Saturday, February 9, 2013

2/8 Recap: Makarov magnificent; Cat cashes shortie

Andrey Makarov came up big with 39 saves Friday to earn his seventh straight victory as Saskatoon defeated Swift Current 4-1. Makarov's excellent play of late, which has seen him stop 238 of his last 246 shots faced, pushes his season record to 24-16-0-3 with a 2.53 GAA (7th in WHL), .921 save% (5th), and six shutouts (t-1st). The winning streak is the longest of the season for the Blades, who on Saturday will play their fourth game in five nights when they host Lethbridge.

Colin Jacobs assisted on the game winning goal as Prince George scored four unanswered goals to earn a 6-4 triumph over Vancouver. Jacobs scored 14 points in the first eight games of the year, but has connected for just 23 in his last 40 outings.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci scored a shorthanded goal and added an assist as Owen Sound edged London 4-3. Catenacci opened the game's scoring by chipping the puck past Pens prospect Olli Maatta before outracing the defender down the ice to get his 29th goal of the year. With 3:08 remaining in regulation time, Catenacci was called for delay of game, his league-leading 47th minor penalty of the year, but the Attack was able to kill it off. The win snaps the Attack's 10-game losing streak to the Knights.

Justin Kea notched a pair of assists as Saginaw earned a 6-2 victory over Sarnia. The helpers give the blue-collar forward an even 40 points (17+23) through 52 games, good for fourth on the Spirit roster.

Alex Lepkowski played with his usual physical style as Barrie doubled Plymouth 6-3. The Colts take on Saginaw on Saturday. 

In NCAA play, Brad Navin (-1) was held off the score sheet as Wisconsin played to a 2-2 tie with Bemidji State. The Badgers are playing the weekend set without leading defensive scorer Jake McCabe, who injured his ankle midway through the third period of last Saturday's game at North Dakota.

Christian Isackson (+1) recorded two shots on goal as No. 1 Minnesota downed No. 10 St. Cloud State 4-2. The sophomore forward has just one assist in his last six games while centering a checking unit. The two clubs will finish the series Saturday in St. Cloud.

Judd Peterson was unable to connect as Cedar Rapids lost in a shootout to Dubuque 2-1. The St. Cloud State commit will look to rebound on Saturday when the Riders visit Chicago.