Showing posts with label boychuk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boychuk. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

5/2-3 Recap: Boychuk moves on; Foligno recognized

Gregg Sutch was a healthy scratch Tuesday as Mississauga opened the OHL Championship series with a 5-2 win over Owen Sound. The grinding 6’2 forward hasn’t played for the Majors since April 12th, a span of seven playoff games, after skating limited minutes in the Majors’ first seven postseason tilts. The Majors will travel to Owen Sound for Thursday’s game #2.

On Monday, Riley Boychuk played his usual hard-driving game as Portland defeated Spokane 6-3 to win the WHL Western Conference Championship. The Winterhawks will move on to the Chynoweth Cup Championship series to face Brayden McNabb and the Kootenay ICE, ensuring that the Sabres will have at least two prospects skating at this year’s Memorial Cup tournament. The 6’5 Boychuk has four goals and six assists in Portland’s 16 playoff games, but hasn't lit the lamp in nine games. His longest goalless patch of the regular season lasted just seven games, so it’s safe to say he’s due. The final series kicks off Friday and Saturday in Portland.

Also on Monday, it was announced that Sudbury Wolves captain Marcus Foligno has been named to the 2010-11 OHL 2nd All-Star Team. The powerful 6’3 wing posted career highs this past season in goals (23), assists (36) and points (59) while leading all Sabres prospects in power-play goals (11), short-handed goals (5), and hat tricks (2).

Foligno, who chose to recover from lingering dings and wait for his entry level deal to get done instead of furthering his season, scored two goals and an assist for the Wolves while logging a -10 rating in two playoff rounds.


(As a reminder and a recommendation as the draft nears, you can follow the prospects even closer by following SabresProspects on Twitter.)

Sunday, May 1, 2011

4/30 Recap: Boychuk gets letter; Kass debuts

Riley Boychuk wore an "A" Saturday but was unable to register a point as Portland earned a key 3-2 victory over Spokane to take a 3-2 series lead in the WHL Western Conference Final. The 6'5 wing has four goals and 10 points in the playoffs, but just one assist in the series with Chiefs. Talented 2011 eligible Sven Bartschi triggered the attack with a goal and two assists for the the Winterhawks, who will have an opportunity to close the series out Monday at Spokane for the right to battle Brayden McNabb's Kootenay Ice for the Ed Chynoweth Cup and a ticket to Mississauga for the 2011 Memorial Cup.

In the USHL Western Conference Final, Christian Isackson finished -2 as Sioux Falls lost to Dubuque, 2-1. The six-footer hasn't scored in half a dozen games after scoring three times in the Herd's first two playoff outings. Trailing the best-of-five by a 2-0 margin, the Stampede will need a win at home on Friday to keep their season going. John Gaudreau, a 5'6 Northeastern commit who finished 4th in USHL scoring with 76 points (36+36) scored both goals for the Fighting Saints.

Wrapping up the weekend's play, Zack Kassian made his AHL debut, posting two shots on goal as Portland won game three of the AHL Atlantic Division Final over Binghamton, 3-2. The Windsor product was limited in his effectiveness as he eased his way into the intense playoff series, but something tells me he's going to get into a groove and make an impact when the Pirates look to even the series on Monday.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

4/29 Recap: Boychuk scraps as Chiefs pull even

Riley Boychuk finished -3 with a fighting major Friday as Portland got hammered by Spokane, 8-3. Thrashers prospect Levko Koper notched a hat trick and an assist for the Chiefs, who evened the WHL Western Conference Final at two games apiece with the series heading back to Portland for Saturday's game five.

After coming to the defense of 16-year old Brendan Leipsic on several occasions during the regular season, a Corbin Baldwin elbow on his 5'8 linemate twelve minutes into the game resulted in Boychuk again stepping in to earn an instigator, major, and misconduct.



This was Boychuk's second scrap of the season with the big Chiefs defenseman, as the 6'5 banger racked up an instigator and misconduct in their battle back in January (again stemming from the 6'5 Baldwin's hit on Leipsic).

In the USHL, Christian Isackson logged a -1 with a shot on a goal as Sioux Falls opened the Western Conference Final with a 5-2 loss to Dubuque. Thrashers prospect Vinny Saponari, previously dismissed from the Boston University program, notched a pair of goals including the game winner for the Fighting Saints. Game two is Saturday in Dubuque.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

4/27 Recap: McNabb keeps stacking; Kassian available

Brayden McNabb (+4) notched two assists Wednesday to extend his playoff point streak to a ridiculous nine games as Kootenay trounced Medicine Hat 7-2 to sweep the WHL Eastern Conference Final four games to love. Max Reinhart (CAL) potted five goals to pace the ICE while McNabb, whose 20 points leads all Canadian junior defensemen in the playoffs, saw his night cut short when he earned a major and game misconduct after scrapping with Tigers forward Emerson Etem with 7:35 to play and the game well in hand.



With the ICE rolling on an eleven-game winning streak, the 6'4 defenseman finds himself one series away from joining former Athol Murray College of Notre Dame teammate Tyler Myers as a Sabres blueline prospect to play in the Memorial Cup. Before that chapter can be written though, Kootenay must first face the winner of the Western Conference Final between Portland and Spokane. (And for those wondering, ICE captain McNabb did not touch the Husky Eastern Conference Championship bowl when it was presented.)

Riley Boychuk made a key play that led to the game winning goal as Portland got past Spokane, 3-2 in overtime. The aggressive forward, who was sent to the box twice in the game for cross-checking (1st period) and slashing (2nd period), chipped the puck from his own zone behind the Chiefs defensemen to create the game winning odd-man rush. The Winterhawks will hold a 2-1 lead when the series resumes Friday in Spokane.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian saw his OHL season come to a close as Windsor got embarrassed by Owen Sound, 10-4. Kassian, who of course was suspended for the game for his game three match penalty, is now eligible for AHL duty if the Sabres want to get the development going with the signed first-rounder. The Attack win the Western Conference Final in five games, not only moving into the OHL Championship against Mississauga, but also earning a berth in the Memorial Cup due to the Majors being this year's host.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

4/25 Recap: Shipley, Kassian on brink of exit

Steven Shipley was unable to register a point for the fourth straight game as Niagara was blown-out by Mississauga, 6-1. The IceDogs now trail the OHL Eastern Conference Final 3-1, with the Majors going for the Tuesday night clinch on home ice. Mississauga’s Gregg Sutch was a healthy scratch for the fourth straight game, while Joe Cramarossa (’11) notched a pair of goals including a shortie for the Memorial Cup hosts.

As previously mentioned, Zack Kassian was forced to sit out as Windsor lost game #4 of the OHL Western Conference Final to Owen Sound, 3-2. The 6’3 bullying wing will learn if he is to miss any additional games when he receives the official disciplinary ruling on Tuesday. The object of Kassian’s Saturday night aggression, defenseman Jesse Blacker, was in action for the Attack in Monday’s victory earning an assist on the game winning goal. Trailing 3-1, the Spits will look to stave off elimination Wednesday in Owen Sound. If they lose, it may not mattter how many games (if any) he is forced to sit, but it may muddy the waters some regarding how the Sabres view their top 2009 pick.

On Sunday, Riley Boychuk skated even as Portland evened the WHL Western Conference Final at a game apiece with a 2-1 win over Spokane. The edgy 6’5 forward has four goals, five assists, and 26 PIM in a dozen playoff games. The series heads to Spokane for a pair of games Wednesday and Friday.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

4/22 Recap: McNabb streaks to six as ICE take opener

Brayden McNabb assisted on a late power play goal Friday as Kootenay opened the WHL Eastern Conference Final with a 6-5 overtime win at Medicine Hat. The 6'4 McNabb, who continues to lead all WHL dmen in points this playoffs with 16 (3+13), extended his point streak to six games when he earned a secondary helper on the game-tying goal with 1:55 left to play in regulation. The ICE, who have now ripped off eight consecutive wins, will look for the road sweep of the Tigers Saturday before taking the series back to Cranbrook.

In the WHL Western Conference Final, Riley Boychuk skated even with a minor penalty as Portland lost game #1 to Spokane, 2-1. Boychuk provided hard-working energy for the 'Hawks, who were coming off a five-day rest, but the Chiefs posted a 43-28 shots-on-goal advantage to gain the edge with the series remaining in Portland for Sunday's game #2. The 6'5 Boychuk has four goals and nine points in the 11 games thus far in the playoffs, but hasn't gotten on the scoresheet in the last four games since Brad Ross returned from suspension to reclaim his top line spot.

In USHL second round action, Christian Isackson (+2) earned an assist as Sioux Falls held on for a 4-3 win over Omaha. The St. Paul, MN native has three goals, three assists, and a +6 rating in five postseason tilts for the Stampede, who now take a comfortable 2-0 series lead back home for Saturday's game #3. Seth Ambroz ('11) notched a late goal for the Lancers to earn the #1 star of the game.

Monday, April 18, 2011

4/17 Recap: Kassian pots turkey as Spits advance

Zack Kassian notched his first career playoff hat trick Sunday to lead Windsor to a 5-0 victory over Saginaw and a berth in the OHL's Western Conference Final. Kassian, who had just two goals in 12 games heading into the game #6, book-ended the first period with a fight 1:12 in and a snipe from the slot with 43-seconds remaining. Kassian's tilt with Anthony Camara marked the second time in the series that the pair dropped the gloves in the opening moments of a game.



I've mentioned it before, but Kassian has had a bi-polar post-season, at times being unstoppable and at others disinterested and detached. The Sabres are going to need to find ways to keep him hungry. However, Sunday was one of those games where he was engaged and ready to compete. He was excellent in the middle frame especially, cycling well to keep the Spirit pinned deep in their end while using his command of the puck and passing ability to create chances for his teammates. At 8:58, Kassian was sprung on a break by Kenny Ryan, faking forehand and then burying a backhand for his second goal of the night to give the Spits the 3-0 lead. The 6'3 completed the hat trick in the third period when his spin-and-fire shot from along the boards made it in the Spirit net. Kassian now has 14 points (5+9) through the first two playoff rounds. The Spits will begin the OHL Western Conference Final Tuesday in Owen Sound.

In the WHL, Riley Boychuk was injured early and did not return as Portland defeated Kelowna, 4-2, to advance to the WHL Western Conference Final. The 6'5 forward looked to be shaken up after taking a first period hit, and until we hear other wise will be considered "day-to-day with an upper body injury". The Winterhawks will open the conference final series Friday on home-ice against the winner of Tri-City/Spokane.

Matt MacKenzie was even as Tri-City lost in overtime to Spokane, 3-2. Trailing the series 3-2, the Americans will look to keep their season alive Tuesday night in Spokane.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson posted an assist as Sioux Falls advanced to the second round of the USHL playoffs with a 5-3 win over Sioux City. A three-goal catalyst in the Herd's first two games, the 6'0 forward was in the box for a high-sticking infraction when the Musketeers scored their first goal. The well-oiled Stampede will continue their quest for the Clark Cup with Wednesday's game #1 at Omaha.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

4/15 Recap: Shipley barks as Dogs move on

Steven Shipley cranked out a goal and two assists Friday as Niagara advanced to the OHL Eastern Conference final with a 7-3 thrashing of Oshawa. The 6'3 center wasted little time building his #2 star effort, notching an assist just 40-seconds into play and then sliding a pass for a successful one-timer nearly two minutes later. Shipley, who was without a goal in 12 career playoff games leading up to the clinching tilt, saw an earlier goal called back due to a high stick before capitalizing on a loose puck to get off the playoff schnide at 10:33 of the first period. Generals 6'2 pivot Boone Jenner ('11) had a goal and an assist to finish his postseason with 12 points (7+5) in 10 games, while teammate and fellow '11 eligible Lucas Lessio gave scouts a taste of his sportsmanship with a double-bird flipoff of the St. Catharines crowd as he left the ice after receiving a third period misconduct. The IceDogs move on to face Mississauga for the right to skate for the OHL Championship.

In the WHL, Riley Boychuk skated even as Portland failed to close the series by dropping an exciting 2-1 overtime decision to Kelowna. With Brad Ross (TOR) returning from a three-game suspension, Boychuk was bumped back to his usual checking line role as the Rockets looked to play another day. Kelowna winger Shane McColgan ('11) picked up an assist, his 18th point of the playoffs, to extend his point streak to nine games. The 5'11 Californian has notched at least one point in every Kelowna postseason game to date. The Winterhawks will get another crack at ending the series Sunday in Kelowna.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

4/13 Recap: Foligno finished; McNabb mackin'

Marcus Foligno scored a goal and an assist Wednesday in what should be the final game of his junior career as Sudbury was swept via a 4-3 overtime loss to Mississauga. The 6’3 winger, who #1 star of the game reminded folks that he wasn't eager to complete his OHL playing days, ends his playoff year with two goals, one assist, one fight, and a -10 rating in eight games. Barring injury, Foligno is expected to report to the Portland Pirates in the coming days on an ATO to hopefully extend his physical brand for a few more weeks of action. Gregg Sutch was a healthy scratch for the Majors, who dug themselves out of a 3-0 hole by quick-striking thrice in the last ten minutes to force the OT.

Also from the OHL, Steven Shipley (+1) recorded an assist as Niagara steamrolled to firm control of their second round series with a 6-1 win over Oshawa. The 6’3 center has yet to score a playoff goal but has collected four assists through the first eight games. The IceDogs will look to close things out Friday at home.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb bagged a pair of assists as Kootenay completed the Eastern Conference semi-final sweep of Saskatoon with a 5-2 win. The ICE captain has collected 14 points (3+11) and a +12 rating through his first 10 games this postseason. Kootenay looks well-oiled and hopes to not lay idle for too long while waiting for the winner of the Red Deer/Medicine Hat series.

Riley Boychuk skated even as Portland downed Kelowna, 4-2. The victory gives the Winterhawks a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series with game #5 Friday in Portland.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson cashed a pair of goals on six shots on net as Sioux Falls opened their 2011 playoff campaign with a 5-1 win over Sioux City. Isackson drilled a power play one-timer from the left circle to open scoring before later dancing around Matt Skoff for his second goal of the night to make it a 3-0 in the middle frame. The clubs will continue to sink their teeth into the series Thursday in SF.