In Finland, Joel Armia was held without a point in 19:40 of work as Assat saw their 14-game winning streak come to halt in a 2-1 overtime loss to Karpat. Armia was active with three shots directed but the Aces succumbed while on the penalty kill in the extra session. The Aces wrap up the regular season Tuesday at TPS.
In the OHL, Dan Catenacci (+4) scored his 36th goal of the year and added an assist as Owen Sound held on for a 6-4 win at Erie. Sixteen-year old sensation Connor McDavid recorded two assists for the Otters to up his season total to 37, breaking the club's rookie record previously held by Brad Boyes. With 62 points, he ties Tim Connolly for the club overall rookie mark. Catenacci and the Attack are off until Thursday when they visit Windsor.
Brady Austin scored for the second straight game as Belleville dropped a 3-2 overtime decision at Barrie. The goal, which came just 17 seconds into the opening period, gives the mobile defender a personal-best seven on the season. Alex Lepkowski logged an even rating for the Colts, who trail the Bulls by a single point for the top spot in the OHL's Eastern Conference heading into Sunday's tilt at Niagara. Belleville is back at work Monday in Kingston.
Justin Kea was ejected after getting called for a kneeing penalty as Saginaw clinched the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs with a 5-3 victory over Guelph. Kea, who earlier pocketed an assist on the game's first goal, collided hard with Storm defenseman Matt Finn (TOR) late in the second period and was immediately tasked with dropping the gloves with Andrey Pedan (TOR). The helper gives Kea 47 points on the year, while the major penalties give the grinding forward an even 100 PIM. The Spirit return to work Sunday at Plymouth.
In the WHL, Colin Jacobs recorded an assist in regulation and ended the game with a shootout goal as Prince George topped Tri-City 3-2. The Cougars, who kept pace in their pursuit of Everett for the final playoff spot, complete their three-game road weekend Sunday at Vancouver.
Andrey Makarov was relieved after allowing three goals on six shots as Saskatoon rallied to capture a wild 8-7 overtime win over Regina. The Russian workhorse was called to the bench at 6:03 of the first period following a bad turnover that led to the third goal against, but the Blades kept plugging away, capping the comeback with four unanswered goals in the third period to force OT and claim the victory. Saskatoon heads to Edmonton on Tuesday.
Logan Nelson finished with a minus-one rating as Victoria lost to Vancouver 3-1. The Royals will compete for the third consecutive night when they host Portland on Sunday.
In college action, Christian Isackson snapped his 15-game goal drought with a mark at the final buzzer as No. 2 Minnesota earned a share of the WCHA regular season title with a 5-1 victory at Bemidji State. Isackson, who picked up an assist for the second-straight night, enters the playoffs with four goals and 19 points. The #2 seed Gophers will host a rematch with the Beavers in the first round next weekend.
Jake McCabe notched a pair of assists as Wisconsin closed the WCHA regular season schedule with a 3-2 win over St. Cloud State. The double helping gives the sophomore 17 points (3+14) in 32 appearances, while the victory allows the Badgers home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs next weekend versus one of Minnesota-Duluth or Colorado College. Wisconsin forward Brad Navin recorded a minor penalty in checking line minutes.
In the AHL, Zemgus Girgensons scored his fourth goal of the season and Nathan Lieuwen made 34 saves but Rochester saw their three-game winning streak snapped with a 4-3 overtime defeat at Binghamton. Girgensons, who skated on a line with Mark Mancari and Phil Varone, scored his first goal since Jan. 4. Matt Ellis and Max Legault also scored for the Amerks, while Mark Pysyk and Nick Crawford picked up assists. Rochester closes the weekend Sunday at home versus Abbotsford.
