2/28 Recap: Armia cashes pair as Aces keep surging

Joel Armia scored twice Thursday as Assat extended their winning streak to 12 games with a 3-1 win over HIFK. With 18 goals through 44 games, including five in his last seven, the 6-foot-3 winger equals his previous career high achieved in both 2010-11 (48 games) and 2011-12 (54 games). The Aces, who remain in third place in the SM-liiga standings with four games to play, will have their streak put to the ultimate test on Saturday when they host first-place Jokerit.



In Sweden, Linus Ullmark made 22 saves as MODO dropped a 3-1 decision at Brynas. Ullmark, who allowed a pair of goals to 2013 draft eligible Elias Lindholm, moves his SEL numbers to 3-1 with a 2.07 GAA and .934 save%. Sitting in seventh place with two games left to play, MODO returns to work Saturday when they host Timra.



In OHL play, Dan Catenacci finished with a plus-one rating as Owen Sound saw their five-game winning streak snapped in a 4-2 loss at Barrie. Defenseman Alex Lepkowski skated with his usual partner Ryan O'Connor, recording a plus-one rating as the Colts won their second straight. Both teams are in action Friday, with Catenacci's Attack taking on Kitchener while Lepkowski's Colts visit Mississauga.