Sunday, March 22, 2015

3/21 Recap: Tourney tickets punched

Hudson Fasching earned an assist Saturday as Minnesota earned the Big Ten Hockey Championship with a 4-2 win over Michigan. Fasching showed good hands when he hit a streaking Kyle Rau with a return feed as the Gophers made it a 2-2 game midway through the second period. Michigan forward JT Compher saw his season come to an end in the loss. The 2013 second-rounder finishes the year with 12 goals and 24 points in 34 games. Christian Isackson logged an even rating in limited fourth-line minutes for the Gophers, who on Sunday will learn their destination for the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Sean Malone punched five shots on goal as Harvard defeated Colgate 4-2 to capture the ECAC Hockey Championship. Malone and the Crimson qualify for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006. The West Seneca native has played in 20 games this season, securing eight goals, 18 points and 60 shots on goal. The Crimson are expected to be named a No. 3 seed when the brackets are released on Sunday.

In the NCHC Championship, Judd Peterson notched two shots on goal from his third-line right-wing spot as St. Cloud State was bested by Miami 3-2. The Huskies will gain an at-large spot in the 16-team field for the NCAA Tournament, likely as a No. 3 seed.

With the Michigan loss, the Providence Friars are expected to squeak their way into the tourney with the final at-large berth. If so, Providence rearguards Anthony Florentno and Mark Adams would give the Sabres a total of six prospects vying for a national title.

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Vaclav Karabacek buried a rebound at the doorstep for his 17th goal of the year as Baie-Comeau closed the 2014-15 regular season schedule with a 3-2 win over Chicoutimi. The Drakkar finish seventh overall in the QMJHL standings, setting up a matchup with 10th seed Saint John in the opening round of the playoffs beginning on Friday.

In OHL action, Jean Dupuy scored his 18th goal of the year and added an assist as Sault Ste. Marie clobbered Windsor 12-1 to clinch the first overall spot in the OHL. Justin Bailey notched two assists in his first game since February 21. The big winger missed the last month with hairline fractures in his ankle and heel. The Hounds, who close the regular season Sunday versus Kitchener, are locked into a first-round series with Saginaw.

Nicholas Baptiste did not play as Erie cruised past Plymouth 5-1. The Otters are locked into the No. 2 for the Western Conference playoffs with the regular season concluding Sunday at Niagara. Erie will begin the playoffs with a first-round matchup with Sarnia.

Christopher Brown registered four shots on goal as Tri-City doubled Des Moines 4-2. Brown has five assists but has yet to score a goal in nine games since being dealt to the Storm.

Brycen Martin remained out with an injury as Saskatoon closed the season with a 6-2 loss to Medicine Hat. Martin concludes his third WHL season with a career-high 38 points (7+31) in 69 games.

Colin Jacobs assisted on a Drew Bagnall goal for his first AHL point of the season as Rochester continued their woes with a 4-1 loss to Toronto. The Amerks remain in last place in the North Division standings with 56 points.