Tuesday, April 26, 2011

4/25 Recap: Shipley, Kassian on brink of exit

Steven Shipley was unable to register a point for the fourth straight game as Niagara was blown-out by Mississauga, 6-1. The IceDogs now trail the OHL Eastern Conference Final 3-1, with the Majors going for the Tuesday night clinch on home ice. Mississauga’s Gregg Sutch was a healthy scratch for the fourth straight game, while Joe Cramarossa (’11) notched a pair of goals including a shortie for the Memorial Cup hosts.

As previously mentioned, Zack Kassian was forced to sit out as Windsor lost game #4 of the OHL Western Conference Final to Owen Sound, 3-2. The 6’3 bullying wing will learn if he is to miss any additional games when he receives the official disciplinary ruling on Tuesday. The object of Kassian’s Saturday night aggression, defenseman Jesse Blacker, was in action for the Attack in Monday’s victory earning an assist on the game winning goal. Trailing 3-1, the Spits will look to stave off elimination Wednesday in Owen Sound. If they lose, it may not mattter how many games (if any) he is forced to sit, but it may muddy the waters some regarding how the Sabres view their top 2009 pick.

On Sunday, Riley Boychuk skated even as Portland evened the WHL Western Conference Final at a game apiece with a 2-1 win over Spokane. The edgy 6’5 forward has four goals, five assists, and 26 PIM in a dozen playoff games. The series heads to Spokane for a pair of games Wednesday and Friday.