12/29 Recap: Grigorenko dishes; Peterson posts best

Mikhail Grigorenko notched a pair of assists Saturday as Russia downed Germany 7-0 at the 2013 World Junior Championship.

The crafty pivot feathered a beautiful saucer pass to former Quebec Remparts teammate Nikita Kucherov for the game winning goal at 1:18 of the first period. It was the second time he connected with Kucherov in the tourney, with both goals coming on nearly identical plays. Grigorenko would later send a soft pass back to the point that was pounded in for a goal by Albert Yarullin to make it a 4-0 score. After three tourney tilts, Grigorenko has accumulated three helpers, two penalty minutes, a plus-three rating, and 16 shots on goal.



Following his masterful 41-save performance in Friday's win over the USA, goaltender Andrey Makarov was given the day off while Igor Ustinsky was tabbed to backup Tampa prospect Andrei Vasilevski.

With three wins and eight points in the tournament, Russia gets a day off before battling Canada in a game that will likely settle first place in Group B.

Elsewhere, Judd Peterson posted a career-best three points (1+2) as Cedar Rapids was defeated by Waterloo 7-4. The St. Cloud State commit scored his sixth goal of year, and first on the power play, at 11:46 of the opening period to give the Riders a 1-0 lead. Buffalo Jr. Sabres product Andrew Poturalski drew an assist on the play. Cedar Rapids closes the 2012 portion of the schedule Monday at Tri-City.

Colin Jacobs scored a goal and and assist as Prince George coughed up a three-goal third period lead in losing a 4-3 shootout decision at Victoria. Jacobs has five points in four outings since returning from a six-game suspension. Prince George completes a three games in three nights run Sunday in Vancouver. The Royals were playing without Logan Nelson, the team's second-leading scorer who injured his left leg in Friday's victory over the Cougars. His status going forward is still to be determined pending results of Saturday's medical exam.



In OHL action, Brady Austin assisted on the game winning goal as Belleville edged Kitchener 3-2. The 6-foot-4 defender has two goals and eight points in his last 11 games. Belleville begins a home-and-home series with Peterborough on Tuesday.



Justin Kea posted a power play assist in Saginaw's 8-3 pummeling of Windsor. The Spirit trailed 3-1 in the first minute of the second period before unleashing seven unanswered goals to get the victory. Saginaw next hits the road for a Monday tilt at Sault Ste. Marie.

In NCAA play, Christian Isackson posted a nice assist as Minnesota advanced to the final of the Mariucci Classic with a 4-0 win over Air Force. Isackson chased a loose puck down in the second period and quickly fed it to a crashing Ryan Reilly to give the Gophers a 2-0 lead. On Sunday, Minnesota will square off with Boston College, winners over Alabama-Huntsville in Saturday's opener, for the tourney title.



In the AHL, Marcus Foligno scored his 10th goal of the year and David Leggio earned the game's number two star with 27 saves, but Rochester dropped a 2-1 home-ice decision to Binghamton. The goal gives Foligno points in three straight games heading into Monday's matinee versus Hamilton.

The Rundown:
Foligno: G, +1, 3 SOG
Brennan: -1, 6 SOG, 4 PIM
McNabb: -1, 2 SOG
Flynn: A, +1
Girgensons: -2, SOG
Sundher: SOG
Gauthier-Leduc: SOG
Varone: -2, 2 SOG
Pysyk: even
Adam: even

Brennan unloads as Amerks take wild one

T.J. Brennan uncorked a career-best five points (1+4) Wednesday as Rochester climbed out of the Christmas break with a thrilling 7-6 overtime victory over Lake Erie. Marcus Foligno ended it at 2:40 of the extra frame after Cody Hodgson, who added a pair of goals himself including one shorthanded, picked the pocket of a Monsters defender behind the net and sent a cross-ice feed to his waiting winger.

Brennan used his cannon slap shot to get his goal, and also saw point blasts tipped for two of his four assists. His previous career-best single game output was three set back in 2010-11.

Evan Rankin, Zemgus Girgensons, and Mark Mancari were the other Amerks scorers, while David Leggio stopped 32 of 38 shots to earn his 13th victory of the year and fifth when allowing five or more goals.

Luke Adam saw his eight-game point streak come to an end in the win. Adam nearly extended the streak in the overtime session while on a shift with Brian Flynn, but was unable to beat Calvin Pickard with the open opportunity.

Please visit amerks.com for the full game recap and video highlights.

The two clubs will travel to Buffalo Friday for a tilt at nearly-sold out First Niagara Center.

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In SEL play, Linus Ullmark served as backup goaltender as MODO returned from the break by posting a 2-0 shutout of AIK. MODO's top club goes back at it Friday at Lulea.

12/21 Recap: Amerks battle back for shootout victory

Cody Hodgson scored his first shootout goal of the year Friday to cap the comeback as Rochester earned a 6-5  victory over Binghamton.

Evan Rankin and Luke Adam scored 28 seconds apart to give the Amerks a 2-1 lead after the opening frame. For Adam, the goal was his fifth in his last six games. The third-year man has points in seven straight.

The teams would continue trading goals over the next 40 minutes. Kevin Porter lit the lamp to give the Amerks a 3-2 lead midway through the second period, but Binghamton would eventually gain a 5-3 advantage in the third. Rochester again would use quick strikes to even the score, as T.J. Brennan went high for his 11th of the year before Kevin Sundher scarfed up a rebound 49 seconds later for his first professional goal.

A momentum changer came early in the third when David Leggio dove back into the crease to rob Stephane Da Costa of a sure goal with a highlight reel stop. Leggio finished the night with 34 saves.

After a scoreless overtime and shootout misses by Brian Flynn, Phil Varone, and Mark Mancari, the Amerks would get three straight goals from Brennan, Marcus Foligno, and Hodgson to earn the extra point.

The two clubs will next travel to Binghamton for a Saturday rematch.

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In USHL action, Judd Peterson recorded two shots on goal as Cedar Rapids was blanked by Fargo 3-0. The RoughRiders will visit Sioux Falls Saturday for their final game before the Christmas break.

10/27 Recap: Armia unloads; Kea extends streak

Joel Armia scored on the power play Saturday as Assat lost 4-3 to KalPa. The big wing unloaded a one-timer from the left side for his eighth of the year as the Aces third period comeback came up a goal short. Next up for Assat is a Wednesday meeting with the Espoo Blues.


Also from Europe, Linus Ullmark made 20 saves as MODO J20 scored a late goal to capture a 4-3 win over AIK. Ullmark was a driving force with many big saves late in the game en route to picking up his fifth win of the year. MODO J20 will face Vasteras on Sunday.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci notched the game winning goal as Owen Sound downed Sudbury 3-1. Catenacci, who added an assist on a Cameron Brace empty-netter, has seven goals and 16 points through the first 13 games. The Attack go back at it Sunday versus Windsor.


Justin Kea picked up an assist to extend his point streak to a career-best four games as Saginaw dropped a 3-1 decision at Peterborough. The 6-foot-4 center elevates his season line to 11 points (3+8) through 15 games. He posted a line of 3-11-14 in 65 games a season ago. After playing three games in three nights, the Spirit get to rest their legs until Saturday's meeting with Belleville.


Alex Lepkowski finished with an even rating as Barrie downed Niagara 4-1. Lepkowski continues to play tough defensively while also seeing time at the left point on Barrie's power play. The Colts travel to Sudbury on Friday.

Brady Austin did not factor into the scoring as Belleville pitched a 1-0 shutout of Kingston. The Bulls are off until Friday when they visit London.


In the WHL, Colin Jacobs connected for a pair of assists as Prince George dominated early but needed a shootout to get a 3-2 win over Brandon. Normally an ace breakaway performer, Jacobs missed on a penalty shot attempt in regulation and was stopped as the first Cougars shooter in the tiebreaking frame. The 6-foot-2 center has 18 points (8+10) at the 15 game benchmark. Prince George returns to action Friday at Kamloops.



Logan Nelson registered an assist in Victoria's 5-2 loss at Kamloops. The helper maintains Nelson's point-per-game pace through the first 15 games of the year (3+12). The Royals continue their road trip next Friday at Portland.



In the USHL, Judd Peterson scored a late third-period goal as Cedar Rapids fell short in a 3-2 loss to undefeated Dubuque. The St. Cloud State commit capitalized on a turnover and scored through the five-hole in the game's final minute. The RoughRiders host Tri-City on Friday.

In NCAA play, Jake McCabe and Brad Navin were unable to factor into the scoring as Wisconsin played to a 2-2 tie at Minnesota-Duluth. The Badgers return home next weekend for a WCHA set with Colorado College.

Mark Adams played even as Providence earned the weekend sweep with a 3-0 win over Maine. Jon Gillies (CAL) made 26 saves for his first career NCAA shutout. The Friars continue the Hockey East schedule next weekend at Vermont.

In AHL play, Rick Schofield recorded the first two-goal game of his AHL career to lead the Rochester Americans to a 6-2 win at Adirondack.

Schofield scarfed up a rebound to give Rochester at 1-0 lead 9:28 of the opening period. Frederick Roy assisted on the goal to record his first professional point.

Schofield again lit the lamp in the middle frame, sandwiched between power play marks by Kevin Porter and Evan Rankin as the Amerks took a 4-1 lead into the second intermission.

The Phantoms would get one back in the third before Nick Crawford's empty-netter and Nick Tarnasky's first of the year sealed the deal for Rochester.

With assists on the Rankin goal, Marcus Foligno and Cody Hodgson each hit the 10-point mark in game number eight to gain a share of the AHL scoring lead. T.J. Brennan went without a point to see his four-game point streak snapped.

Rochester heads home for Friday's tilt with Hamilton. The contest will be the first of five Friday night home games for the Amerks.

10/20 Recap: Foligno posts best; Armia returns in style

The Rochester Americans applied their rally caps Friday, scoring seven times in the final two periods to earn a wild 8-7 victory at Hershey. Marcus Foligno (first star of the game) paved the way with a career-best two goals and two assists as the Amerks twice overcame two-goal deficits to spoil the Bears' home opener.

For Foligno, the four-point night bests his previous AHL high of 2+1 posted last April versus Syracuse. It's his highest single-game output since a 3+1 effort in December 2010 as a member of the Sudbury Wolves.

T.J. Brennan (second star) collected two goals and an assist, while Cody Hodgson (three assists), Mark Mancari (1+1), and Brayden McNabb (two assists) also posted multiple-point outings.

The Amerks are off until Tuesday when they face the Hamilton Bulldogs at First Niagara Center in Buffalo.

Joel Armia returned from injury, cashing a goal and an assist as Assat blazed past Ilves 6-1. Armia, who now has seven goals and 11 points through 15 games including three multi-point efforts, missed just one Assat contest after getting his bell rung early in Tuesday's tilt with SaiPa.


Linus Ullmark made 26 saves as MODO J20 lost 3-2 to Brynas. The game looked to be heading to OT before a Brynas goal in the final minute of regulation handed Ullmark his first SuperElit loss since returning from Mora.

In WHL action, Colin Jacobs scored his eighth goal of the year on the power play as Prince George took a 3-2 loss to Spokane. The Cougars allowed a goal with 24-seconds left on the clock en route to accepting their fifth consecutive loss.



Andrey Makarov made 24 saves in Saskatoon's 3-2 loss to Everett. The Blades, who have allowed a league-high 55 goals against, have lost lost two straight games to remain in last place in the WHL's Eastern Conference.


In the OHL, Dan Catenacci extended his point streak to six games as Owen Sound was defeated by Oshawa 3-2. The loss halts the Attack's five-game winning streak.


Justin Kea picked up two assists as Saginaw lost an 8-5 barnburner to Guelph. The 6-foot-4 center has a goal and seven points through the Spirit's first 12 games.

Alex Lepkowski did not point as Barrie battled back to force extra time but lost to London 3-2 in the shootout. The loss was the first at home this season for the Colts, who remain unbeaten in regulation in their last nine games.

In NCAA action, Christian Isackson went without a point for the first time in four regular season games as top-ranked Minnesota earned the weekend split with a 3-2 win over Michigan Tech. The Gophers will host the U.S. Under-18 team on Friday before welcoming Canisius to Mariucci Arena on Sunday.

Mark Adams finished -1 as Providence suffered a 4-3 overtime defeat at #4 Miami. The Friars battled back from three one-goal deficits before succumbing in the extra session.

In the USHL, Judd Peterson did not play as Cedar Rapids came from behind to claim a 7-5 win over Indiana.

10/19 Recap: Grigo pots 10th; Cat first star

Mikhail Grigorenko scored his 10th goal of the year as Quebec lost to Victoriaville 6-3. The goal extends Grigorenko's season-starting point streak to 11 games. The Remparts, who lost for just the second time this season, return to the ice Sunday at Drummondville.


Dan Catenacci (+3) notched a pair of assists as Owen Sound skated to a 4-1 triumph over Ottawa. Catenacci's brilliant, no-quit effort earned him the number one star honor. The Attack remain home for Saturday's game with Oshawa.


Justin Kea did not factor into the scoring as Saginaw clobbered Saginaw 6-1. Saginaw welcomes Guelph to town on Saturday.

Brady Austin was -1 as Belleville was defeated by Sudbury 3-2. The Bulls are off until Wednesday when they play Mississauga.

In the WHL, Andrey Makarov made 26 saves as Saskatoon came up short in a 2-1 loss to Swift Current. The Blades will look to get back on track Saturday versus Everett.

In the USHL, Judd Peterson was -2 with a roughing minor as Cedar Rapids held off Indiana to earn a 4-3 victory. Buffalo Jr. Sabres product Andrew Poturalski scored the game winning goal in his first-ever USHL game. The RoughRiders will travel to Indiana Saturday to complete the home-and-home series.

In NCAA play, Christian Isackson assisted on a Nick Bjugstad goal as #1 Minnesota dropped a 5-3 decision at Michigan Tech. The sophomore forward has points in all three Gopher tilts this season.

Mark Adams skated on the second defensive pair as Providence played to a 1-1 tie with Miami.

In Rochester, the Amerks dug themselves out of a two-goal deficit in the second period en route to earning a 4-3 win over Grand Rapids. Brian Flynn (first professional goal), T.J. Brennan, Phil Varone, and Marcus Foligno all scored for the Amerks.

Frederick Roy made his AHL debut, appearing on a line with Nick Tarnasky and Rick Schofield. The other units:

Girgensons - Porter - Flynn
Foligno - Varone - Rankin
Adam - Hodgson - Mancari

McNabb - Pysyk
Finley - MacKenzie
Brennan - Biega

10/13 Recap: Catenacci powers Attack; Austin posts career best

Dan Catenacci scored his second goal of the game in the final minute of regulation and then notched the shootout winner as Owen Sound downed Peterborough 5-4. The 5-foot-10 speedster has six goals, 11 points, and two shootout winners in nine games this season. The Attack are off until Friday when they host Ottawa.


Elsewhere in the OHL, Brady Austin earned the game's number two star with a career-best three assists as Belleville skated to a 4-1 win over Oshawa. Austin has collected five helpers through the Bulls' first nine games.


Alex Lepkowski played even as Barrie earned a 2-1 victory over Sudbury. The Colts are back at it Thursday versus Ottawa.

In USHL action, Judd Peterson pocketed a pair of assists as Cedar Rapids was dealt a wild 8-7 shootout loss to Green Bay. The St. Cloud State commit has a goal and four points through his first four games in a RoughRiders uniform.

In Sweden, Linus Ullmark made 28 stops as MODO J20 defeated Leksands 5-3. The win was Ullmark's second in as many days after being returned to MODO from his loan to Mora.

In Finland, Joel Armia finished -1 in 13:34 of work as Assat lost to Tappara 2-1. Armia will enter Thursday's game against Karpat with nine points (6+3) in 13 games.

In WHL action, Andrey Makarov made 27 saves to backbone Saskatoon to a 5-2 win over Lethbridge. Makarov's victory, his first in two weeks (since 9/29), improves his season record to 3-6 with a 3.51 goals against average and .888 save percentage. The Blades continue their road cruise through Alberta on Sunday with a stop in Medicine Hat.


Logan Nelson earned an assist on the game winning goal as Victoria edged Kelowna 3-2. Fellow Minnesotan Ben Walker (undrafted) had a pair of goals for the winners.


Colin Jacobs (-3) saw his eight-game point streak come to an end as Prince George was buried by Medicine Hat 7-2.

In the college ranks, Christian Isackson netted a pair of assists as #2 Minnesota cruised to a 7-1 hammering of Michigan State. Isackson helped out on goals by linemates Nick Bjugstad (game winner) and Kyle Rau. The Gophers will look to keep their early momentum going next weekend at Michigan Tech.


Mark Adams was +1 with a shot on goal as Providence lost to Boston University 4-2. The Friars return to the road next weekend when they visit #8 Miami.

Brad Navin (-1) and Jake McCabe were both held off the scoresheet as Wisconsin was swept by Northern Michigan 4-2. The Badgers open WCHA conference play next weekend at Minnesota-Duluth.

In the AHL, Marcus Foligno scored on the power play but it was all the Rochester Americans could muster in taking a 3-1 loss to Toronto. David Leggio made 34 saves including 15 in the third period. The Amerks host Binghamton on Tuesday.

10/12 Recap: Amerks open with win

Corey Tropp scored a pair of goals and Mark Mancari scored the only mark in the shootout as Rochester opened the 2012-13 season Friday with a 6-5 win over Syracuse.

Tropp lit the lamp in the game's opening minute when he tapped in a two-on-one feed from Cody Hodgson. Later in the period,  Tropp batted down a Luke Adam shot in front of the net and beat Dustin Tokarski to give the Amerks a 2-1 lead. Marcus Foligno scored shortly after Tropp's second goal to give the Amerks a 3-1 advantage at the first intermission.

Mark Pysyk notched his first professional goal in the second period before the Crunch went on to score four unanswered the take a 5-4 lead midway through the final frame. Mark Mancari rounded out the Rochester scoring to make it 5-5 with under four minutes to play in regulation to force the OT.

David Leggio made 29 saves and another five in the shootout to earn the win. Tropp suffered a lower body injury and is unlikely to play when the Amerks continue their opening weekend Saturday in Toronto.

In the QMJHL, Mikhail Grigorenko continued his superb start to the 2012-13 season by scoring two goals and an assist to extend his point streak to nine games as Quebec defeated Gatineau 4-1. The talented Russian currently ranks second in QMJHL scoring with eight goals and 20 points through the Remparts' first nine games. The Remparts are off until Wednesday's tilt with Saint John.


 In Finland, Joel Armia scored his sixth goal of the year as Assat doubled Tappara 4-2. The 6-foot-3 sniper got the Aces on the board when he cut to the net and directed a Michael Ryan pass past the Tappara netminder. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.



Linus Ullmark made 30 saves as MODO J20 downed Leksands 6-2. Ullmark was making his return to SuperElit action after a three-week loan to Mora IK of HockeyAllsvenskan. MODO and Leksands will play a rematch on Saturday.

In the WHL, Colin Jacobs picked up an assist as Prince George downed Lethbridge 3-2. The helper extends Jacobs' season-starting point streak to a career-best eight games (7+7). The Cougars continue their road trip Saturday in Medicine Hat.

Logan Nelson saw his five-game point streak come to an end as Victoria lost to Kelowna 4-1. The Royals and Rockets will again face off Saturday in Victoria.

Andrey Makarov made 24 saves as Saskatoon lost to Kootenay 4-3. The Blades have lost five straight games to occupy last place in the East Division.

In OHL action, Brady Austin was +1 as Belleville pitched a 2-0 shutout of Brampton. The Bulls, who have secured five wins through the season's first eight games, return to the ice Saturday versus Oshawa.

Justin Kea logged a +1 as Saginaw smoked Sudbury 6-1. The Spirit moves on to face Brampton on Sunday.

Alex Lepkowski (-1) did not point as Barrie got past Oshawa 4-3 in a shootout. Barrie will host Sudbury on Saturday.

Christian Isackson scored his first goal of the year as Minnesota downed Michigan State 5-1. Skating with Florida prospects Nick Bjugstad and Kyle Rau, Isackson buried a wrist shot from the slot for the first regular season goal of his collegiate career. The Gophers and Spartans will conclude their opening weekend set on Saturday.


Brad Navin (2 SOG) and Jake McCabe (4 SOG) each went without a point as Wisconsin lost to Northern Michigan 2-1. McCabe was paired with Frankie Simonelli on the Badgers blueline after sitting out last weekend's tune-up win over the U.S. Under-18. Navin formed a line with Keegan Meuer and Brendan Woods. The Badgers will look for the weekend split on Saturday.

Mark Adams finished +1 as Providence opened the season with an 8-2 throttling of Sacred Heart. The Friars finish their weekend Saturday with a visit to Boston University.

Judd Peterson was +1 with three shots on goal as Cedar Rapids dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to Muskegon. The RoughRiders take on Green Bay on Saturday.

Amerks head home in hole

The Rochester Americans began the AHL playoffs this week, but have quickly found themselves in a 2-0 series hole after a pair of losses at division rival Toronto.

On Thursday, Phil Varone scored the game's first goal and added an assist but Jerry D'Amigo's second goal of the game with less than five minutes to play gave the Marlies a 4-3 victory in the opener. Marcus Foligno and T.J. Brennan added the Amerks other tallies, while David Leggio made 34 saves in his 24th straight start in the Rochester crease.



The Rundown:
Varone: G, A, 2 SOG
Foligno: G
Brennan: G, -1, 3 SOG
McNabb: even
Biega: A, -1
Crawford: A
Tropp: -1, 2 SOG
Adam: A, 2 SOG

It was deja vu on Saturday, as Foligno, Varone, and Brennan would again get the Rochester goals, but D'Amigo would again score his second of the game in the final minutes, this time with just under two to play, as Toronto skated to their second consecutive 4-3 victory.



The Rundown:
Foligno: G, A, +1, 2 SOG
Brennan: G, +2, 4 SOG
Varone: G, 3 SOG
Biega: A, +2, 2 SOG, 6 PIM
McNabb: A
Crawford: -1
Tropp: -1, 2 SOG
Adam: 2 SOG

The Amerks are now in the tough spot of needing to defeat the Marlies in three straight games to escape the best-of-five. Their first kick at staving off elimination comes with Monday's game #3 at the BCA.

Adam's mark puts Amerks in position

With his confidence plummeting to perhaps the lowest point of his pro career in recent weeks, and his club desperate for a victory, Luke Adam scored a very big goal Saturday to break a tie and give the Rochester Americans a 2-1 regulation win over the Lake Erie Monsters in their final game of the AHL regular season.


Adam's mark at 4:14 of the third period, his fourth of the year and second in his last three games, would hold up as Amerks' MVP David Leggio made 16 of his 35 saves in the final frame. Paul Szczechura scored the first Rochester goal, while rookies Brayden McNabb and Marcus Foligno (three-game point streak) chipped in with assists.

The victory gives Rochester 86 points, good for 5th place in the AHL Western Conference entering the final day of the season. While not officially in, their playoff hopes are looking pretty good per the explanation provided by Kevin Oklobzija of the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.

The Rundown:
Adam: G, +1, 6 SOG
McNabb: A, +2
Foligno: A, +1
Crawford: +2
Tropp: +1, 3 SOG
Brennan: 3 SOG
Varone: SOG
Biega: even

Foligno fuels Amerks with season on line

With their playoff hopes hinging on a positive outcome, Marcus Foligno (#1 star) bagged two goals and an assist Friday to lead Rochester to an important 5-1 victory over Syracuse. The win bumps the Amerks into 7th place in the AHL's Western Conference standings with just one game left to play. A Saturday win over the Lake Erie Monsters, who are tied with Rochester with 84 points but sit in 6th place with two more victories, should give the Amerks a spot in the playoffs.

Nick Crawford, Evan Rankin, and Colin Stuart supplied the other Amerks goals, while Corey Tropp and Derek Whitmore each chipped in two assists. David Leggio made 30 saves for his 27th win of the year and the game's #2 star.

The Rundown:
Foligno: 2G, A
Crawford: G, A
Tropp: 2A
Brennan: +3
McNabb: 2 SOG
Adam: +1
Varone: even

A Saturday win gives the Amerks a legitimate playoff shot. Kevin Oklobzija of the Rochester D&C goes over the scenarios here.

In Friday QMJHL play, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc notched an assist as Rimouski lost game #5 of their playoff quarterfinal 3-2 to Blainville-Boisbriand. The helper was Leduc's 11th point through nine playoff games. Tommy Giroux scored the game winning goal for the Armada with under two minutes left in regulation. Trailing the series by a 3-2 margin, the Nics will head home looking to force a game #7 with a win on Sunday.

In the OHL, Alex Lepkowski (+1) and Gregg Sutch (even) did not factor into the scoring as Barrie missed a chance to close their Eastern Conference semifinal by dropping a 2-1 decision to Ottawa. Cody Ceci ('12) scored a power play goal for the 67's. The Colts, who previously had earned a 3-2 win on Thursday, will take a 3-2 series lead back to Barrie for Sunday's game #6.

On Thursday, Steven Shipley went without a point for the sixth straight game as Niagara bounced Brampton from the OHL playoffs with a 3-1 win. Fresh off a sweep of the Troops, the IceDogs will get the winner of the Barrie/Ottawa battle in the OHL Eastern Conference final beginning next week.

3/10 Recap: Knapp, Amerks extend streaks

Connor Knapp made 21 saves Saturday as Miami advanced to the CCHA semifinals with a 4-1 win over Michigan State. Knapp, who has now won seven straight starts, is 12-2 with five shutouts since January 1st while allowing one or none in all 12 of the wins. The RedHawks will now wait for the outcome of Sunday's Ferris State/Bowling Green tilt to see who they'll play on Friday at the Joe.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his 28th goal of the year as Rimouski was doubled by Blainville-Boisbriand, 4-2. Leduc has scored goals in two straight, bringing him within two points of Kevin Sundher in the race for the prospects scoring title with two games left to play. 

Mark Pysyk picked up an an assist to extend his point streak to three games as Edmonton toppled Red Deer, 7-4. The victory gives the Oil Kings 101 points, making them the first WHL club to hit triple digits this season.

Dan Catenacci went without a point for the third straight game as Owen Sound was shut out by Sarnia, 4-0. Catenacci sits with 33 goals and 71 points with three games to play. Stud 2012 prospect Nail Yakupov left the game in the second period after getting blown up by Attack captain Mike Halmo as he crossed the middle.

Nathan Lieuwen made 36 saves but Kootenay came up short in the final period for the second straight night in a 3-2 loss to Spokane. The game's #2 star, Lieuwen weathered the storm in a busy third until the Chiefs beat him for two goals in a span of 30-seconds with less than seven minutes to play.

In Finland, Joel Armia fired nine shots in Assat's 2-1 win over Tappara. The 6'3 wing is stuck at 18 goals with two regular season games remaining.

Elsewhere, Brad Eidsness got the start in the North Dakota net, making 23 saves to earn the game's #3 star as the Sioux finished off Bemidji State, 4-3. The defending back-to-back champions, North Dakota advances to next weekend's WCHA Final Five to face a yet to be determined opponent.

Brad Navin pumped two shots on net as Wisconsin was overcome by Denver, 3-1. The teams will play a third and deciding game Sunday at Magness for the right to advance to the Final Five next week in St. Paul.

Colin Jacobs finished -2 as Seattle suffered through an 11-3 drubbing by Portland. The big center has gone nine games without scoring a goal.

Alex Lepkowski played even as Barrie blanked Belleville, 3-0. Gregg Sutch was given a night off to rest some bumps and bruises

Justin Jokinen recorded four shots on goal as Minnesota State saw their season end with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Duluth in overtime. Chosen in the 4th round of the 2008 draft, the 6'3 forward ends his Mavericks career with 18 goals and 39 points in 124 games.

Kevin Sundher remained out of action (concussion) as Brandon edged Saskatoon, 2-1.

Christian Isackson was scratched for the eighth straight game as Minnesota defeated Alaska-Anchorage, 7-3.

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While Marcus Foligno was busy scoring his first NHL goal in the Sabres Saturday night win at Ottawa, the Amerks were rather active themselves receiving marks from six different players en route to a 6-1 rout of Binghamton.

Travis Turnbull paced the winners with a goal and two assists. Mark Voakes dished his way to three helpers. Alex Biega, Maxime Legault, Derek Whitmore, Paul Szczechura and Shaone Morrisonn also scored for Rochester. David Leggio finished with 17 saves while holding the B-Sens scoreless for nearly 55-minutes

The Rundown:
Biega: G, +2
McNabb: A, +3
Crawford: +2
Brennan: +1
Szydlowski: +1

Winners of four straight, the Amerks are off until Friday when they visit in-state rival Syracuse.

Amerks streak ends at three

In Friday AHL play, goals by Brayden McNabb and Luke Adam got Rochester out to a 2-0 lead, but Grand Rapids struck three times in the third to overcome the Amerks, 4-3. The loss snaps a three-game winning streak for the Sabres farmhands.

McNabb gave Rochester a 1-0 lead when he jumped into the slot to beat Ty Conklin for his fourth of the year at 14:54 of the first.

At 1:51 of the second, Rochester gained the two-goal lead when Adam scarfed up a rebound for his first goal in an Amerks sweater.

After the Griffins cashed three straight tallies, T.J. Brennan added his 12th of the year on the power play to tie the game with under seven minutes to play.

Francis Pare answered for Grand Rapids three minutes later to cap the scoring.

David Leggio finished with 28 saves in defeat, while Phil Varone picked up a pair of assists for his seventh multi-point game of the year.

The Rundown:
McNabb: G, -1, 2 SOG
Adam: G, +1, 6 SOG
Brennan: PPG, 4 SOG
Foligno: 5 PIM
Szydlowski: 2 SOG
Crawford: -2
Persson: -1

The Amerks will be in Toronto on Saturday to begin a back-to-back set with the first place Marlies.

***

In the ECHL, Corey Fienhage scored in part of a four-goal third period as Gwinneett as poured it on last to earn an 8-6 win over Trenton. Matt MacKenzie (7 SOG) and Riley Boychuk picked up assists in the win, while Jonathan Parker logged a -3 rating.

Leggio shines as Amerks win 2nd straight

In Friday AHL play, Derek Whitmore and Dennis Persson scored while David Leggio sparkled with 27 saves as Rochester posted a 2-0 shutout victory over Adirondack. The Amerks (25-21-6-3) have won two straight, and now sit in 9th place in the Western Conference standings with 59 points.

Whitmore's game winner at 11:00 of the first was his team-leading 23rd goal of the year. Third-year man Persson cashed on a power play in the early second period to give him goals in two straight games for the second time in his career.

Luke Adam assisted on both Rochester goals for his second multi-point game in an Amerks sweater. The reigning AHL rookie of the year has collected five assists in six games since being re-assigned.

The game's #1 star, Leggio posted his second shutout of the year and fifth of his AHL career to improve to 17-15-3-1.

The Rundown:
Persson: G, +1, 5 SOG
Adam: 2A, +1, 2 PIM
Foligno: SOG, 2 PIM
Brennan: 2 SOG
McNabb: 2 PIM
Lagace: SOG
Crawford: 2 SOG

The Amerks welcome Lake Erie to the BCA on Saturday.

***

On Wednesday, Corey Tropp potted a pair of goals and an assist to lead Rochester to a 5-2 win over Hershey. Persson added a goal and an assist for the Amerks, while Marcus Foligno notched his 14th of the season.



The Rundown:
Tropp: 2G, A, +2
Foligno: G, +1
Crawford: 2A
Adam: A, -1
McNabb: +2
Brennan: 3 SOG
Lagace: -1

2/17 Recap: Knapp red hot for RedHawks, MacKenzie strikes

Connor Knapp made 31 saves for the third shutout in his last eight starts and 11th of his career as #19 Miami blanked #13 Notre Dame, 3-0. The senior netminder moves to 10-6 on the year with a 1.69 goals against average (2nd in nation) and .931 save percentage. It's fair to expect Knapp to remain in net when the RedHawks go for the CCHA sweep on Saturday. In nine starts since the new year, he's posted a dominating 1.03 goals against average and red hot .957 save percentage.

Drew MacKenzie scored on a backhand at 1:38 of overtime as Vermont won at New Hampshire, 4-3. MacKenzie, who also recorded an assist, now has seven goals and 22 points this season while registering in 19 of 27 games. His .81 points per game ranks 11th in nation for NCAA defenders. The win snapped a seven-game losing streak for the Catamounts, who will look for their first sweep of the season Saturday in Durham.



Dan Catenacci scored his prospect-leading 28th goal of the year as Owen Sound throttled Plymouth, 5-1. The 5'10 center has 63 points with 13 games remaining in the schedule. The Attack, third in the Midwest Division and fifth in the Western conference, continue their road trip on Saturday in Windsor.

Cedrick Henley scored his 11th goal of the year and first in 10 games as Val-d'Or lost in a shootout to Drummondville, 4-3. The rugged affair featured a total of seven fights, including five in a span of seven seconds in the middle frame during which Henley dropped the mitts for his fourth major of the year. The Foreurs next visit Blainville-Boisbriand on Sunday.



Brad Eidsness made 19 saves as #14 North Dakota doubled Michigan Tech, 4-2. The victory was the 55th of Eidsness' career, tying for him 3rd on the Sioux's all-time list. Eidsness, who has won his last three starts, could get the nod again on Saturday with Aaron Dell listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed upper-body injury.

Steven Shipley notched an assist in Niagara's 5-2 win over Sudbury. The IceDogs return to action Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie.

Mark Pysyk (-1) earned a pair of minor penalties as Edmonton ended their road trip with a 6-2 loss Vancouver. The Oil Kings get the weekend off with their next game coming Monday at home against Medicine Hat.

Gregg Sutch (2 PIM) and Alex Lepkowski (+1) did not factor into the scoring as Barrie defeated Kitchener, 5-3. The Colts will welcome Oshawa to town on Saturday.

Joel Armia recorded two shots on goal as Assat was shut out by SaiPa, 2-0. The big wing will look to avoid his first three-game point drought since November on Saturday when Assat takes on Lukko.

Mark Adams was -1 as Providence and Northeastern played a 1-1 tie. The two clubs will close the Hockey East set on Saturday in Boston. You can see Adams (#4) on the play as the Huskies scored their only goal.



Justin Jokinen assisted on the game's first goal as Minnesota State lost to #4 Minnesota-Duluth, 4-2. The 6'3 senior has no goals in his last 11 games.

Brad Navin skated even as Wisconsin was shut out by #10 Denver, 3-0. The Badgers, who outshot the opponent for the third straight, for look for the split Saturday at Magness.

Nathan Lieuwen was given the night off as Kootenay got past Spokane, 4-3. The 6'5 netminder is expected to return to action on Saturday when the ICE host Regina.

Kevin Sundher missed his second game with an upper body injury as Brandon crushed Prince Albert, 6-1. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.

Colin Jacobs did not play as Seattle lost to Tri-City, 5-2. The T-Birds go right back at it on Saturday with an afternoon tilt at Portland.

Christian Isackson was a healthy scratch as #7 Minnesota shut down Bemidji State, 3-0.

***

In the AHL, T.J. Brennan (9th) scored the game winning goal as Rochester dominated Lake Erie, 6-2. Brayden McNabb struck late on the power play for his second goal of the season, while Marcus Foligno potted his 13th of the year. Luke Adam notched two assists for his first points as an Amerk.

Derek Whitmore paced the Amerks with a pair of goals, while Phil Varone added three assists. David Leggio made 20 saves for his 15th win of the year.

The Rundown:
Brennan: G, A, 3 SOG
Foligno: G, -1, 4 SOG
McNabb: G, 3 SOG
Adam: 2A, 4 SOG
Tropp: A, +1, 2 SOG, 5 PIM
Schiestel: A
Crawford: A, +1, 2 SOG
Biega: +1, 4 SOG

More points than vowels: Szczechura guides Amerks win

In Saturday AHL action, Paul Szczechura's overtime winner capped his four-point night to lead the Amerks to 5-4 win over Syracuse. Brayden McNabb and Marcus Foligno each chipped in with pairs of assists in the win to extend their point streaks to four games.

Trailing 4-2 entering the third period, the Amerks started the comeback by clicking on their only power play of the night when Travis Turnbull redirected Drew Schiestel's point shot at 7:49.


It was all Szczechura from there, as the center forced the extra session with his second goal of the night with under five minutes left in regulation before cashing in OT for his first career hat trick. The four points ties his career high. McNabb drew the lone assist on both the tying and winning marks.



With a one-time goal in the second period, Phil Varone has now earned a point in 14 of his last 20 games.

Drew McIntyre made 33 saves to improve to 7-11-0-2 on the year.

The Rundown:
Foligno: 2A, +4, 6 SOG
McNabb: 2A, +3
Schiestel: A
Lagace: A
Crawford: A, -1
Parker: 3 SOG
Szydlowski: 1 SOG
Persson: -1

***

On Friday, the Amerks were defeated 3-2 in overtime by visiting Abbotsford to split the back-to-back set. Szczechura and Igor Gongalsky had the Amerks goals.

The Rundown:
Foligno: A
McNabb: +1
Schiestel: -1, 2 SOG
Lagace: -1, 2 SOG
Crawford: -1
Parker: even
Persson: +1

Leggio stands tall as Amerks cool Heat

In Thursday AHL action, Nick Crawford, Phil Varone, and Travis Turnbull each had a goal, and David Leggio made 33 saves for his first shutout of the year as Rochester downed Abbotsford, 3-0.

Crawford wasted little time getting the Amerks on the board with his third of the season just 1:35 into the opening frame.

The teams would play a scoreless second before Phil Varone accepted a Marcus Foligno pass while shorthanded to notch his sixth of the year at 2:56 of the third. Abbotsford brought the heat with 14 shots in the final stanza, with Leggio standing tall en route to earning the game's #1 star.

The Rundown:
Crawford: GWG, +2, 2 SOG
Foligno: 2A, +2, 4 SOG
McNabb: A, +2
Schiestel: even
Biega: 2 SOG
Szydlowski: +1
Lagace: even
Parker: even
Persson: even
Varone: G, +2

The Amerks will look for the rink to be rocking when the two clubs play it back on Friday.

Foligno, Leggio stifle Dogs

In Saturday AHL action, Marcus Foligno recorded his first two-goal game as a pro to help the Rochester Americans to a 3-1 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs. Williamsville native David Leggio was excellent for a second straight night, finishing with 35 saves to earn the game's #1 star. The Amerks had previously lost six of seven games to their North Division rival.

Foligno, who scored the game winner just 17-seconds into the middle frame and added an empty-netter in the final minute, now has 12 goals through his first 36 games. Given his projection as a checker, that number rates well compared to some other recent AHL graduates through their first 36 games: Nathan Gerbe (21), Luke Adam (17), Tyler Ennis (11).

Leggio impressed with several big stops in the third as the Amerks were forced to kill a Jonathan Parker boarding penalty with three minutes to play.

Corey Tropp did not dress for a second straight night, while Drew Schiestel was made a healthy scratch (EDIT - there seems to be conjecture over the Schiestel scratch; will wait for statements regarding lingering knee soreness).

The Rundown:
Foligno: 2G, +1, 3 SOG
Parker: A, +2
Lagace: A
Crawford: A, +1
Szydlowski: A, +1
Biega: +1
Brennan: 2 SOG
Fienhage: 2 PIM
Persson: even
Boychuk: 1 SOG
Kassian: -1, 3 SOG

The Amerks (17-13-5-3, 42 points, 2nd in North Division) will now prepare for a Thursday/Friday series with Olkahoma City.

12/28 Recap: Leduc gets 20th; Lagace leads Amerks

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his 20th goal of the year Wednesday as Rimouski lost to Chicoutimi, 6-4. Leduc's 20 goals tie his previous career best set in 2009-10, while his 51 points in 35 games continues to lead all QMJHL rearguards. Rimouski will welcome Quebec to town on Friday.

Gregg Sutch cashed a power play one-timer just 1:28 in but Barrie could not hold on in a 4-2 loss to Sudbury. Sutch now has seven goals and 15 points in 34 games. Barrie defenseman Alex Lepkowski finished the night at -2. The Colts, playing without forwards Mark Scheifele and Tanner Pearson who are away with Team Canada, will host Brampton on Thursday.

Cedrick Henley tested out his recently healed thumb by logging his third fighting major of the year in Val-d'Or's 5-3 loss to Gatineau. Henley, who also earned an instigator and misconduct on the play, will look for his first point since November 18th on Friday when the Foreurs host Rouyn-Noranda.



Steven Shipley picked up a power play assist in his old barn as Niagara edged Owen Sound, 2-1. The helper gives the 6'3 forward a new career high with points in six straight games. Shipley scored 39 goals and 102 points with the Attack from 2008-2010. Dan Catenacci assisted on the lone Attack tally to give him 41 points on the year. The IceDogs move on to face Mississauga on Friday. The Attack will travel to Kitchener.





Kevin Sundher notched two assists to extend his season-high point streak to eight games as Victoria was doubled by Portland, 6-3. Sundher, who has 19 multi-point efforts this season, has amassed 21 goals and 57 points in 36 games. The Royals will look to avenge the loss when the clubs play it back on Friday.





Colin Jacobs was -1 with a shootout miss as Seattle lost to Everett, 4-3. Jacobs now has two goals, an assist, and a -4 rating in seven games since returning from shoulder surgery. Seattle will host Moose Jaw on Friday.

***

At the World Junior Championship, Mark Pysyk was +1 as Canada pitched a 5-0 shutout over the Czech Republic. The steady defender saw time with Nathan Beaulieu and Jamie Oleksiak on the Nats bottom pair. Canada will to keep their winning streak in tact on Friday against Denmark.

***

In AHL play, the Amerks rode a two-goal night from Jacob Lagace to their second straight win over the Barons, 4-3 in a shootout. Lagace added a mark in the shootout, while Jonathan Parker and T.J. Brennan (winner) also scored in the deciding frame to ice the victory.

Brennan also scored in regulation to give him six goals on the year and a six-game point streak heading into Friday's tilt with Hamilton.

Marcus Foligno and Phil Varone each contributed a pair of assists for the Amerks (15-12-4-1).





The Rundown:
Lagace: 2G, SHO G, 5 SOG, +3
Brennan: G, SHO GWG, 5 SOG
Foligno: 2A, +3
Parker: SHO G
Schiestel: A, +2
Biega: A, -1, 2 SOG
Crawford: even
Boychuk: 4 PIM
Szydlowski: -1
Persson: +2

Leduc lopped; Pysyk's prospects improve

Mark Pysyk and Jerome Gauthier-Leduc arrived in Calgary Saturday along with 39 others for the start of Hockey Canada's 2012 World Junior Selection Camp and the final leg in achieving a dream of every kid who ever laces them up in the Great White North.

After two scrimmages and a round of cuts, one Sabres prospect remains.

A favorite to crack Canada's top-six entering camp, Edmonton Oil Kings captain Mark Pysyk has continued his steady play through the Red/White tilts, maintaining good gaps and showing his smarts in all three zones while paired with Joe Morrow (game #1) and Nathan Beaulieu (game #2).

Pysyk generally limits his mistakes, making him the perfect type of rearguard for tournament play, but he did commit a turnover early that resulted in a power play opportunity for Team Red early in Sunday's contest. He did not earn a point in either game, but was on the ice for one goal against (right D #5 below - excuse poor quality).



As a whole it appears that the benching he received last week against Calgary (for play demmed "selfish" by EDM bench boss Derek Laxdal) has paid some dividends. Pysyk's feet and aptitude have stood out as they do on most nights. He simply looks bigger, stronger, and more ready than he was a season ago, likely solidifying his spot on the team as a solid minute-eater.

Unlike Pysyk who has a more complete two-way package, fellow White blueliner Leduc was brought to camp for one reason - offense. Leduc (#3), a mobile righty who leads all Canadian major-junior defensemen with 47 points, used his cannon shot to get an assist on the game winning goal in White's 3-2 opening night win on Sunday.



Leduc would again show his shot in White's 2-0 loss in game #2, firing a hard slapper off the pipe near the end of the game that resulted in him defending a 2x1 going back the other way (taking the pass away, leaving the goalie to take the shooter).



However when the calls were made Tuesday morning as Canada cut their roster down, Leduc was among the first to get sent home.

Given the depth of competition, the move was not surprising. Canada has some well-rounded options who can carry the full-time luggage, and it was going to be a hard sell putting Leduc in the top six.

Scanning the pool of candidates in the weeks leading up to camp, Leduc seemed more like an ideal #7 than a top-six guy; an ace offensive catalyst who can breathe life into a power play but likely not sturdy enough defensively for a leading role. Through two games he did little to separate himself from the pack.
Leduc's offensive package comes with some uneven play in his own zone that can make for some adventurous shifts. He can get in trouble against physical forwards, and can sometimes get ambitious with the puck as evidenced by an egregious turnover in game #2 that resulted in his defensive partner going to the box for tripping.

A season ago, the Sabres had four players at Canada's camp - Zack Kassian, Marcus Foligno, Pysyk, and Brayden McNabb. Kassian and Foligno made the squad while Pysyk made it to final cuts. McNabb was among the first to get the axe, and proceeded to go on a tear with points in seven straight games as Kootenay started its run to the Memorial Cup.