Showing posts with label eno. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eno. Show all posts

Thursday, March 31, 2011

3/30 Recap: Sundher heroic in B's comeback; Eno "Coasts"

Kevin Sundher potted two goals and an assist Wednesday as Chilliwack overcame a three-goal third period deficit to earn a 4-3 OT win over Spokane. Sunder led the way in the third, assisting on a power play goal to bring the Bruins within one before going to the net and making a nice backhand move to cash the game tying goal with 8:16 left and force the extra session. The six-foot center capped the heroic effort just 3:20 in when he broke free from center ice and smoked a quick release over the glove of James Reid. The Bruins now trail the series 2-1 with game #3 Thursday.

Elsewhere in the WHL, Brayden McNabb (+3) had an assist as Kootenay evened their series at two games apiece with a 5-0 shutout win over Moose Jaw. The 6'4 blueliner, who took the puck and delivered a sharp pass after entering the zone as the trailer to give the ICE a 3-0 lead, has a goal and three assists through the four post-season contests. Three of the four series games have been won via shutout. Game #5 is Friday in Kootenay.

Matt MacKenzie (+2) posted an assist as Tri-City earned a first-round sweep with a 5-1 over Vancouver. MacKenzie has a goal, three assists, and a +3 raing in four postseason games. The Ams will now wait for their next opponent to be determined.

Riley Boychuk did not point as Portland defeated Everett, 5-4. With a commanding 3-0 series lead, the Winterhawks will look for the sweep on Thursday.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian notched his first goal of the playoffs and added an assist as Windsor gained a firmed upper hand in their first round tilt with a 7-4 win over Erie. Kassian used his size and strength to spin away from a check and bury his first to give the Spits a 4-2 lead in the early second period. Alexander Khokhlachev ('11) had two goals and assist for the Spits, who can close out the series on Friday.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc picked up an assist as Rimouski lost in overtime to Gatineau, 4-3. The 18-year old, who assisted on the game-tying goal with 3:55 to play to send the game into overtime, has three points in four playoff games. The defeat puts the Nics in a 3-1 hole in their best-of-seven series, with their first elimination game coming Friday in Gatineau.

Cedrick Henley (-1) recorded two shots on goal and three hits as Val-d'Or was eliminated from the QMJHL playoffs with a 5-2 loss to Quebec. Henley ends the four-game playoff year with no points, a -4 rating, and six penalty minutes.


###

In non-playoff news, as expected ex-Bowling Green netminder Nick Eno has signed a contract with Toledo of the ECHL. The 6'3 Eno was long considered a longshot to get a contract from the Sabres, and the Coast league deal essentially brings an end to his time as a Sabres prospect.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

3/12 Recap: Sundher rolls; McNabb closing strong

Kevin Sundher scored two goals and added an assist Saturday as Chilliwack clinched a playoff spot with a 8-5 win over Vancouver. Sundher, who earned the game's #3 star, saw all three points come in the opening 20-minutes to reach the 70-point mark for the first time in his WHL career. It was the 20th multi-point game of the season for the Surrey, BC native. Sundher has accumulated a line of 22-49-71 in 66 games with 24 of those points coming in his last 17 games. The Bruins (32-30-3-3) will face Kelowna on Sunday.

Brayden McNabb (+2) scored a goal and an assist for his 21st multi-point effort of the year as Kootenay lost via the shootout to Spokane, 4-3. The big defenseman notched his 21st goal of the season, his seventh point in his last three games, with 1:40 left in regulation to force overtime in one of the most entertaining games to watch this year. McNabb, whose shootout attempt was stopped to end the game, now has 69 points on the year - three short of tying PEI's Marc-Andre Gragnani (72) for most points by a Sabres defensive prospect in the last decade. However, he likely won't be catching Ottawa's Brian Campbell (87, 1998-99) or Calgary's Matt Kinch (84, 2000-01) for most single-season points for a defenseman drafted under the Darcy Regier administration. The Ice (42-21-1-4) return to action Tuesday against Central Division foes Medicine Hat.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (+1) extended his point streak to six games with an assist as Rimouski was hammered by Rouyn-Noranda, 6-2. Gauthier-Leduc remains 5th among QMJHL defender with 49 points (12+37). Rimouski (29-31-1-3), who will finish no lower than the 13th playoff position, will play it back with the Huskies on Sunday.

Cedrick Henley (+2) picked up a pair of assists as Val-d'Or posted a 4-0 shutout win over Chicoutimi. Henley has netted six points in his last five games for the Foreurs (25-33-4-4), who have cliched the 14th QMJHL playoff spot.

Elsewhere, Mark Pysyk finished -1 as Edmonton was shut out by high-powered Saskatoon, 4-0. Despite the loss, the Oil Kings (30-32-3-5) were still able to clinch a playoff spot thanks to Lethbridge and Prince Albert losses. Edmonton returns to action Tuesday for tilt with the Hurricanes.

Riley Boychuk (+1) assisted on the game winning goal as Portland edged Everett, 2-1. The bruising power forward now has career highs in goals (15) and assists (17). The Winterhawks (47-18-0-3), who dealt the Tips their seventh straight defeat, will host Vancouver on Wednesday.

Corey Fienhage played even as Kamloops lost in a shootout to Kelowna, 1-0. The Blazers (29-36-3-2) have lost five games in a row, and will look to keep their playoff hopes alive Friday against Prince George.

Justin Jokinen was even with a shot on goal as Minnesota State surrendered a third period lead for the second straight night to end their year with a 3-2 overtime loss to #6 Denver. The 11th seeded Mavericks (14-18-4) played tough but were ultimately outworked by the more talented, #2 seed Pioneers. Jokinen, who finishes his junior season with nine goals and 17 points, saw most of his production come early as he scored just one goal and two assists in his 15 games including a seven-game pointless streak to end the year.

Drew MacKenzie drew an assist as Vermont saw their season end with a 4-3 loss to #10 New Hampshire. The junior defenseman's backhand pass towards the net was knocked in for the game's first goal at 3:49 of the second period. MacKenzie, who is expected to return to Burlington for his senior year, ends the season fourth on the Catamounts in scoring with five goals and 17 points. Vermont finishes their disappointing campaign 8-20-8.

Connor Knapp made 14 saves as #7 Miami earned the sweep of Alaska-Fairbanks, 4-1. The 6'5 stopper moves to 8-5-4 on the year with a 2.03 GAA and .909 save percentage. With the win, the RedHawks (21-9-6) advance to the CCHA semifinals next weekend to face one of Notre Dame, Western Michigan, or Ferris State.

Nick Eno did not start but did play out the final minutes as Bowling Green saw their season come to an end with a 4-1 loss at #5 Michigan. After UM took a three-goal lead late, a class move by Falcons coach Chris Bergeron saw Eno come over the boards for the final 8:54 before taking over his BGSU sweater for the last time. The 6'3 netminder ends his senior year at 4-10-1 with a 3.12 GAA and .885 save percentage, while the Falcons shut it down at 10-27-4.

Brad Eidsness served as backup as #1 North Dakota earned the WCHA first-round sweep with a 3-1 win over Michigan Tech. The McNaughton Cup winning Sioux (28-8-3) advance to the WCHA Final Five where they'll face one of UAA or Colorado College/Wisconsin next Friday.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

3/11 Recap: McNabb in good company as playoffs loom

Brayden McNabb continued his recent stacking of points with two assists Friday as Kootenay won via shootout over Swift Current, 5-4. Still without a NHL contract, McNabb enters the final week of play as the #3 scorer among WHL defenders with 67 points, just five short of eclipsing Marc-Andre Gragnani's (71 in 2005-06) for the highest total among Sabres defensive prospects of the last decade. Barrie's Nick Crawford finished with 70 a year ago. It's also worth noting that McNabb's 20-goal prowess puts him in good company with Dennis Wideman (24, 2003-04) Gragnani (22, 2006-07), and Andrej Sekera (21, 2005-06) among top blueline goal scorers recently drafted by the Sabres.

Elsewhere in the WHL, Kevin Sundher played even as Chilliwack saw their six-game winning streak snapped with a 3-2 overtime loss to Seattle, 3-2. The six-footer, who recently capped a streak that saw him score 19 points over 11 games, has produced two assists in his last five outings.

Mark Pysyk (-3) saw his career-best seven-game point streak come to an end as Edmonton lost to Prince Albert, 5-2. Despite the loss the Oil Kings had a chance to clinch a WHL playoff berth with a Calgary win, but their 2012 World Junior partner could not come through.

Corey Fienhage finished -1 as Kamloops lost to Kelowna, 5-1. Neighbor of my brother and donor of old equipment to my nephew, Shane McColgan ('11) had three power play assists to power the Rockets offense. The Sabres get a good discount when scouting Kelowna, and I'm curious where they see McColgan fitting come draft day. A creative forward with grit, McColgan has put together 21-44-65 this season after a 69 point campaign as 16/17 a season ago.

Riley Boychuk returned to the Winterhawks lineup after missing a half-dozen games with a concussion as Portland downed Everett. Three NHL draft picks and another sure to go early this June, Nino Niederreiter, Ty Rattie ('11), Ryan Johansen and Craig Cunningham, blitzed the Tips for four goals in the first five minutes of the middle period to take control of the game.

Matt MacKenzie was -1 as Tri-City lost to Spokane. Anthony Bardaro ('11) scored his 20th goal of the year for the Chiefs.

In the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley registered four hits including a checking from behind minor as Val-d'Or edged Chicoutimi in a shootout, 3-2. The 6'5 project entered the game with points in three straight games.

Marcus Foligno missed his second straight game due to "illness" as Sudbury lost via shootout to Belleville, 4-3.

Gregg Sutch was a healthy scratch as Mississauga defeated Brampton, 6-2.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson notched a pair of assists as Sioux Falls fell to Cedar Rapids, 5-3. The Minnesotan now has 15 points (4+11) in his 14 games.

In the first round of the WCHA tournament, Justin Jokinen did not get on the scoresheet as Minnesota State lost to #6 Denver, 4-2. The Mavericks held a 2-0 lead after two periods before suffering a four-goal collapse in the third.

In game #1 of the CCHA quarterfinal, Connor Knapp watched as Cody Reichard made 17 saves to help #7 Miami to a 4-1 win over Alaska. UFA senior center Andy Miele scored his 20th goal and 62nd points of the season for the RedHawks. Miele, who leads the nation in scoring, has scored points in 14 straight games.

Also from CCHA quarterfinal weekend, Nick Eno served as back-up to Andrew Hammond as Bowling Green lost to #5 Michigan, 5-1.

In the Hockey East tourney, Drew MacKenzie was +1 with three shots on goal as Vermont lost the opener to #10 New Hampshire, 3-1.

Brad Eidsness did not play as North Dakota cruised past Michigan Tech, 8-0. The Sioux will close to close out their first round opponent Saturday.

Monday, March 7, 2011

3/6 Recap: Henley gets first since fall

Cedrick Henley scored his first goal since October 22nd Sunday as Val-d’Or earned a 3-2 shootout win over #3 ranked Montreal. The even-strength mark, Henley’s fifth of the year, comes in his 17th game of the season and fifth game back after returning from wrist surgery. Last year, the 6’5 forward scored five times in 44 contests for the Foreurs.

In the WHL, Matt MacKenzie scored his career-best seventh goal of the season as Tri-City downed Vancouver, 5-1. The 6’2 defender now has points in two straight games after enduring an 11-game point drought.

Kevin Sundher posted two assists as Chilliwack got past Portland, 6-2. The Bruins center enters the home stretch with 20 goals and 68 points in 63 games. Last season he totaled 25 goals and 61 points while playing in all 72 games.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian finished -1 as Windsor won a 4-3 shootout over Guelph. Kassian took a slashing call on the first shift of overtime which the Spits successfully killed off.

Gregg Sutch (+2) assisted on the game’s first goal, which also held up as the game winner, as Mississauga shut out Sudbury , 4-0. The helper was Sutch’s third point in last 14 games and 24th (7+17) on the year. Marcus Foligno finished -2 for the Wolves.

In the CCHA playoffs, Nick Eno served as backup while Andrew Hammond directed Bowling Green to a 3-2 double-overtime win at Northern Michigan. The upset-minded Falcons will travel to face regular season champion Michigan in the quarterfinals next weekend.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

3/5 Recap: Pysyk extends; Eidsness sighting

Mark Pysyk netted his sixth goal of the year Saturday to extend his career-long point streak to seven games as Edmonton dropped a 3-1 decision to Medicine Hat. The smooth skating rearguard has gathered three goals, half of his season haul, and eight apples over the span.

Kevin Sundher did not point for the second straight game as Chilliwack downed Kamloops, 4-1. It's an event when Sundher doesn't get on the scoresheet after his recent 11-game point streak that saw him amass 19 points. Corey Fienhage was -1 for the Blazers in defeat.

Kootenay captain Brayden McNabb missed the Ice's 4-2 win over Prince Albert due to a one-game suspension from his boarding penalty in Friday's blowout loss to Saskatoon.

In the OHL, Steven Shipley ended a three-game point drought by collecting a goal and two assists as Niagara unloaded on Sarnia, 10-3. The game had a little bit of everything, ranging from a six-point night from David Pacan (FLA) to a goalie fight. The multi-point night gives Shipley a line of 17-28-45 on the year. Nail Yakupov ('12) potted his 45th goal of the year for the Sting, while Alex Galchenyuk scored his 25th.

Zack Kassian scored his 26th goal of the year as Windsor was bested by Plymouth, 6-2. Kassian's rebound of an Alexander Khokhlachev shot gives the 6'3 power forward two goals and three assists over his last three games. Whalers goalie Matt Mahalak ('11) made 50 saves to get the win.

Gregg Sutch did not get on the sheet as Mississauga edged Oshawa, 4-3. The grinding forward, who has been in and out of the lineup of late despite being healthy, has just two goals and two assists in his last 16 games.

In the Q, Cedrick Henley had an assist and three hits as Val-d'Or lost in a shootout to Gatineau, 3-2. The helper was his first point in four games since returning from corrective wrist surgery.

In USHL action, Christian Isackson earned an assist as Sioux Falls fell in a shootout to Tri-City, 3-2. The Gopher commit, who was thwarted in his shootout attempt, has 34 points in 46 games including 14 in his last 15.

In the NCAA, Drew MacKenzie picked up a pair of assists as Vermont doubled Lowell, 4-3. The junior defenseman now has nine points in his last nine games. The Catamounts move on to face New Hampshire in the final

Mark Adams played even as Providence closed their 2010-11 season by upsetting #7 Merrimack, 5-3. The 6'3 defenseman ends his freshman season with three assists, 22 PIM, and a -7 rating. The Friars (8-18-8) missed the Hockey East playoffs by one point after Massachusetts got the last spot with 4-4 tie with Maine.

If you had March 5th in the Brad Eidsness pool, then you're the big winner. The junior goalie made 18 saves in his first start since November 19th as #1 North Dakota closed the regular season with an 11-2 stomping of Michigan Tech. Eidsness ups his numbers to 2-2-1 with a 4.09 goals against average and .812 save percentage.

Also from the WCHA, Justin Jokinen punched two shots on goal as Minnesota State was swept by Alaska-Anchorage, 4-1.

Nick Eno served as backup as Bowling Green forced a third and deciding game of the CCHA first round with a 2-0 shutout of Northern Michigan. The two clubs will play the rubber match Sunday night.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

3/4 Recap: JGL continues roll; Sundher's streak ends

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc gathered a pair of goals and an assist Friday to lead Rimouski past Chicoutimi, 6-4. The 6'2 puck-mover has produced four goals and four assists over his four-game point streak to thrust himself into a tie for seventh among QMJHL rearguards with 46 points (12+34).

In the WHL, Matt MacKenzie ended his 11-game point slumber with a power play goal and an assist on the game winner as Tri-City defeated Everett, 3-2 in overtime. The offensive drought, ended by a laser from the high slot, was MacKenzie's longest since his rookie season back in 2007-08.

Mark Pysyk (+1) posted an assist as Edmonton defeated Medicine Hat, 4-3 in a shootout. The helper gives the 6'1 defender two goals and eight assists over his current career-best six-game point streak.

Kevin Sundher (+1) saw his 11-game point streak snapped as Chilliwack edged Kelowna, 1-0. The 6'0 center collected three goals and 16 assists on the run that began back on 2/5, and sits with 20 goals and a career-best 66 points with nine games left to play.

Brayden McNabb finished -1 as Kootenay got embarrassed by Saskatoon, 9-2. With frustration mounting, McNabb racked up boarding and fighting majors and a game misconduct at the end of the second period when he drove Chris Collins into the boards from behind and was forced to defend his action against Brent Benson ('11) for his fourth fight of the year.




Corey Fienhage finished -1 with his fourth fighting major of the season as Kamloops lost to Lethbridge, 4-1. The 6'4 "Moose" Fienhage dished out a clean hit along the boards early in the third period and was asked to tangle with Hurricanes forward Mitch Maxwell. Earlier in the game, Fienhage ended Hurricane forward Philip Tot's night with another clean, hard hit.



Riley Boychuk did not play (concussion) as Portland clobbered Seattle, 9-1.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno (+1) notched an assist as Sudbury shut out Brampton, 2-0. The Wolves captain put a scare into Wolves fans when he went to the locker room just a few shifts into the game and did return until the second period.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson picked up an assist on the game-tying goal as Sioux Falls rallied to a 4-3 overtime win over Lincoln. The budding forward has five goals and eight assists in his last 14 games.

In the NCAA, Drew MacKenzie scored the gane-tying goal in with :45 to play in regulation as Vermont played to a 4-4 tie with Lowell. The tally, the junior's fifth of the year, gives the junior 14 points in 31 games this season.

Nick Eno allowed one goal on 16 shots in relief as Bowling Green opened the CCHA playoffs with a 6-3 loss to Northern Michigan. Eno was called into the game in the second period after starter Andrew Hammond surrendered four goals in the first 26-minutes of play.

Justin Jokinen was -2 as Minnesota State lost to Alaska-Anchorage, 4-0.

Mark Adams was -1 as Providence got hammered by #9 Merrimack, 6-1.

Brad Eidsness did not play as #1 North Dakota smoked Michigan Tech, 6-1. I'm done speculating whether or not Eidsness is going to get the start in the Sioux's final regular season game on Saturday, but I did speak to someone in Grand Forks this week that doesn't believe the former AJHL MVP will be in Grand Forks next season.

###

On Thursday, Zack Kassian (+1)  contributed a pair of assists as Windsor got past London, 4-3. At the 50-game mark, the 6'3 forward has totaled 25 goals and 74 points for the Spits.

Steven Shipley was -1 as Niagara defeated Sudbury, 5-2. Marcus Foligno logged a -2 in the loss.