4/8 Recap: Kassian sets tone as Spits take opener

Zack Kassian picked up an assist and his first fighting major of the playoffs Friday as Windsor blanked Saginaw, 3-0, to take game #1 of their second round playoff series. Manning his usual right wing spot on a checking unit with Kenny Ryan and Stephen Johnston, Kassian showed his teammates that he was ready to play just 17-seconds into the tilt when he dropped the gloves with Anthony Camara ('11) for the second time this season. The 6'3 lefty tagged the gritty Camara early to earn the decision, allowing the Spits to dictate the pace and secure the key road victory to open the best-of-seven. Kassian, who did eat one near the end of the spirited scrap, has a goal and seven assists in eight playoff games.



In the WHL, Brayden McNabb notched a pair of assists as Kootenay earned a 4-1 victory over Saskatoon. The victory gives the underdog ICE a 1-0 series lead with game #2 Saturday night in Saskatoon. The 6'4 McNabb now has two goals and six assists through Kootenay's first seven post-season games to tie Kassian at the top the Sabres prospects playoff scoring list.

Elsewhere in the OHL, Marcus Foligno finished a season-low -4 as Sudbury was blasted by Mississauga, 8-5. The Wolves fell behind 8-0 with a little over seven minutes remaining in the second period, only to score the game's final five goals to get the ship moving in the right direction heading into Sunday's game #2. Foligno has yet to record a point in five playoff games. Gregg Sutch skated limited minutes for the Majors and was unable to factor into the scoring.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson (+1) set-up the game winning goal as Sioux Falls earned a 3-2 win over Sioux City. The Stampede can clinch a first round playoff bye with a Saturday win over Omaha.