Saturday, September 27, 2014

9/26 Recap: Bailey shines in return

Justin Bailey made his OHL return a success Friday, bagging a short-handed goal, an assist and the only mark in the shootout as Kitchener got past Owen Sound 4-3. The effort earned the Western New York product the game's number one star.

Getting to Kitchener in time from Buffalo proved to be a challenge, but anyone thinking that his legs would suffer after sitting in a Highway 401 traffic jam for two-and-a-half hours were quickly corrected, as the bigger, stronger winger rode the experience of his second NHL training camp to dominant shifts from start-to-finish.

Bailey tilted the game's momentum when he showed quick acceleration into an extra gear to score a beautiful short-handed goal with 1:24 remaining in the middle frame to tie the game 1-1.



As far as history repeating itself, Bailey scored in his first game back last season after spending time at the Sabres' training camp. As far as writing a new chapter, the goal was the first shorty of Bailey's 122-game OHL career.

Kitchener returns to action next Friday at London.

Elsewhere in the OHL, Brendan Lemieux put forth an excellent effort but skated away without a point as Barrie edged North Bay 5-4 in overtime. The feisty winger played his hard pressing style all game long, getting into the Troops faces while drawing both a cut on his nose and a key power play late.

Lemieux nearly got his stick on a puck for his first goal of the season with 2:40 left in regulation, but replays showed that Sabres training camp invitee Joesph Blandisi's shot went went through for his third of the night to tie the game 4-4.

The Colts are off until Thursday when they visit Windsor.

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In Sweden, Gustav Possler picked up an assist on the game's opening tally as MODO was defeated by Frolunda 3-2. The play, which saw Possler instinctively get to a loose puck and make a quick feed to the front of the net, gives him three points through the season's first five games.



MODO goaltender Linus Ullmark made 25 saves to remain without a victory in three season starts. Victor Olofsson continued in his role as the 13th forward, recording a minus-one rating in 2:39 of work.

MODO will get right back to work Saturday with a tilt against Leksands.

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In the WHL, Brycen Martin (-2) posted an assist as Swift Current was dumped by Edmonton 5-1. The helper gives Martin points in each of his first two games since returning from Buffalo. The Broncos remain on home ice Saturday when they host Brandon.