Sunday, October 11, 2015

10/10 Recap: Ullmark sparks Amerks in debut

Here's a quick Saturday wrap-up:

Linus Ullmark was a stud in his North American debut, stopping 38 of 39 shots directed his way to guide Rochester to a 2-1 victory over Utica. Jerry D'Amigo scored the first Amerks tally, while Jack Nevins tapped in a terrific feed from Jean Dupuy for his first professional goal. Justin Bailey assisted on the D'Amigo marker for his first professional point.

Ullmark did not show any signs of rust in his first game since having surgery on both of his hips in late-April, with the bulky backstop exhibiting quick movement and improved body control to earn the victory. Ullmark, who looked over and around screens all evening long, was finally beaten on his 30th shot of the game by an uncontested laser from Nicklas Jensen in the third period. Other than that, he was superb in handling the AHL pace, and for my money, is essentially in the mix for NHL playing time (pending a couple more starts) in light of Robin Lehner's potential two-month absence.

In the QMJHL, Vaclav Karabacek (+2) deposited his third goal of the year and added an assist for his first multi-point effort of the season as Baie-Comeau earned a 3-2 win over Cape Breton. The Drakkar will go for consecutive victories Wednesday at Sherbrooke.

In the Ontario League, Eric Cornel notched one assist to help Peterborough deliver a 7-2 pounding at Saginaw. The Petes make their first-ever visit to Flint Sunday to faceoff with the Firebirds.

In NCAA action, Judd Peterson scored for the second night in a row to cap St. Cloud State's 6-2 win over Alaska-Anchorage at the Kendall Hockey Classic. Peterson connected while shorthanded with 8:16 remaining in regulation. Defenseman Will Borgen contributed one shot on goal for the Huskies in his second collegiate appearance. St. Cloud gets back to work next weekend with a non-conference set against Minnesota State.

Anthony Florentino recorded one shot on goal as No. 7 Providence played to a 2-2 overtime tie with No. 11 Miami. The RedHawks won the shootout 1-0. The Friars continue the non-conference schedule on Friday when they host Holy Cross.

Hudson Fasching (-1) notched one shot on goal as Minnesota opened the season with a 3-0 loss to Vermont. The Gophers will take on in-state rival Minnesota-Duluth with a home-and-home set beginning Friday at Mariucci Arena.

Ivan Chukarov logged a plus-one rating as Massachusetts earned the weekend sweep with a 4-3 triumph at Colorado College. The Minutemen next host Sacred Heart on Friday.

In Sweden, Victor Olofsson and Gustav Possler each picked up one shot on goal as MODO got past Rogle BK 3-1. MODO hosts Brynas IF on Thursday.

Jonas Johansson made 23 saves as Almtuna IS was defeated by AIS 5-1. The loss drops Johansson to 5-4 with a 2.20 GAA and .911 save%. Almtuna faces IF Sundsvall on Tuesday.