Amerks fall in OT

ECHL call-up Evan Rankin continued to state his AHL case Saturday, scoring both of the Amerks goals in a 3-2 overtime loss to Adirondack. The 25-year old Rankin has four goals and two assists in seven games since being recalled from Toldeo, where he piled 10 goals in 15 contests for the Walleyes. The 6'1 196-pound wing had just 20 goals in a four-year collegiate career at Notre Dame.



Phil Varone assisted on both Rankin tallies, while Marcus Foligno added a single helper for his 12th point of the year.

The Rundown:
Foligno: A, +1, 1 SOG
Biega: +1, 2 SOG
Brennan: -1, 3 SOG
Crawford: 2 PIM
Persson: -1, 3 SOG
Parker: 1 SOG
Boychuk: 2 SOG
Schiestel: 1 SOG, 4 PIM
Lagace: -1, 2 SOG

The Amerks (11-10-3-1) travel to Hamilton for a Sunday afternoon tilt.

***

Playing a bit of a catch-up from last week...

Foligno earned his second fighting major the year Saturday (12/3) when he took on Ian Schultz in the Amerks 4-2 loss to Hamilton.



The following night, he'd score his of eighth the season in the Amerks 4-2 loss at Albany (12/4).



Third-year man Drew Schiestel would complete the Amerks scoring in the loss with his first goal of the year.

Foligno scores, MacIntyre stops 40 in Amerks win

Marcus Foligno scored his ninth goal of the year at 5:13 of the opening period, while Drew MacIntyre was rock solid in stopping all 40 shots he faced as Rochester earned a 3-0 Friday night win over Albany. The shutout was MacIntyre's first of the season and 15th of his nine-year career.

The 20-year old Foligno provided all the offense the Amerks would need when he gathered an Alex Biega pass in the corner and made a strong move to the net that eventually resulted in the puck popping into the air and over the line. The goal was Foligno's second in as many games.

Biega scored his first goal of the year on the power play in the final minute of the first period, while Derek Whitmore's 12th of the season in the second rounded out the Amerks attack. The 26-year old Whitmore, a Rochester native and product of Bowling Green, has eight of his 12 goals this season in his past six games.

Jacob Lagace and Drew Schiestel picked up assists for the Amerks. Schiestel now has a goal and an assist in his last two games.

Defenseman Dennis Persson returned to the lineup after missing 22 games with high ankle sprain.

The Rundown:
Foligno: 1G, +1, 2 SOG
Biega: G, A, +1, 2 SOG
Lagace: A, 2 SOG
Schiestel: A, 2 SOG
Crawford: +1, 3 SOG
Parker: 1 SOG
Boychuk: even

The Amerks return to action Saturday versus Adirondack.

Amerks swept; Fienhage, Boychuk hook up

Marcus Foligno and T.J. Brennan each scored goals Saturday but Rochester couldn't close the deal, instead suffering their second straight loss to North Division rival Toronto, 3-2. The Amerks, who entered the weekend riding a four-game winning streak that had kept them in first-place, exit two points behind the division-leading Marlies with an 8-7-2-1 record.

A night after his costly pinch resulted in the game winning goal, Brayden McNabb posted a pair of assists from the Amerks blueline.

Foligno opened the game's scoring from long range, beating Swedish rap star Mark Owuya for his seventh goal of the year at 1:34 of the first period.






With the game tied 1-1 in the middle frame, T.J. Brennan scored his third of the season by tipping a McNabb shot past Owuya.






The Amerks, whose power play is sure to get some attention in practice this week after going a combined 0/11 in the two one-goal losses, welcome Albany to the BCA on Friday.

The Rundown:
Foligno: G, +1, 3 SOG
Brennan: G, +1, 2 SOG
McNabb: 2A, +2, 2 SOG
Kassian: +1, 5 SOG
Schiestel: 1 SOG
Lagace: even
MacKenzie: even
Crawford: -1, 1 SOG
Biega: -1, 2 SOG
Szydlowski: -1

***

In ECHL action, Corey Fienhage scored his third goal of the season as Gwinnett gave up a late marker in a 3-2 loss to South Carolina. Fienhage opened scoring at 11:59 of the first when he and Riley Boychuk broke away for a 2x1 rush. Boychuk earned his first ECHL point on the play.

11/16 Recap: Brennan, Foligno lead Amerks to another win

Marcus Foligno scored the game winning goal Wednesday as Rochester extended their winning streak to four games with a 3-2 win over Syracuse. T.J. Brennan added a goal and an assist to keep the Amerks in first place in the AHL's North Division.

The game's #1 star, Brennan would outshoot the Crunch by himself in the first period (4-3) en route to firing a game-high six shots on goal. The third-year pro has steadily improved his play in both ends of the ice this season.

Foligno potted the winner, his sixth of the year, on the power play with 6:10 left to play in the third period.

The Amerks, who outshot the Crunch 44-24 in the win, will begin a home-and-home series with division rival Toronto on Friday.

On Tuesday, the Amerks announced that they have sent Riley Boychuk to Gwinnett of the ECHL.

The Rundown:

Brennan: G, A, 6 SOG

Foligno: GWG, 5 SOG
Kassian: A, +1, 5 SOG
Crawford: A
McNabb: +1, 5 SOG
Schiestel: SOG
Biega: even
Szydlowski: even
Parker: -1
MacKenzie: even

***

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc notched two assists Wednesday as Rimouski downed Bathurst, 4-1. The 6'1 rearguard remains the QMJHL's top defensive scorer with 33 points through his first 21 games. The Oceanic will host Quebec on Friday.

Cedrick Henley registered an assist as Val-d'Or dropped a 3-2 shootout decision to Blainville-Boisbriand. The apple snaps a three-game slumber for the 6'5 wing. Les Foreurs will travel to Gatineau Friday for a nationally televised contest.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci was unable to get on the scoresheet as Owen Sound defeated Erie, 3-1. The speedy center has scored in just one of his last dozen games after piling eight goals in his first 12 games. The Attack will welcome London to town on Saturday.

Joel Armia picked up an assist in just 12:56 of work as Assat edged Jokerit, 4-3. Armia will look for points in two straight when Assat travels to Ilves on Friday.

***

In Subway Super Series play, Kevin Sundher battled back from injury after missing Victoria's two weekend games to earn 14-minutes in penalties as Team WHL defeated Russia, 5-2. Sundher, who looked to have re-injured after going for a hit, earned the majority of his shame after being whistled for a checking from behind minor and ten-minute misconduct at 3:58 of the opening period. Mark Pysyk did not dress for Team WHL after being injured in Saturday's loss at Kamloops.

On Monday, Catenacci skated even as Team OHL doubled the Russians, 6-3.

Amerks outworked by neighbors

In Saturday AHL action, Jacob Lagace and Marcus Foligno potted goals for the second straight night but Rochester was dominated at Syracuse, 5-2.

After former Kelowna Rocket Kyle Cumiskey gave the Crunch a first period lead, Lagace scored his fifth of the season at 8:49 to tie the game 1-1 heading into the first intermission.

It was all Crunch from there as Syracuse would net the game's next four goals, including the first three on the power play, to stifle an Amerks offense that would fire just 13 shots over the final 40-minutes. The Crunch, on the other hand, fired 31 shots over that span for a total of 42 on Amerks netminder Drew MacIntyre.

Marcus Foligno, skating for the second straight night with Paul Szczechura and Zack Kassian, scored his fifth goal of the season in the game's final minute.

Orchard Park native and former Lowell standout Nick Schaus was -1 for the Crunch.

The Rundown:

Foligno: 1G, +1, 1 SOG

Lagace: 1G, 2 SOG

Kassian: +1, 2 SOG

McNabb: +1, 4 PIM

Schiestel: +1

Crawford: +1

Biega: +1, 1 SOG, 2 PIM

Brennan: -1, 3 SOG

MacKenzie: -1, 2 PIM

Szydlowski: DNP

Boychuk: DNP

Parker: DNP

Persson: DNP

Winners just once in their last seven, the Amerks will look for a rebound when the two clubs head back to Rochester for Sunday's rematch.

Quick strikes key Amerks to victory

The Rochester Americans used quick starting abilities Friday, scoring all of their goals in the opening minutes of the first two periods to defeat Binghamton, 3-2.

Jacob Lagace and Zack Kassian put the Amerks in the drivers seat early with goals before the game was three minutes old. The tallies were the fourth of the season for each player.

With Rochester holding a 2-1 lead at the first intermission, Marcus Foligno would snatch the eventual game-winner just 1:39 into the middle frame. The marker was Foligno's fourth of the year and first game clincher of his professional career.

The game featured three fights, with Matt MacKenzie earning his second major of the season sandwiched between a Joe Finley-Francis Lessard double header.

Paul Szczechura made his Amerks debut, notching an assist on the Kassian goal. Maxime Legault (-1) also made his first appearance of the season.

The Rundown:
Foligno: GWG, +1, 3 SOG
Kassian: G, +1, 3 SOG
Lagace: G, +2, 2 SOG
Schiestel: 1A, +2, 3 SOG
McNabb: +2
Crawford: 3 SOG
MacKenzie: -1, fighting major
Brennan: 4 SOG
Biega: 4 PIM
Boychuk: DNP
Parker: DNP
Szydlowski: DNP
Persson: DNP

The Amerks square off with Syracuse on Saturday.

Amerks slide hits four

T.J. Brennan and Marcus Foligno each earned assists Thursday as Rochester dropped a 3-2 overtime decision at Hamilton. Losers of four straight, the Amerks are now 0-3 versus the Bulldogs this season.

The Amerks didn't get on the board until a quarter of the way into the final period. Colin Stuart cut in from the right side and scored at 5:05. A few minutes later, the rebound of a Brennan point shot was potted by Derek Whitmore to force the OT session.

Harvard and Quebec Remparts product Louis Leblanc paced the Bulldogs with the overtime tally and two regulation assists.

The Rundown:

Brennan: 1A, 3 SOG, 2 PIM

Foligno: 1A, +1

Kassian: +1, 2 SOG

McNabb: +1, 2 SOG

Parker: +1

MacKenzie: +1, 2 SOG

Szydlowski: 2 SOG

Lagace: 2 SOG

Boychuk: 2 SOG, 2 PIM

Biega: -1

Crawford: -1, 2 PIM

Tropp: -2, 3 SOG

The Amerks swing back to New York for a Saturday battle at Binghamton.

Amerks drop third straight

Marcus Foligno scored his third goal of the year Sunday but Rochester couldn't capitalize on eight power plays in suffering a 3-1 setback to Adirondack.

The Amerks outshot the Phantoms by a 34-16 margin, but were victimized by a shorthanded goal late in the first period for what proved to be the game winner.

Brayden McNabb picked up an assist on the Foligno goal, his fourth point of the year.

The Rundown:
Foligno: 1G
McNabb: 1A, 4 SOG
Brennan: -2, 8 SOG
Tropp: 1 SOG
Crawford: -1, 3 SOG
Kassian: -1, 1 SOG
Lagace: -1
Szydlowski: even
MacKenzie: 2 SOG
Boychuk: even
Parker: 2 SOG

Losers of three straight, Rochester (3-3-2) sits one point back of Toronto for first place in the Western Conference's North Division.

The Amerks travel back to Hamilton on Thursday.

Sundher in mix; Duo drop mitts

Kevin Sundher's hot start is garnering notice among world junior pundits including, according to his local paper the Times Colonist, Hockey Canada's Kevin Prendergast.

“Kevin is in the mix [to make the team for the world juniors],” said Kevin Prendergast, Hockey Canada head scout for national team programs.

“It’s safe to say he will play in one of the games in the Subway Series in November [when the WHL all-stars meet the Russian junior all-stars] and we will reevaluate all the players after that.

“Kevin is a good skater and knows how to score. I liked what he did last season [24 goals and 52 assists when the Royals were known as the Chilliwack Bruins] and like what he’s done early this season.”

Sundher admitted he was crestfallen over the summer when he was not invited to the Canadian national team prospects camp.

“I was disappointed but that added a fire in my belly,” said Sundher.

Read nothing into the summer invitations, said Prendergast.

“You can only bring so many guys into those camps,” he said.

So the puck definitely is on Sundher’s stick. Whether he makes the national junior side is up to him.

Wearing an "A" as part of Victoria's leadership core, Sunder has four goals and a WHL-best 17 assists through his first eleven games.

---

Lastly for all you savages, here are the first professional scraps for Zack Kassian and Marcus Foligno - on the same shift - in Rochester's 7-2 win over Grand Rapids on Sunday. (courtesy of our friends at LetsGoAmerks.com).



Talk about a duo that needs a nickname. I would love to hear your ideas.

10/16 Recap: Kassian, Parker power Amerks onslaught

Zack Kassian scored two goals and Jonathan Parker added a single and two assists Sunday to power the Rochester Americans to a 7-2 shellacking of Grand Rapids. Marcus Foligno and Jacob Lagace also had goals for the winners, while ookie rearguard Brayden McNabb earned his first professional points with a pair of assists.

Parker continued his early season success with all three of his points in the first period as the Amerks jumped out to a 3-1 lead. Not surprisingly, a Red Wings prospect from Sweden (Gustav Nyquist) was able to get the Griffins on the board.

The Amerks would duplicate their three-goal output in the second period beginning with a backhand finish from Kassian at 9:12 to take a 6-2 advantage into the second intermission.

Things got chippy in the third period with the Amerks holding a comfortable lead. Three fights broke out involving Sabres prospects, highlighted by the Sabres rookie duo of Kassian and Foligno throwing at the same time.

Remember how when the Sabres drafted the pair in 2009, then-Sudbury coach Mike Foligno said that "Buffalo got the two toughest kids in the Ontario League"?

Kassian went toe-to-toe with former NHL vet Garnet Exelby, while Foligno took a decision over ex-WHLer Travis Ehrhardt. A minute after that double-feature, Corey Tropp was called to battle with former Amerk Doug Janik.

Tropp was given an interference penalty in the second period when he collided with/blew over Griffins center Landon Ferraro on a backcheck in front of the Amerks net. Tropp's shoulder seemed to make contact with the side of Ferraro's head, sending the Wings prospect hard to the ice and off to the dressing room.

The Rundown:

Kassian: 2G, 3 SOG, 15 PIM

Parker: 1G, 2A, +1

Foligno: 1G, +1, 12 PIM

Lagace: 1G, +1

McNabb: 2A, +3

Biega: 1A, +3

Szydlowski: 1A, +1

Crawford: 1A, +1

Boychuk: +1

Tropp: 3 SOG, 7 PIM

Brennan: 2 PIM

The Amerks will remain in Rochester for a game with in-state rival Syracuse on Tuesday.

---

In the lone junior game Sunday, Cedrick Henley recorded three shots on goal and two hits as Val-d'Or earned a 3-2 overtime victory over Shawinigan. The 6'5 forward has yet to score in 10 games this season, and has just one goal in his last 20 since returning from wrist surgery last February.

10/13 Recap: Shipley dishes pair; Amerks again sloppy

Steven Shipley collected a pair of power play assists Thursday as Niagara rode the momentum of Ryan Strome's return to a 5-0 shutout of Belleville. The 6'3 Shipley now has two goals and nine points in eight games this season. The Dogs return to action Friday at Plymouth.

Dan Catenacci saw a two-game point streak snapped as Owen Sound lost to Peterborough, 4-2. Owen Sound heads to Kitchener Friday.

In the AHL, the Sabres returned to the city of Rochester with great fanfare, but the Amerks were embarrassed by the Baby Pens, 5-1.

Marcus Foligno scored his first professional goal for the only Amerks marker. Zack Kassian, who earlier turned the puck over to create a shorthanded 5x3 goal against, picked up an assist for the second straight game.

The Rundown:
Foligno: 1G, -3, 2 SOG
Crawford: +1
Kassian: -1, 2 SOG
Boychuk: -1
Biega: -1, 4 SOG
Szydlowski: -1, 1 SOG
McNabb: -1
Tropp: -2, 1 SOG
Brennan: -2, 5 SOG
Parker: -2, 1 SOG

The Democrat & Chronicle recaps the fun:

The undercard was stirring and memorable, from the red-carpet entrance of players, and then some 50 alumni, to on-ice ceremonies before the opening faceoff with new owner Terry Pegula.
The main event was a colossal flop. The Amerks did their best to feed off the energy in the building by creating even more excitement with their play.
Instead, they made mistakes, flubbed passes, got carried away with trying to do too much, and were embarrassed. Again actually.

They were 5-2 losers at Hamilton on Saturday night in the season opener. So in two games they have been outscored 10-3.
"When you've got this many new faces on a team, one word comes to mind: Simplify," left winger Derek Whitmore said. "There's no reason to hit the panic button yet."

Jochen Hecht is expected to miss a few more games for the Sabres, but there's no question that Matt Ellis will make the Amerks a better team once he is sent back tp the AHL. The Amerks will continue looking for their first win on Friday at Lake Erie.

Foligno signs deal

The Buffalo Sabres announced Wednesday that Marcus Foligno (2009, 4th round) has agreed to terms on a three-year entry-level contract. With his junior career done, the banger is set to begin his professional journey next season in the AHL.

“Marcus is a proven leader and someone that we believe will fit in very well within our organization,” said Regier. “As Buffalo fans will remember from his play in the World Juniors, Marcus is a great mix of size and skill.”

A native of Buffalo, NY, Foligno (6’3”, 222 lbs., 8/10/1991, shoots left) played four seasons of junior hockey with the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League and was the team’s captain in 2010-11. Despite playing in just 47 games this season, Foligno posted career highs in goals (23), assists (36) and points (59), and was named to the OHL’s Second All-Star Team at left wing. Foligno’s 92 PIMs led all Wolves forwards, and he contributed 11 power play goals. In the OHL’s annual coaches poll, Foligno was selected as the Eastern Conference’s Best Body Checker, and finished third in voting for Hardest Shot.

Foligno also won a silver medal with Canada at the 2011 World Junior Championship in Buffalo, picking up four points (2+2) in Canada’s seven games.

The son of former Sabre Mike Foligno, Marcus scored 139 points (54+85) and collected 382 PIMs in 245 career games with Sudbury.

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.)

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.

4/12 Recap: McNabb takes command; Boychuk pots winner

Brayden McNabb notched a goal and two assists Tuesday as Kootenay came within one game of eliminating the WHL's top regular season club with a 3-0 shutout of Saskatoon. The victory gives the ICE an unthinkable chance to use the brooms Wednesday in Cranbrook. After his power play point shot was followed-up on to give the ICE an early lead, the 6'4 McNabb took it coast-to-coast to bury a wrister for the 2-0 lead at the end of two periods. The Kootenay captain, who also displayed excellent power-play QB skills throughout, leads all Sabres prospects with two goals and 12 points through eight playoff games. The #1 star effort was his second three-point performance of the playoffs.

Elsewhere in the WHL, Riley Boychuk scored the power play game-winner and added an assist as Portland defeated Kelowna, 5-4. The 6'5 Boychuk made a key play late in the second period when he got the puck back to the point and set a screen for Tyler Wotherspoon's shot on the fourth Portland goal. The 20-year old, who is currently averaging 1.29 points-per-game in the playoffs after a mean of .58 in the regular season, later banged home a rebound with a two-man advantage to give the 'Hawks a 5-3 lead. The power-play goal was the third time this series that Boychuk has scored on a five-on-three. It's expected that Boychuk will remain on the Winterhawks top line when the clubs return for Wednesday's game #4 in Kelowna.

Matt MacKenzie skated even as Tri-City dropped a 4-1 home ice decision to Spokane. After winning the opener, the Americans find themselves in a 2-1 series hole heading into Thursday's game #4.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian scored his second goal of the playoffs as Windsor lost to Saginaw, 5-2. The unassisted breakaway tally, Kassian's ninth postseason point, came amidst a disappointing top-to-bottom effort from the defending Memorial Cup champions. The 6'3 winger was a little too late with the passion, getting assessed a misconduct at the final horn after a shoving match with former midget teammate and good pal, Dalton Prout. With the Spits trailing the series by a 2-1 margin, Kassian needs to bring that aggressive attitude back to the rink for Thursday's game #4.

Marcus Foligno continued his disappointing series, finishing -2 with a fighting major as Sudbury lost for the third straight game to Mississauga, 6-3. Gregg Sutch was even with an elbowing minor for the Majors, who with a Wednesday win can end Foligno's OHL career. The 6'3 Wolves captain sparked his team early, making a big hit along the boards then dropping the gloves for the first time since returning from his February knee injury to take on Rob Flick.



In Monday OHL action, Steven Shipley was +1 as Niagara defeated Oshawa, 5-3. The win gives the IceDogs a 2-1 series lead with game #4 Wednesday in Oshawa. Ryan Strome ('11) scored his fourth of the postseason for the victors.

4/10 Recap: Boychuk takes advantage

Riley Boychuk notched three assists in his expanded role Sunday as Portland drilled Kelowna, 6-3. The 6’5 Boychuk, who now has seven points (3+4) in six postseason contests, was playing his first full game on the ‘Hawks top line with Ryan Johansen (3G) and Nino Niederreiter (1A) in place of the suspended Brad Ross. Even in a grinding non-scoring line role, many thought the power-forward was set for a breakout this postseason despite having just three points in 13 career playoff games. It appears he'll continue to get the increased minutes with Ross' status in limbo with the league. The series in now even at a game apiece, with game #3 Tuesday in Kelowna.

Also from the WHL, Matt MacKenzie skated even as Tri-City lost to Spokane, 6-3. After splitting the series’ first two tilts, the two clubs will head to Tri-City for Tuesday’s game #3. MacKenzie has a goal and three helpers in the Americans six-game playoff year.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno recorded his first goal of the playoffs as Sudbury came up short for the second straight game against Mississauga, 3-2. After a scoreless first period, the 6’3 forward cashed a power play tally all alone in front of the Majors net to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead. The Wolves, who were outshot 63-24 in the one-goal loss, are approaching do-or-die territory with Tuesday’s game #3 on the horizon. Gregg Sutch did not factor into the Majors' scoring.

In Windsor, Zack Kassian was even as Windsor lost in overtime to Saginaw, 5-4. The 6’3 forward was on the ice as linemates Stephen Johnston and Kenny Ryan connected for a goal on their first shift, but the Spirit kept answering en route to evening the series at one game each. Kassian has eight points (1+7) this nine games this postseason. Last year he had 16 points (7+9) in 19 games. Game #3 is Tuesday in Saginaw.

4/8 Recap: Kassian sets tone as Spits take opener

Zack Kassian picked up an assist and his first fighting major of the playoffs Friday as Windsor blanked Saginaw, 3-0, to take game #1 of their second round playoff series. Manning his usual right wing spot on a checking unit with Kenny Ryan and Stephen Johnston, Kassian showed his teammates that he was ready to play just 17-seconds into the tilt when he dropped the gloves with Anthony Camara ('11) for the second time this season. The 6'3 lefty tagged the gritty Camara early to earn the decision, allowing the Spits to dictate the pace and secure the key road victory to open the best-of-seven. Kassian, who did eat one near the end of the spirited scrap, has a goal and seven assists in eight playoff games.



In the WHL, Brayden McNabb notched a pair of assists as Kootenay earned a 4-1 victory over Saskatoon. The victory gives the underdog ICE a 1-0 series lead with game #2 Saturday night in Saskatoon. The 6'4 McNabb now has two goals and six assists through Kootenay's first seven post-season games to tie Kassian at the top the Sabres prospects playoff scoring list.

Elsewhere in the OHL, Marcus Foligno finished a season-low -4 as Sudbury was blasted by Mississauga, 8-5. The Wolves fell behind 8-0 with a little over seven minutes remaining in the second period, only to score the game's final five goals to get the ship moving in the right direction heading into Sunday's game #2. Foligno has yet to record a point in five playoff games. Gregg Sutch skated limited minutes for the Majors and was unable to factor into the scoring.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson (+1) set-up the game winning goal as Sioux Falls earned a 3-2 win over Sioux City. The Stampede can clinch a first round playoff bye with a Saturday win over Omaha.

3/31 Recap: Boychuk pots two; Foligno gets boot

Riley Boychuk scored a pair of goals Thursday and provided a major physical spark as Portland completed the sweep of Everett with a 6-2 victory. The 6'5 power forward, who opened the game with a huge hit that jarred the glass loose, consistently used his feet to drive hard to the net with the puck en route to cashing his pair. His edgy game created space but also drew penalties, as Landon Ferraro was forced to sit for five after giving Boychuk a cross-check to end the second period. Everett simply could not keep up with the physical tone set by Boychuk, making the Sabres prospect a valuable piece to a team that should go deep in the playoffs.

Elsewhere in the WHL, Kevin Sundher finished -1 a night after providing the heroics as Chilliwack stumbled in a 4-2 loss at Spokane. The Bruins will have win on the road in Saturday's game #5 to keep their season alive.

Mark Pysyk was -1 with a pair of minor penalties as Edmonton saw their season come to a close with a 5-1 loss to Red Deer. The 6'2 defender finishes the four-game playoff year with no points, a -1 rating, and 6 PIM.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno was ejected in the first period after being called for a checking to the head penalty as upset-minded Sudbury clawed their back from a 3-1 deficit to earn a 5-3 win over Ottawa, and a date with Mississauga in the second round of the OHL playoffs. Foligno, who came in high on Adam Sedlak but looked to have made contact with the shoulder and not the head, got the boot with 7:31 to play in the first period to end the series with no points, a -2 rating, and 13 PIM.

Steven Shipley notched his first career playoff point, an assist, as Niagara earned the first round sweep with a 4-1 win over Brampton. The shift resulting in the goal was probably the best of the night for the unit of Archibald-Shipley-Doan as the trio pinned the troops in their own end for a minute before Archibald lit the lamp. The IceDogs will now await the winner of Oshawa/Kingston.

3/29 Recap: Gauthier-Leduc fuels Nics rally

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored a goal and assisted on the game winner Tuesday to lead pesky Rimouski to a 7-4 win over Gatineau. With an effort marked by quick execution in his own zone and the usual proper steering on the power play, it was an overall heady performance for the escapable 6'2 puckmover. He cashed his first goal of the playoffs on the power play to give the Nics a 4-3 lead late in the second period. At 4:10 of the third period, he sent a pass to Patrick Delisle-Houde for the game winning goal. The Oceanic now trail the series 2-1 with the clubs going right back at it on Wednesday.

Also from the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley was -1 as Val-d'Or got drilled by Quebec, 9-0. The 6'5 forward has gone without a point in nine career playoff games. Trailing the series 3-0, the Foreurs face a "win or go home" scenario on Wednesday.

In the OHL, Steven Shipley finished +1 as Niagara defeated Brampton, 3-1. The victory gives the IceDogs a commanding 3-0 series advantage with game #4 taking place Thursday in Brampton. The 6'3 Shipley, who was on for the Dogs final goal while centering scorer Darren Archibald and Myles Doan, has yet to record a point in seven career playoff games.

Gregg Sutch skated even with a minor penalty as Mississauga completed the first round sweep of Belleville, 4-0. Skating on the Majors fourth line with Jamie Wise and Corey Bureau, the grinding Sutch was whistled for a checking to the head penalty late in the first period. The 6'2 forward had no points in the series for the Majors, who will now wait to see who they'll face in round two. The injury-riddled Bulls dressed just nine forwards along with seven defensemen to end the season.

Marcus Foligno was unable to point for the third straight game as Sudbury battled back to steal a 5-4 overtime win over Ottawa. Foligno, who has been skating with Eric O'Dell and Michael Sgarbossa, hasn't been putting up points but he's still made noise in the offensive zone by pounding defensemen on the check. He started the night with a crowd pleasing boom on big Cody Ceci ('12) before lowering the boom on Ryan Shipley (brother of Steven) for the third time in the series. His efforts have drawn the attention of 67's bruiser Dalton Smith, making for a Sabres-centric sidebar when the #7 seed Wolves look to pull off the sweep/upset of the #2 seed Thursday in Ottawa.

In WHL action, Brayden McNabb was -1 as Kootenay lost game #3 of their first round series to Moose Jaw, 4-0. the shutout loss was the second in three games against the Warriors. The ICE will look to even the series at two games each on Wednesday.

Matt MacKenzie was kept off the scoresheet as Tri-City shut out Vancouver, 4-0. The Ams will look to take the brooms to the Giants when the puck drops for Wednesday's game #4.

3/28 Recap: Kassian bullish in Spits win

Zack Kassian earned #1 star honors Monday, posting a pair of first period assists and providing a major physical element to help Windsor to a 6-2 win over Erie. It was Kassian’s bullish game that earned the first-star recognition, as he again kept his feet moving to push bodies, attempt more one-on-one plays, and generally get the puck to the net. Seemingly upping his battle to assist the Spits to a 2-1 series lead, Monday’s effort was exactly the style of game that made that the 6’3 wing the 13th overall pick in the 2009 draft. The now head back to Erie for Wednesday’s game #4.

Elsewhere in the OHL, Marcus Foligno finished -1 as Sudbury downed Ottawa for the second straight game, 5-3. Foligno provided power forward muscle in the contest, using his strength to win 50/50 battles, and like Kassian, succeed in getting the puck to the net for scoring chances. The captain grinding his gears helped the Wolves to a 53-18 advantage in shots on goal. The two teams will reconvene Tuesday with Sudbury holding a 2-0 series lead.

In the WHL, Mark Pysyk logged a -2 as Edmonton lost game #3 of their first round series to Red Deer, 3-1. The steady captain put a scare into Oil Kings nation in the early third period when he took a puck to the head and returned to the bench on wobbly legs with the score knotted at zero. Pysyk, who previously put EDM fans on pins and needles when he was rammed hard into the boards early in game #1, would return to action minutes later. On the verge of being swept, the Oil Kings will look to extend their season another day when they take the ice Thursday in Edmonton.