Saturday, December 21, 2013

12/20 Recap: Bailey scores; Knapp, Parker productive

Justin Bailey scored his 12th goal of the year Friday as Kitchener dropped a 5-4 decision to Sault Ste. Marie. The seeing-eye marker sends Bailey to the holiday break with goals in three of his last four games, and a total of 23 points through 34 season appearances. Kitchener gets back to work Saturday, Dec. 28 versus Erie.



Justin Kea recorded one assist as Saginaw was blown out by Windsor 11-6. Kea's helper gives him points in four of his last five contests. The Spirit get a chance to avenge the loss when the two clubs resume the schedule on Dec. 28.

Brady Austin was plus-one as London was defeated by Niagara 6-5. Draft eligible Brendan Perlini notched two goals and an assist for the winning side. London is off until Dec. 29 when they visit Plymouth.

In AHL action, Nathan Lieuwen stopped all 26 shots he faced in regulation and overtime, but allowed two goals in the shootout as Rochester was blanked by Lake Erie 1-0. Johan Larsson and Joel Armia paced the Amerks offense with five shots on goal each, while Brayden McNabb chipped in with four. Colin Jacobs, who was recalled earlier in the day from ECHL's Elmira, scored the lone Amerks' goal in the shootout. The Amerks complete the home-and-home with Lake Erie on Saturday before departing for Switzerland to participate in the Spengler Cup.

In the ECHL, Connor Knapp stopped 30 of 31 shots to guide Greenville to a 4-1 victory over Florida. The number two star performance ups Knapp's record to 4-6-0-1 with a 2.19 GAA and .937 save%. The Road Warriors take and Everblades will play a rematch on Saturday.

Jonathan Parker notched a goal and an assist as Colorado doubled San Francisco 6-3. Parker has collected 10 points (2+8) in his last 10 games. The Eagles will stay in San Francisco for a Saturday night affair.

Shawn Szydlowski contributed on shot on goal as Fort Wayne was dealt a 5-1 defeat by Reading. Andrey Makarov was given the night off for the Komets, who will get another crack at the Royals on Saturday.

In the college ranks, Mark Adams was inserted into the lineup for the fifth time this season as Providence snatched a 4-1 victory at Army. Anthony Florentino was given the night off for the Friars, who next take on host Dartmouth on Sunday, Dec. 29 in the first round of the Ledyard Bank Classic.

In Thursday action, Linus Ullmark made 20 saves as Sweden was defeated by Russia 3-2 at the Channel One Cup. The game was tied late until Kings prospect Nikolai Prokhorkin beat Ullmark with 2:11 left in regulation. Sweden will look to even their mark at the Euro Hockey Tour event on Saturday when they battle the Czech Republic.