now head back north to Owen Sound for Saturday's game #2.

In the OHL's Eastern Conference Final, Steven Shipley did not factor into the scoring as Niagara defeated Mississauga, 5-3. The Dogs victory evens the series at 1-1 heading into Saturday's game #3 in Mississauga. Majors forward Gregg Sutch was scratched for the second straight game.

On Wednesday, Christian Isackson finished +2 with three shots on goal as Sioux Falls opened their USHL second round series with a 5-2 win over Omaha. Game #2 will be played Friday in Omaha.