Showing posts with label gauthier-leduc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gauthier-leduc. Show all posts

Saturday, January 19, 2013

1/18 Recap: Cat pounces on PP

Dan Catenacci scored his 23rd goal in regulation and then another in the shootout to help spark Owen Sound to a 5-4 come-from-behind win over Kingston. With the Attack trailing 4-2 in the third period, Catenacci buried a Cody Ceci rebound to cut the deficit in half. The Attack travel to Belleville on Saturday.



Brady Austin returned after missing two weeks with a hand injury as Belleville toppled Niagara 7-2 to earn their fourth straight victory. Tyler Graovac (MIN) and Brendan Gaunce (VAN) each got fat with a plus-six rating in the win.

Justin Kea (-1) was unable to point as Saginaw defeated Sault Ste. Marie 5-3. Kea, who has eight points in his last six games, will look to continue his excellent January when the Spirit tackle Erie on Saturday.

Alex Lepkowski finished with an even rating as Barrie dropped a 3-2 decision at Sudbury. The Colts take on Kitchener on Saturday.

In the WHL, Andrey Makarov made 27 saves as Saskatoon held on for a 5-4 win over Moose Jaw. The victory was Makarov's first in four starts since returning from the World Junior Championship. The Blades host Brandon on Saturday.

Colin Jacobs did not get in on the scoring as Prince George lost to Calgary 5-3. Jacobs continues to struggle in January, posting just one goal in seven games since flipping the calendar. The second-worst team in the league standings, PG will travel to Red Deer on Saturday.

In NCAA action, Jake McCabe finished plus-one as Wisconsin extended their winning streak to seven games and their unbeaten run to 11 with a 1-0 triumph over No. 8 Miami. Brad Navin did not factor for the Badgers, who will go for the home sweep on Saturday.

Christian Isackson continued to bounce around the lineup Friday, this time centering a checking line as Minnesota earned a 5-1 win over North Dakota. The Gophers will battle their rivals for the final time in the regular season as member of the WCHA on Saturday.

Joel Armia (-1) registered four shots on goal in 16:51 of work as Assat lost to the Espoo Blues 4-1. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.

Judd Peterson (-1) went without a point as Cedar Rapids was trumped by Waterloo 7-3. The Junior A rookie will look to snap a four-game funk Saturday versus Sioux Falls.

Phil Varone scored a goal and an assist and Brian Flynn added his 13th goal as Rochester skated to a 4-1 victory over Syracuse. Evan Rankin andMark Mancari added the other Amerks tallies, while David Leggio made 26 stops to improve to 19-12-4-1 on the year.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc was a healthy scratch following a career-low minus-four in Wednesday's loss to Binghamton.

The Amerks are off until Monday's 1:05 PM matinee with Hamilton.

The Rundown:
Varone: G, A, +2
Flynn: G
Sundher: A
Adam: A
Crawford: A, +2
Schiestel: +2
McNabb: even
Pysyk: SOG
Parker: even

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Amerks dominated; McCabe named Captain

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his second goal of the year Saturday as the Rochester Americans were dominated in a 5-1 loss at Binghamton. Leduc's tally came as he joined the rush to the top of the crease and buried a nice feed from Luke Adam, who extended his point streak to eight games with the assist. Connor Knapp made his sixth professional start, stopping 32 of 37 shots in defeat. The Amerks will begin a two-game set with Lake Erie Wednesday at Blue Cross Arena.

In USHL play, Judd Peterson recorded a minus-two rating as Cedar Rapids dropped a 7-4 decision at Sioux Falls. The St. Cloud State commit heads home for Christmas with five goals and 12 points through his first 12 junior "A" contests. Cedar Rapids returns to action Friday at Des Moines.

---

In World Junior Championship news, Team USA made two of a required three cuts Saturday. Wisconsin defenseman Jake McCabe was not one of them. Instead, he was named the team's captain for the tournament. Safe to say the speculation that Phil Housley was "comfortable with McCabe" was quite accurate. Congratulations, Jake!



With McCabe's blueline partner Connor Murphy (PHX) reportedly nursing an injury with the tourney set to start Wednesday, Team USA sent just one defenseman, Brady Skjei (NYR) home, while waiting to determine whether or not they will need to send another rearguard home. Devils prospect Stephane Matteau was the lone forward released from the squad.

In Ufa, Mikhail Grigorenko and Andrey Makarov are set to take on Switzerland in their final pre-tourney tilt on Sunday. Russian goalie coach Vlad Myshkin told Sport-Express on Saturday that they have two number one goaltenders, and that they have yet to determine if Makarov or Tampa Bay prospect Andrei Vasilevsky will get the nod when pool play begins Wednesday.

Friday, May 11, 2012

5/10 Recap: Pysyk's winner gives Oil Kings edge

Mark Pysyk scored with 56-seconds left in regulation Thursday to vault Edmonton to an exciting 4-3 win over Portland in game #5 of the WHL Championship. The victory gives the Oil Kings a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven series.

Pysyk, who earlier pocketed an assist on the Oil Kings' third goal, made a stellar play on the game winner, gloving a pass down in the neutral zone and unleashing a rising wrister from between the hash marks that breezed past 'Hawks netminder Mac Carruth. The play featured several of the traits we've outlined over the past two seasons - his smarts, positioning, and skating. On top of it all was an "NHL shot" that should have made TSN's top plays.

The game's #1 star, Pysyk will lead the charge into Portland for Saturday's game six and a chance to win Edmonton's first WHL Championship since re-entering the league in the 2007-08 season. Pysyk was the first-ever draft pick for these modern day Oil Kings, having served as team captain for the past two seasons.



In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc punched four shots on goal as Rimouski was swept from the QMJHL's President's Cup final with an 8-0 blowout loss to Saint John. The 6'1 defender concludes his excellent final year of junior, accumulating 37 goals and 93 points in 83 total games between the regular season and playoffs, including a stretch of eight straight with a goal to set an all-time league record for defensemen. The power play specialist is slated to join the Rochester Americans in 2012-13 for his rookie professional season.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

5/9 Recap: Leduc connects; clubs on brink

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc posted a goal and an assist Wednesday as Rimouski was defeated by Saint John 6-4 in game #3 of the QMJHL President's Cup final. The big-shooting righty drilled a power play shot eleven minutes in to tie the game 1-1 heading into the first intermission. Leduc would later add a helper with the Sea Dogs firmly in control of the contest. After a regular season that saw him lead all QMJHL defensemen with 28 goals and 74 points, the 6'1 defender has struck another nine times this postseason to go along with 10 assists in 20 games. The multi-point effort was his first since the first round, a span of over a month.

The Oceanic now find themselves in a 3-0 series hole with Leduc facing the prospects of playing his final junior game Thursday in Rimouski.



Steven Shipley recorded an assist as Niagara couldn't overcome an early three-goal hole en route to a 4-1 loss to London in game #4 of the OHL Championship. The 6'3 center, who has collected five goals and nine points in 19 postseason games, helped get the IceDogs on the board at 6:23 of the third by driving the net and pushing the puck past London goaltender Michael Houser to a crashing Myles Doan for his second helper in as many games. Houser, the OHL's Player of the Year and attendee at Buffalo's 2011 development camp, made 36 stops to earn the game's #1 star. Talented Finnish defenseman Olli Maatta ('12) was injured late in the game when he was taken out along the boards in the Knights zone.

Trailing the series 3-1, Niagara faces elimination for the first time this postseason as the series shifts back to London for Friday's game #5.



Sunday, May 6, 2012

5/5 Recap: Leduc adds a point in Nics loss

Two of the three CHL Championship series continued on Saturday, with two Sabres prospects seeing their teams takes losses.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (+1) earned a late assist with a good first pass as Rimouski was edged by Saint John, 3-2. The QMJHL's leading defensive scorer with eight goals and 17 points, Leduc also contributed three shots on goal in the loss. Charlie Coyle (MIN) scored the winner on a penalty shot for his 15th goal in as many playoff games. The Oceanic head home for Wednesday's game #3 trailing the President's Cup final 2-0.



Steven Shipley went without a point for the fifth straight game as Niagara was defeated by London 5-3 in game #2 of the OHL Championship. The third-line center has been good at the dot and has gotten in front of several shots despite recording just one assist in his last 13 games. Ryan Rupert ('12) paced the Knights with a hat trick, while overager Andrew Agozzino notched all three IceDogs goals in defeat. The clubs head back to London for Monday's game #3 with the series tied at one game apiece.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

5/4 recap: Defensive duo dealt defeats

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc produced an assist Friday for his 16th postseason point, but Rimouski was defeated by Saint John 3-2 in double overtime in game #1 of the QMJHL President's Cup final. Leduc's up-ice pass while on the power play garnered a secondary helper as the Nics tied the game 2-2 at 13:20 of the second period. The offensive blueliner, who previously posted a combined 20 shots on goal in the last three games of the semifinal round, fired just one in the game one loss. Rimouski will look to even the series when the teams reconvene for Saturday's game #2.

In the WHL, Mark Pysyk was even as Edmonton dropped a 5-1 decision to Portland in game #2 of the WHL Championship. The loss evens the best-of-seven at one game apiece, while ending the Oil Kings 12-game home-ice winning streak dating back to late February. Brendan Leipsic ('12) and Sven Bartschi (CAL) paved the way for the Winterhawks with two goals each. Portland was playing without star forward Ty Rattie (STL), who was injured in the first period of the Thursday opener. Game #3 will be played Sunday in Portland.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

4/27 Recap: Pysyk, Shipley advance; Leduc lights lamp

Mark Pysyk recorded an assist Friday as Edmonton won the WHL Eastern Conference final with a 4-1 win over Moose Jaw. Following the game, the captain opted to honor the superstition of not touching the conference trophy as part of their preparation for what should be an amazing championship battle with the Portland Winterhawks. Pysyk, who has seven points (2+5) and a +6 rating through 13 playoff games, will now draw the assignment of shutting down a Ty Rattie-Sven Bartschi combo that has combined for 54 points in 15 games. The series opens next Thursday in Edmonton.

Steven Shipley went without a point as Niagara captured their first Bobby Orr Trophy as OHL Eastern Eastern Conference champions with a 3-2 game five win over Ottawa. The 6'3 center has posted just one assist in his last 11 games while showing upped intensity and third-line checking value. The IceDogs, who skated the trophy around the ice for the home fans, move on to face the London Knights for the rights to represent the Ontario Hockey League at the 2012 Memorial Cup.

Elsewhere, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his eighth goal of the playoffs as Rimouski inched their way closer to a berth in the QMJHL final with a 9-0 shellacking of Halifax. The power play mark was Leduc's 15th point in 16 games. His eight goals are three more than any other Canadian junior blueliner this postseason. Holding the 3-2 series lead, the Oceanic will need the momentum of the blowout win when they skate into Halifax for Sunday's game six.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

4/21 Recap: Leduc cannon gets Nics a win

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored off a blast from the point Saturday with just 56-seconds remaining in regulation to give Rimouski a 5-4 win over Halifax. The victory gives the Oceanic a 2-0 series lead in the QMJHL semifinal with the teams traveling to Rimouski for Tuesday's game three. The power play mark gives Leduc six goals and 13 points through 13 postseason tilts.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

4/20 Recap: Trio push off with wins

In Friday CHL playoff action, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc logged a +1 as Rimouski opened their QMJHL semifinal round with a 4-1 win over Halifax. The 6'1 righty went without a shot on goal for the first time since November 12th, a span of 55 games. Prize 2013 talent Nathan MacKinnon was held without a point for the second time in 12 playoff games, but still made waves with 1:32 left by smoking Casey Babineau with an open-ice hit to set off a scrum. The teams will play it right back with game #2 Saturday in Halifax.

Mark Pysyk played even as Edmonton kicked off the WHL Eastern Conference final with a 6-1 trouncing of Moose Jaw. The victory gives the Oil Kings 20 straight wins going back the end of the regular season. Edmonton forward Henrik Samuelsson ('12) notched three assists to give him nine points through his first seven playoff games. The series will resume Sunday in Edmonton.

In the OHL, Steven Shipley (+1) went without a point for the seventh straight game as Niagara earned a 2-1 overtime win over Ottawa in game #1 of the OHL Eastern Conference final. The Shipley line produced the game winner when Mitchell Theoret lit the lamp at 5:10 of the OT. Game #2 is Sunday in St. Catharines.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

4/17 Recap: Sutch scores as Colts get bounced; Leduc plays on

Gregg Sutch scored an early goal Tuesday but Barrie was defeated by Ottawa 4-3 in overtime of game seven of the OHL Eastern Conference Final. The 6'2 grinder took advantage of a turnover to pot his 2nd of the playoffs just 2:52 in. The Colts would battle back to force OT with :09 left in regulation before 67's forward Brett Gustavsen ended it at 2:09 of the extra session. Alex Lepkowski was +1 on the Colts blueline, finishing the playoffs with two goals, an assist, and a +10 rating in 12 games.


Ottawa advances to the Eastern Conference Final to face Steven Shipley and the Niagara IceDogs. The series begins Friday in St. Catharines.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc earned an assist as Rimouski advanced to the semifinal round with a 5-4 win over Blainville-Boisbriand. The mobile righty advances to the next round with five goals, 12 points, and a +6 rating through 11 postseason contests. After coming back to defeat the Armada in seven games, the Oceanic will square off with Nathan MacKinnon and the Halifax Mooseheads beginning Friday. MacKinnon, who is considered to be the top dog for the 2013 draft, has 11 goals and 21 points in 11 playoff games.

Monday, April 16, 2012

4/15 Recap: Lepkowski, Sutch produce in Colts loss

Alex Lepkowski scored off a wrister from the point and added an assist Sunday as Barrie was defeated by Ottawa 3-2 to force a game #7 in the OHL Eastern Conference final. The multi-point effort was the second of his three-year career. Gregg Sutch scored the other Colts, his first of the playoffs and first in his last 18 post-season tilts. The clubs will decide the series Tuesday in Ottawa.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc recorded three shots on goal as Rimouski edged Blainville-Boisbriand, 3-2. With the series locked at three games each, the clubs will play #7 Tuesday in Boisbriand.

In other news, the idle Amerks watched on during the final day of the regular season as the chips in place to give them the 7th spot in the AHL’s Western Conference playoffs. Rochester will square off with division rival Toronto for a best-of-five series beginning Thursday.

Game 1 – Thu., Apr. 19 – Rochester at Toronto, 7:00
Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 21 – Rochester at Toronto, 3:00
Game 3 – Mon., Apr. 23 – Toronto at Rochester, 7:05
*Game 4 – Wed., Apr. 25 – Toronto at Rochester, 7:05
*Game 5 – Sat., Apr. 28 – Rochester at Toronto, 3:00

Saturday, April 14, 2012

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.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

4/10-11 Recap: Pysyk strikes; Lepkowski pots winner

On Wednesday, Mark Pysyk scored on a shorthanded break, his 2nd goal of the playoffs, as Edmonton swept Brandon from the WHL playoffs with a 6-0 victory. The Oil Kings captain took a nice saucer pass and lifted a forehand to give Edmonton a 2-0 lead at 9:00 of the opening period. The Oil Kings move on to face Moose Jaw in the Eastern Conference finals beginning next Friday (4/20). Wheat Kings center Kevin Sundher (-2) was unable to gain a point in the four-game defeat, and finishes his disappointing stay in Brandon with five goals and 14 points in 27 games. The six-footer, who previous earned a three-year deal from the Sabres by averaging 1.60 points-per-game with Victoria before his January trade, is now eligible to sign an ATO with Rochester of the AHL.



In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc picked up an assist as Rimouski evened their quarterfinal series at two games apiece with a 4-3 overtime win over Blainville-Boisbriand. The 6'1 defender has gathered five goals and 10 points in eight postseason tilts. Game #5 takes place on Friday.

In Tuesday action, Alex Lepkowski (+3) scored the game winner on the power play for his first career playoff goal as Barrie downed Ottawa, 5-2. The 6'4 defenseman pounded a slapshot from the point to give the Colts a 3-1 lead in the 2nd period. Colts forward Gregg Sutch returned to the lineup after missing three games due to injury. Barrie now takes a 2-1 series advantage in their Eastern Conference semifinal with game #3 coming Thursday.



Steven Shipley finished -1 as Niagara doubled Brampton, 6-3. After busting out with six points (5+1) in the first four postseason games, the 6'3 center has gone without a point in his last five. With a 3-0 series lead in hand, Niagara will look to use the brooms Thursday night in Brampton.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

4/7 Recap: Varone winner gets Amerks on track

In Saturday playoff action, Mark Pysyk logged a -2 as Edmonton held on for a 4-3 win over Brandon. The Oil Kings now hold a 2-0 series lead in the WHL Eastern Conference semifinal with game #3 taking place Tuesday in Brandon. Kevin Sundher did not factor into any of the three Wheat Kings goals. The six-foot center has a goal and two assists in seven postseason tilts. 

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc landed four shots on goal but could not register as Rimouski was shut out by Blainville-Boisbriand, 2-0. With no points in his last two games, Leduc slips to 4th in QMJHL playoff scoring for defensemen (4+4). The series is now tied at a game apiece with the teams heading back to Rimouski for Tuesday's game #3.

In the AHL, Phil Varone scored the game winner just 1:34 into the third period to give Rochester a 3-1 win over Hamilton. Even Rankin and Derek Whitmore also scored for the Amerks, who snapped a a five-game winless skid with four games remaining and the final Western Conference playoff spot still within range. David Leggio made 25 saves in his 19th consecutive start in the Amerks crease.

The Rundown:
Varone: GWG, +2, 3 SOG
Crawford: A, +1
Foligno: 2 SOG
Adam: SOG
Szydlowski: SOG
Tropp: even
Biega: even
Fienhage: even

The Amerks visit Adirondack on Sunday.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

4/6 Recap: Leduc streak snapped

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc saw his four-game point streak come to an end Friday as Rimouski defeated Blainville-Boisbriand 5-3 in game #1 of the QMJHL quarterfinal. While not getting in on any of the goals, the 6'1 defenseman did fire a game-best seven shots. Leduc continues to lead league blueliners with eight points (4+4) through five postseason tilts. He'll play his sixth when the Nics travel to Blainville for Saturday's game #2.

In the WHL, Mark Pysyk skated even as top-seeded Edmonton opened their WHL Eastern Conference semifinal with a 2-1 overtime win over Brandon. Kevin Sundher did not record a point but helped get the Wheat Kings going in the third when he was bumped up to center the top line with Mark Stone and Michael Ferland. Brandon would fire 15 of their 29 shots in the final period, including an excellent two-on-one opportunity for Sundher, but could only get one past Laurent Brossiot to fall behind 1-0 in the best of seven series. The two clubs will play game #2 Saturday in Edmonton.

In the OHL, Steven Shipley helped provide late pressure despite being held without a point as Niagara downed Brampton 2-1 in overtime. Amherst native Dylan Blujus ('12) finish +1 for the Troops, who take a 1-0 series deficit back home to Brampton for Sunday's game #2.

Alex Lepkowski finished -1 and Gregg Sutch remained out with an injury as Barrie lost to Ottawa, 5-1. Rochester native Shane Prince earned the game's #1 star with two goals and an assist for the 67's. Game #2 will be played Sunday afternoon in Ottawa.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

3/28 Recap: Leduc pots winner; Shipley picks pair

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored the game winning goal, his fourth of the series, as Rimouski swept Val-d'Or from the QMJHL playoffs with a 4-3 victory. The QMJHL leading regular season point-getter for defensemen, Leduc again leads the league in the postseason with eight points in four games from the blueline.

The series had a somewhat ugly finish, with fellow Sabres prospect Cedrick Henley (4GP 1-2-3 -1 15 PIM) involved in a skirmish at the final horn and then another shoving match near center match before exiting for the final time this season (below). The Oceanic advance to the second round to face a yet to be determined opponent.

(s/t to Jerome Berube for the video link)

In OHL action, Steven Shipley hit for a pair of goals including one shorthanded as Niagara lost their second in a row to Oshawa, 5-3. The two-goal effort puts the 6'3 center in a tie for the OHL lead with five playoff marks. The series is now locked at two games apiece with game #5 going Saturday in St. Catharines.

Dan Catenacci scored his first goal of the playoffs shorthanded and added an assist as Owen Sound earned an exciting 6-5 overtime win over Kitchener. The Attack get their first win of the series with plenty of work ahead to dig out from their 3-1 deficit. The Attack will again look to extend their season on Friday in Kitchener.



In WHL play, Mark Pysyk notched an assist on the game winner as Edmonton erupted for five third period goals en route to a 6-3 win over Kootenay. Nathan Lieuwen stopped 17 of 18 shots through two periods before allowing four goals in the final frame. He finished the game with 31 saves. The Oil Kings will go for the sweep on Thursday.

In a Wednesday morning tilt, T.J. Brennan scored his 15th goal of the year as Rochester lost to Albany, 2-1. Brennan, who hits the 15-mark for a second straight season, is currently the second leading goal scorer among AHL defenders. The leader, Eric Gelinas of the Devils, has 16 while playing 20 more games.

David Leggio made 32 saves to earn the game's #3 star.

The Rundown:
Brennan: G, -1, 4 SOG
McNabb: A, -1
Adam: 2 SOG
Biega: SOG
Crawford: SOG
Szydlowski: SOG
Lagace: even

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

3/27 Recap: Armia goes down with knee

So perhaps Joel Armia wasn't refilling his sport drink after all.

The second-year Assat forward has been ruled out of action for roughly six weeks after an examination Tuesday revealed stress to his knee suffered in Saturday's loss to JYP.

The 18-year wing finished Saturday's game after getting stung in a collision, and also went ahead and collected two assists in over 19-minutes of work on Monday before finally being shut down.

The injury will not require surgery but will cause him to miss the rest of the playoffs and likely take him out of consideration for the World Championships, which take place in Scandanavia in early May.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (+3) scored his third goal of the playoffs as Rimouski edged Val-d’Or 3-2 in overtime. Foreurs captain Cedrick Henley finished -1 with a game-best eight hits in defeat. The Oceanic hold a 3-0 series lead and will look to use the brooms Wednesday night in Val-d’Or.

In the WHL, Kevin Sundher did not factor into the scoring as Brandon defeated Calgary 3-1 in game #4 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal. With a 3-1 series lead, the Wheat Kings will look to eliminate the Hitmen Thursday on home ice.

Gregg Sutch and Alex Lepkowski were each a -1 as Barrie lost at Mississauga, 3-2. With the series evened at two games apiece, game #5 will take place Saturday in Barrie.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

3/24 Recap: Leduc leads way; Varone keys win

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored a goal and three assists Saturday as Rimouski got out to a commanding 2-0 series lead with an 8-5 win over Val-d'Or. The four-point night was the third of Leduc's 2011-12 year and first since early December. Cedrick Henley scored a goal and an assist for the Foreurs, who battled back from a 6-2 deficit to within one before the Nics closed it out with a pair of goals (including an empty netter) in the final two minutes of regulation. Game #3 is set for Tuesday in Val-d'Or.



Joel Armia (-1) sent five shots on goal as Assat was defeated for the second straight game by JYP, 2-1. The 6'3 wing competed hard after a disappointing effort in Thursday's opener, upping the physical ante early in hopes of setting a different tone. At one point he left the game after a collision with Sami Vatanen (below) but claimed during a second intermission interview that it was only to refill his sport drink. Assat now trails the series 2-0 with game #3 set for Monday in Jyvaskyla.



Dan Catenacci posted an assist as Owen Sound was defeated by Kitchener, 3-2. The defending OHL champion Attack, who played most of the game with just nine forwards, fall into a 2-0 series hole with game #3 coming Monday at Kitchener.

In the NCAA West Region semifinal, Brad Eidsness served as backup as #1 North Dakota defeated #4 Western Michigan, 3-1. The Sioux move on to a Sunday meeting with rival Minnesota, who advanced with a 7-3 win over Boston University. Gopher freshman Christian Isackson was a healthy scratch for the 10th straight game. UND defeated Minnesota last weekend for the right to play for the WCHA's automatic bid.

In AHL play, Phil Varone scored a goal and an assist in regulation and then secured the victory with the only marker in the shootout as Rochester earned a 4-3 win over Syracuse to get back into the final Western Conference playoff spot.

Vets Evan Rankin and Paul Szczechura netted the other Amerks goals, while David Leggio made 31 stops and another five in the shootout for his 24th win of the year.

The Rundown:
Varone: G, A, +1
Biega: 2A, +2
Brennan: A, +2
Lagace: -1
Adam: 4 SOG
McNabb: -2
Persson: -2
Szydlowski: -1

The Amerks will next play at Albany on Wednesday morning.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

3/23 Recap: Shipley pots pair; Knapp's season complete

Steven Shipley scored a pair of third period goals Friday to earn the game's #3 star as Niagara dismantled Oshawa 6-1 in game #2 of the OHL Eastern Conference quarterfinal. The two-goal outing was Shipley's first in 20 career playoff games while the multi-point effort was his second. The victory gives the IceDogs a 2-0 series lead heading into Sunday's game #3.

In QMJHL action, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored on the power play as Rimouski opened the playoffs with an 8-5 win over Val-d'Or. Foreurs captain Cedrick Henley recorded an assist and a game-high five hits in defeat. The Nics will look to take a 2-0 series lead on Saturday.



In the NCAA East Region semifinal, Connor Knapp made 26 saves in his final game as a collegian as Miami was defeated by Lowell 4-3 in overtime.

Knapp started slowly, getting beat just 1:34 into the game when a shot rang off the crossbar behind him and then went off a crashing player before going over the goal line. Later in the period, a turnover at the Lowell blueline led to Knapp getting beat five-hole on the ensuing breakaway for a shorthanded goal against.

Trailing 3-0 entering the third, the RedHawks scored two goals in 14 seconds early on before completing the comeback midway through the frame to force the OT. However, Lowell ended it quickly by tipping a rebound over Knapp's arm at 2:13 of the extra session to end the RedHawks year.

The 6'6 netminder finishes the season 15-8 with a 1.69 goals against average, a .933 save percentage, and five shutouts. He amassed 46 wins in his four years in Oxford, while setting a Miami record with 13 shutouts.

Elsewhere, Nathan Lieuwen made 25 saves as Kootenay was blanked by Edmonton 3-0 in game #1 of the WHL Western Conference quarterfinal. Mark Pysyk finished +1 for the Oil Kings. The two clubs will continue the series on Sunday.

Kevin Sundher finished even as Brandon was shut out by Calgary, 4-0. Sundher, who was playing his second game after missing 13 of the previous 14 with a concussion, took a five minute rest after trading punches with 17-year old Chase Clayton early in the middle period. After combining for 80 minutes in penalties, the two clubs will unlock their 1-1 series on Sunday.



In the OHL, Gregg Sutch did not return for the third period after getting into a scrap with Trevor Carrick as Barrie was pounded 4-0 by Mississauga in game #2 of their first round series. Sutch, who earlier this season tuned up Leafs prospect Stuart Percy, tried to get his former Majors teammate to go another round before Carrick stepped in to take on the crash-and-banger. Alex Lepkowski finished even on the Colts blueline. The series heads back to Barrie for Monday's game #3.



Dan Catenacci finished -1 as Owen Sound lost to Kitchener 6-2 in game #1 of their OHL Western Conference series. The Attack will look to even the series in Saturday's game #2.

In the AHL, Colin Stuart scored two goals and Maxime Legault added a single as Rochester dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to Binghamton. David Leggio made 33 saves to fall to 23-18-2

Recently inked Phil Varone notched an assist for the Amerks, giving him 39 points in his last 42 games.

The Rundown:
Varone: A
Crawford: A
Adam: A
Biega: A
Szydlowski: even
Lagace: even
McNabb:-2
Brennan: +2
Persson:

Veteran blueliner Dennis Persson skated as a forward while Corey Tropp, Travis Turnbull, and Marcus Foligno continued their tour of duty with the surging Sabres. The Amerks were also playing without Matt MacKenzie, who on Thursday was assigned to Gwinnett of the ECHL.

Next up for the Amerks is a Saturday night tilt with Syracuse.

***

In Friday ECHL play, MacKenzie notched an assist as Gwinnett edged Greenville 3-2 in a shootout. Jonathan Parker did not factor in regulation and missed in his shootout attempt. Riley Boychuk was even with a roughing minor in the win.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Prospects set for second season

It’s the first day of Spring, meaning things are about to get a little more interesting for some Sabres prospects. The CHL playoffs kick off on Thursday while the puck drops on the NCAA tourney a day later. And hey, that Armia kid will be looking to put together a playoff run, too.

***

The Sabres pair of QMJHL prospects, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc of the Rimouski Oceanic and Cedrick Henley of the Val-d’Or Foreurs, will square off in the first round beginning Friday. Leduc, a finalist for the QMJHL Defenseman of the Year, led all Canadian junior defensemen this season with 28 goals while tying for the CHL lead with 74 points. Henley captained the Foreurs to a second place finish in the Telus East Division.

The Niagara IceDogs earned the top seed in the OHL’s Eastern Conference, creating a matchup with 8th place Oshawa. Dogs forward Steven Shipley, who was a point-per-game player over the final 20 games, will look to continue his late season pace on a line with David Pacan and Mitchell Theoret.

Dan Catenacci will be front-and-center for the defending OHL champion Owen Sound Attack as they travel to Kitchener for Friday’s game #1. The Attack will be playing without captain and leading scorer Mike Halmo, who was suspended 10 games in the final week of the regular season after lambasting Nail Yakupov with an open-ice headshot.

With star forward Tanner Pearson out with a broken leg suffered in the final game of the regular season, grinding wing Gregg Sutch, who was bumped down the lineup for most of the year, could see an elevated role for the Barrie Colts in their first round battle with Mississauga. West Seneca native Alex Lepkowski will be counted on to set a physical tone while earning big minutes on the Barrie blueline.

Out west, Edmonton captain and World Junior participant Mark Pysyk will lead the #1 seed Oil Kings into battle against the defending league champs, the Kootenay ICE. The ICE won’t have Brayden McNabb playing 30 minutes a night this go-round, but will again be backstopped by reigning playoff MVP Nathan Lieuwen, who enters the postseason with just three wins in his last 13 starts.

The Brandon Wheat Kings are hoping to have their key deadline acquisition, Kevin Sundher, back in the lineup when they begin their first round series with Calgary on Thursday. The speedy six-footer accumulated 64 points in 40 games with Victoria prior to being dealt, but has played just once after suffering a concussion on Valentine’s Day.

In other Thursday action, Joel Armia and Assat will begin their best-of-seven first round series with JYP. The 18-year old scored 18 goals for the second consecutive season, including a impressive 10 goals and 20 points in 21 games upon returning from the World Junior Championship.

After leading the NCAA with a 1.59 goals against average, Connor Knapp will lead Miami (#2 seed in the East Region) into Friday's NCAA tourney matchup with #3 Lowell. Knapp has been the most dominant netminder in all of college hockey since January 1st, compiling an 11-3 mark while allowing three or more goals just twice along the way.

In the West bracket, Brad Eidsness is expected to serve as back-up when #1 seed North Dakota battles #4 Western Michigan. On the other side, #2 Minnesota will take on Boston University. Gophers forward Christian Isackson will likely be a scratch as he has been for the last nine games.

***

Colin Jacobs and the Seattle Thunderbirds missed the WHL playoffs by two points but on Wednesday were awarded the first overall pick in the WHL bantam draft lottery. Justin Jokinen (Minnesota St.), Drew MacKenzie (Vermont), Brad Navin (Wisconsin), and Mark Adams (Providence) all saw their seasons end with losses in their respective conference tourneys.