3/1 Recap: Makarov strong; Nelson pots pair

Andrey Makarov made 21 saves Friday to earn his 18th straight win as Saskatoon downed Brandon 4-1. Makarov was on the verge of extending of his league lead in shutouts before surrendering a power play goal with 2:22 to play. The 6-foot-1 netminder, who was named the game's number one star, has been brilliant throughout the winning streak, allowing one goal or less 11 times while posting a .952 save percentage. The red-hot Blades continue their late-season run Sunday at Moose Jaw.



Logan Nelson scored twice to earn the game's number two star as Victoria lost in overtime to Spokane 4-3. The Minnesota native has four goals in his last two games, upping his season line to 12-25-37 through 41 appearances. Winless in their last eight, the Royals get another crack at the Chiefs on Saturday.



Colin Jacobs finished with a minus-three rating as Prince George was defeated by Kamloops 4-1. With the Cougars struggling, the gritty forward's night came to end when he was assessed a misconduct with eight minutes to go. Next up for the Cougars in a Monday-Tuesday set with Tri-City.



In the OHL, Dan Catenacci was kept off the scoresheet as Owen Sound fell to Kitchener 2-1 in a shootout. The Attack welcome Mississauga to town on Saturday.



Brady Austin logged a minus-one rating as Belleville saw their 10-game winning streak snapped in a 3-1 loss at Kingston. The Bulls return to action Saturday when they host Niagara.

Alex Lepkowski played even as Barrie earned a 2-0 shutout victory at Mississauga. The Colts, who claimed the Central Division title with the victory, are off until Thursday when they host Sudbury.

Sophomores Jake McCabe (-1) and Brad Navin (1 SOG) were unable to get in on the offense as No. 16 Wisconsin earned a 4-3 victory over No. 13 Nebraska-Omaha. McCabe has yet to score in 15 games since returning from the World Junior Championship, extending his streak to 21 games overall without a goal.

Christian Isackson (1 SOG) continued to man a center spot as No. 2 Minnesota was shut out by No. 10 Denver 2-0. The Gophers will conclude the home portion of their WCHA schedule when they go for the split on Saturday.