In Friday CHL playoff action, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc logged a +1 as Rimouski opened their QMJHL semifinal round with a 4-1 win over Halifax. The 6'1 righty went without a shot on goal for the first time since November 12th, a span of 55 games. Prize 2013 talent Nathan MacKinnon was held without a point for the second time in 12 playoff games, but still made waves with 1:32 left by smoking Casey Babineau with an open-ice hit to set off a scrum. The teams will play it right back with game #2 Saturday in Halifax.
Mark Pysyk played even as Edmonton kicked off the WHL Eastern Conference final with a 6-1 trouncing of Moose Jaw. The victory gives the Oil Kings 20 straight wins going back the end of the regular season. Edmonton forward Henrik Samuelsson ('12) notched three assists to give him nine points through his first seven playoff games. The series will resume Sunday in Edmonton.
In the OHL, Steven Shipley (+1) went without a point for the seventh straight game as Niagara earned a 2-1 overtime win over Ottawa in game #1 of the OHL Eastern Conference final. The Shipley line produced the game winner when Mitchell Theoret lit the lamp at 5:10 of the OT. Game #2 is Sunday in St. Catharines.
