Mikhail Grigorenko (-3) notched an assist on the power play as Quebec was defeated on home ice by Chicoutimi 3-1. Grigorenko, whose confidence is re-emerging while learning to play tougher on the puck, has scored two goals and 11 points in his first five playoff games. The Remparts lead the series 3-2 with game six coming Sunday in Chicoutimi.
In the AHL, Corey Tropp picked up an assist in his return from a serious knee injury as Rochester skated to a 4-1 loss to Toronto. The Michigan State product, who was knocked out with a hip check on opening night, connected with Cody McCormick at 5:11 of the first period to give the Amerks a 1-0 lead before the Marlies erupted for four unanswered goals over the final two periods including two into an empty net. Low shot counts continue to plague the Sabres organization, with the farmmhands firing 15 just one game removed from a 14-shot outing. Meanwhile, David Leggio stopped 36 of 38 shots in the loss. The Amerks visit Hamilton on Saturday.
In the NCAA tournament, Jake McCabe (-1, 3 SOG) and Brad Navin saw the season come to an end as Wisconsin was blown out by Lowell 6-1. The Badgers outshot the Riverhawks by 32-26 margin but were unable to capitalize on numerous chances while Lowell took a 3-0 lead into the start of the third period. McCabe finishes the year with 21 points (3+18) and a plus-14 rating, while Navin secured a goal and three assists in a checking line role.
In the West Regional semifinal, Christian Isackson skated in fourth line minutes as top-seeded Minnesota was ousted by Yale 3-2 in overtime. The native Minnesotan finishes his sophomore season with four goals and 20 points while appearing in all of the Gophers' 40 contests.
