Mikhail Grigorenko extended his multiple-points streak to six games with a pair of assists as Quebec was defeated by Rimouski 4-3 in overtime. The Remparts' one-point night coupled with the Voltigeurs victory leaves the teams tied for sixth place with 88 points in the QMJHL standings with each each club having one game remaining. Drummondville has the tiebreaker with four more wins.
In the OHL, Justin Kea (+3) scored twice and recorded his fifth fighting major of the year as Saginaw battled to the end but came up short in a 6-5 loss at Sault Ste. Marie. Kea's fourth two-goal game of the year boosts his totals to 21 goals and 47 points through 56 games. Spirit captain Eric Locke (-3) logged an assist in the loss, upping his season take to 57 points through 46 contests. Saginaw remains in sixth place in the Western Conference standings with two games left on the schedule.
Nick Baptiste potted his 44th goal and added two helpers as Sudbury fell to North Bay 5-3. Baptiste's output gives him 87 points in 64 games, including 24 goals in 28 tilts since Jan. 1. The Wolves are tied with Barrie for fourth place in the Eastern Conference, but hold a game in hand on the Colts. Sudbury plays the first of their final two regular season tilts Saturday versus Belleville.
Nikita Zadorov picked up an assist as London doubled Owen Sound 4-2. Zadorov has 30 points (11+19) in 35 games, but has gone without a goal in his last seven for the longest drought since since returning to the OHL. Brady Austin finished with an even rating for the Knights, who continue to hold down fourth place in the Western Conference with two games left to play.
In WHL action, Logan Nelson (-1) as Victoria was bested by Everett 5-3. Like Zadorov, the Minnesota native has been unable to score a goal in his last seven games. The Royals are locked into the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with one game left to play before kicking off the post-season.
In the collegiate ranks, Hudson Fasching used his big body down low to earn an assist on the overtime winner as No. 1 Minnesota edged No. 13 Michigan 3-2 to capture the B1G regular season title. The Gophers secured a spot in the B1G championship semifinal, while the loss places Michigan in a Thursday quarterfinal tilt versus Penn State. J.T. Compher (-1) recorded one shot on goal for the Wolverines in defeat, while third-year forward Christian Isackson was scratched for the Gophers. The two clubs complete the conference schedule Saturday at Yost.
Jake McCabe (left game with injury in third period) and Brad Navin were each kept off the score sheet as Wisconsin lost in overtime at Michigan State 5-4. The Badgers, who saw their five-game winning streak snapped, finish off the B1G regular season Saturday in East Lansing. UPDATE: McCabe, who was injured blocking a shot, received stitches to close a deep laceration behind his ear.
In Hockey East quarterfinal action, Anthony Florentino (+1) pumped two shots on goal as Providence downed Maine 3-1. Florentino left the game in the third period after taking a hard hit along the boards and may not play Saturday as the Friars will look to close out the best-of-three set on home ice.
In the AHL, Nathan Lieuwen was excellent with 38 saves to earn the number two star as Rochester earned a point but lost in overtime 2-1 to Toronto. Rasmus Ristolainen scored his sixth goal of the year on the power play for the lone Amerks tally. The Amerks were playing without Joel Armia, who sat out with an injury believed to be the result of slash late in Sunday's loss to Oklahoma City.
In USHL play, Connor Hurley picked up an assist as Green Bay was stifled by Indiana 5-2. Hurley has points in seven of his last nine games for the Gamblers, who are currently tied for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot with eight dates left on the schedule.
Cal Petersen made 39 stops through 65 minutes of action as Waterloo was defeated in a shootout 5-4 by Sioux City. Petersen has won just two of his last eight starts on the heels of his impressive 12-game winning streak. The Black Hawks sit atop the Western Conference with nine games remaining.
Judd Peterson remained out of action as Cedar Rapids defeated Team USA 5-2. Buffalo Jr. Sabres product Andrew Poturalski notched a hat trick to guide the Roughriders to victory.
In the ECHL, Shawn Szydlowski scored his seventh goal and Andrey Makarov got the night off as Fort Wayne defeated Florida 5-2.
Connor Knapp made his Alaska Aces debut, stopping 30 of 31 shots to earn the game's number one star in a 2-1 win over Colorado. Knapp was assigned to the Aces Thursday, making them the third ECHL club he has played for this season (Greenville, Florida).
Colin Jacobs recorded two shots on goal as Elmira lost to Cincinnati 4-1. Jacobs has one point, a goal, in eight coast league contests this season.
