Showing posts with label grigorenko. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grigorenko. Show all posts

Saturday, January 12, 2013

1/11 Recap: Amerks roll; Grigo empty on eve of camp

Brian Flynn scored a goal and an assist Friday to help the Rochester Americans to a 5-2 win over Hamilton. T.J. Brennan, Mark Mancari, Brayden McNabb, and Nick Tarnasky added the other Amerks goals, while Zemgus Girgensons, Luke Adam, and Kevin Porter gathered two assists each. For Girgensons, the two-assist outing was the first multi-point game of his professional career.

The game was a statement for Brennan and McNabb, who both await their missions on the eve of Sabres training camp. Brennan, who currently is tied for 12th in league scoring with 33 points (13+
20), stepped into a booming slap shot for a short-side goal to give the Amerks a 2-1 lead. McNabb dug in and played his physical brand of hockey while adding his third tally of the year. With Marcus Foligno and Cody Hodgson already tabbed for camp duty, the defensive duo are expected to be in the discussion as the Sabres look to round out their troops for the week-long evaluation.

Elsewhere, Mikhail Grigorenko (-2) went without a point for the second straight game as Quebec was embarrassed in a 4-0 home-ice loss to league cellar-dweller Shawinigan. Grigorenko, whose two-game drought is a first in the 2012-13 campaign, will leave for Buffalo early Saturday to participate in his first NHL training camp.

In Western League action, Andrey Makarov returned to action for Saskatoon for the first time since his bronze medal winning performance versus Canada, making 30 saves as the Blades dropped a 3-1 decision to Red Deer. Makarov saw his shutout streak of 134:49 (going back to early Dec.) snapped by surrendering a goal 5:28 into the first period. The Blades battle defending champion Edmonton on Saturday.

Colin Jacobs was kept off the scoresheet as Prince George edged Kamloops 1-0. Jacobs has yet to notch a point in five January games. The Cougars and Blazers play a rematch on Saturday.

In OHL play, newly-named assistant captain Justin Kea was unable to get a point in Saginaw's 4-3 win over Erie. Kea and the Spirit will ride a four-game winning streak into Saturday's game against top-ranked London.

Alex Lepkowski registered a minus-one rating as Barrie suffered 3-2 defeat at Guelph. The Colts welcome Niagara to town on Saturday.

Brady Austin remained out of the lineup with a hand injury as Belleville smoked Kingston 8-2. The Bulls host Windsor on Saturday.

In college action, Christian Isackson notched a pair of assists as No. 1 Minnesota skated to a 4-3 win over Alaska-Anchorage. The helpers extend Isackson's point streak to four games, giving him season totals of 3-11-14 through 21 games. The clubs complete the WCHA set on Saturday.

Jake McCabe made his return from an impeccable performance on Team USA's blueline as the 2013 World Junior Championship as Wisconsin earned a 4-3 overtime victory at Minnesota State. Brad Navin maintained his fourth-line role for the Badgers, who have won five straight and are unbeaten in their last nine games.

In the USHL, Judd Peterson (+1) saw his four-game point streak come to an end as Cedar Rapids defeated Muskegon 4-1. The RoghRiders tangle with Dubuque on Saturday.


Friday, January 11, 2013

1/10 Recap: Ullmark stars; Lepkowski returns

Linus Ullmark earned his second SEL start of the year Thursday, making an impressive 33 saves to guide MODO to a 3-1 win over Brynas. Ullmark has now appeared in three Elite League games, garnering two wins, a 1.19 GAA, and .957 save%. The red-hot Ullmark, who following the game celebrated victory with his patented moonwalk, could again get the nod when MODO returns to action Saturday versus Linkopings.



In Finland, Joel Armia (+1) finished with two shots on goal as Assat edged SaiPa 3-2. Assat takes on TPS on Saturday.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci snapped his four-game goal drought as Owen Sound lost at Niagara 3-2 in a shootout. Catenacci's goal, his 22th of the year, came on a first period power play to knot the score 1-1. He'd later miss on a wrister in shootout attempt. The Attack battle Kingston on Saturday.


Alex Lepkowski returned to the Barrie lineup for the first time since Dec. 15 as the Colts earned a 5-4 shootout win over Mississauga. Lepkowski, who missed seven games while recovering from a shoulder injury, finished with a game-best plus three rating while skating with 2014 draft eligible Aaron Ekblad. Barrie visits Guelph on Friday.

In QMJHL play, Mikhail Grigorenko (-1) fired two shots on goal but seemed to show travel wear late as Quebec was defeated by Chicoutimi 4-1. Grigorenko, who nearly notched his 30th goal of the year when he rang off a shot off the post, finished the game with a 25% success rate on faceoffs.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

McCabe golden in USA triumph; Russian duo gets bronze

Team USA captain Jake McCabe earned a gold medal Saturday as Team USA downed Sweden 3-1 to claim first place at the 2013 World Junior Championship. The victory was USA's first gold medal at the U20 event since defeating Canada in the 2010 final.

The Wisconsin sophomore, who began each period paired with Seth Jones, played a simple defensive game in the tourney finale. His stick was down, he made quick clears, and he kept his position around the USA net while not chasing the play en route to earning a plus-two rating. McCabe did a great job of forcing the Swedish forwards wide to the outside. His most impressive play came early in the second period with a great read to break up a two-on-one chance for the Swedes.

A native of Eau Claire, Wis., McCabe finishes the event with a line of 3-3-6 through the seven games, along with 16 PIM, 13 shots on goal, and a team-best plus-nine rating. His overall effort was rewarded with a spot on the tournament All-Star Team.

In the end, players from 13 different states, including 15 who currently play with NCAA Division I programs, banded together and got better with each passing game to take the gold medal on Russian soil.

***

In the day's first game, Andrey Makarov made 40 saves to backstop Russia to a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory over Canada to earn the bronze medal. With the loss, Canada's streak of 14 straight years with a medal came to an end.

With a decision in a medal game for the second consecutive year, Makarov ends the tournament with a 2-1 record, 2.99 GAA, and .933 save%.

Mikhail Grigorenko was unable to score in the game, but made perhaps his biggest defensive play of the tournament with a leg save in overtime prior to Valeri Nichushkin breaking in and scoring the game winner to get Russia the medal.



The talented centerman was named as one of Russia's top three players at the conclusion of the tournament with a productive 2-4-6 in seven games. Grigorenko rounded out his performance with 33 shots on goal, a 48.5% success rate on faceoffs (65W-69L), and a plus-four rating.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Grigorenko scores as hosts fall short of goal

Mikhail Grigorenko scored the game-tying goal but Russia was defeated by Sweden 3-2 in a shootout Thursday to get eliminated from gold medal contention at the 2013 World Junior Championship.

With the Russians trailing 2-1 well in the final frame, Grigorenko crashed the crease and buried a loose puck with three defenders on him to knot the game and eventually force an overtime session.



The 6-foot-2 forward, who nearly converted a prime power play opportunity in the second period, finished the game with three shots on goal and a paltry 25% success rate at the faceoff circle (4-12). He was stopped by Niklas Lundstrom as Russia's first shooter following the overtime.

Russia's second-leading point man with six points (2+4), Grigorenko will close the event Saturday in the bronze medal game versus Canada.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Grigorenko comes through as Russians top Swiss

Mikhail Grigorenko had a big game Wednesday, scoring his first goal of the tournament and helping force OT in the final minute of regulation as Russia advanced to the semifinal of the 2013 World Junior Championship with a hard-fought 4-3 win over Switzerland. Grigorenko, who was named player of the game for Team Russia, will again be counted on to be a driving force for Team Russia as they square off with Sweden Thursday in a rematch of last year’s gold medal game

With the score knotted at 1-1, Grigorenko went to the net with his stick down and buried a backhand from the low slot to give the Russians a 2-1 lead at 9:07 of the second period. The Swiss would answer back three-and- a half minutes later to deadlock the game at two apiece at the second intermission.

After the Swiss took a 3-2 late in the third, Grigorenko embraced the challenge by logging loads of ice time down the stretch. It appeared that he had converted his second goal of the game with a hard drive to the net with two minutes left to play, but the goal was immediately waved off with the net getting knocked off it's pegs before the puck went in. The 6-foot-2 centerman would keep at it, setting up Nikita Kucherov on the subsequent power play for the game-tying goal with 1:39 to play.

Following a scoreless 10-minute overtime, Grigorenko would be tabbed in the shootout, missing on his first opportunity but burying his second on a nice forehand deke before Kucherov followed up with eventual winner.



Props to Switzerland, by the way. It’s amazing what that country has done in building a solid national program over the last 10 years.

Bigger props to Grigorenko, though, who was “the man” for his team when they needed it most. He went hard all game, created pressure around the net, and produced in the clutch. Not bad for an “enigmatic” player who slipped all the way to 12th in the 2012 draft.

Russia faces Sweden Thursday for the right to play for gold.

Monday, December 31, 2012

Makarov stands tall in defeat

Andrey Makarov made 44 saves Monday as Russia closed the Group B round robin with a 4-1 loss to Canada. The Saskatoon Blades netminder was forced to battle Canadian shooters on a five-minute power play in the first period, surrendering two goals during the span while hanging tough to prevent additional strikes with second and sometimes third saves. Through two tourney starts, the athletic backstop has been very good in amassing a 1-1 record with a 2.02 GAA and .955 save%.

Russian centerman Mikhail Grigorenko was held off the scoresheet, winning just five of 15 draws in defeat. The 18-year old finishes pool play with three assists, 18 shots on goal, and a 53 percent success rate at the faceoff circle (34/64).

Russia will square off with Switzerland on Wednesday in a quarterfinal matchup.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

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

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Makarov magnificent as Russia nips USA

Andrey Makarov earned Player of the Game honors Friday thanks to a sparkling 41-save performance as Russia earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the USA.

Makarov made several point-blank stops, including perhaps his biggest in the game's second minute when he pushed from right to left in stopping a mini three-on-one break.


The Saskatoon Blades reigning MVP was tough from start to finish in the Russian crease, using quick limbs, and at one point even his head, to steer pucks out of danger.

Mikhail Grigorenko punched five shots on goal while winning 50% of his faceoffs (8/16). Despite being listed on paper as Russia's second line centerman, the 6-foot-2 distributor was the focus of an American clamp-down for much of the contest, as the defensive pressure pushed Grigorenko to the outside on the majority of his opportunities.

Team USA captain Jake McCabe, who finished the game with one shot on goal, showed a strong compete level while again being paired with Connor Murphy. His active stick was one factor in keeping Nail Yakupov off the scoreboard for the second straight game.

Russia will look for their third straight victory Saturday against Germany. Next up for Team USA is a Sunday showdown with Canada.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Grigorenko plays part in Russian triumph

Mikhail Grigorenko set up the game's first goal and played a part on the game winner as host Russia began their 2013 World Junior Championship quest with a 3-2 overtime victory versus Slovakia.

At 14:04 of the first period, Grigorenko connected with former Quebec Remparts teammate Nikita Kucherov, criss-crossing while entering the zone and taking a pass from the winger before dishing it back door on the give-and-go for the 1-0 lead.


The 6-foot-2 centerman continued to work the middle of the ice responsibly as the Slovaks fought their way back to even the game 2-2 with a strike in the final minute of regulation.

After Slovakia went shorthanded in overtime, Grigorenko came over the boards to take a key offensive zone draw with 14.5 seconds to play. The talented pivot came through, winning the puck back to the point and drifting through the low slot as a Albert Yarullin blast found the back of the net allowing Russia to escape with the two points.


Grigorenko finished the game with team-bests five shots on goal and a 69% success rate at the faceoff circle (11/16).

Sabres goaltending prospect Andrey Makarov served as backup while Andrei Vasilevskimade 32 stops to earn Russia's Player of the Game honors.

Russia returns to action Friday versus Team USA, who are captained by fellow Sabres prospect Jake McCabe.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Grigorenko produces, Makarov falters in final tune-up

Mikhail Grigorenko scored the game winning goal and added an assist Sunday as Russia closed their World Junior exhibition schedule with a 7-5 win over Switzerland. Grigorenko set up former Quebec Remparts teammate Nikita Kucherov for the game's first goal just 50 seconds in. The stalwart centerman, who was flanked by Anton Slepyshev ('13) opposite Kucherov, scored on the power play to give Russia a 6-5 lead in the final minute of the second period before the clubs played a much tighter third period.

Andrey Makarov struggled in Sunday's win over the Swiss.
Sabres goaltending prospect Andrey Makarov was scheduled to play the game's first 30 minutes before giving way to Andrei Vasilevski, but was instead removed at the first intermission after allowing four goals prior to the break.

Despite a talented handful of forwards, it was thought that Russia's strength was going to be between the pipes, but that appears to no longer be the case. Despite being previously dubbed "a pair of number one goalies" by Team Russia's goaltending coach, both Makarov and Vasilevski have struggled in the pre-tourney games leaving the door open for Igor Ustinsky ('13) to possibly get a look if their play and/or psychology in the crease doesn't improve.

Russia opens pool play for the 2013 World Junior Championship Wednesday versus Slovakia.

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.

Monday, October 29, 2012

10/28 Recap: Cat strikes; Grigo sits

Dan Catenacci notched a goal and an assist for the second straight game Sunday as Owen Sound downed Windsor 5-2. Catenacci's goal, his eighth of the year, gives him 18 points through the Attack's first 14 games and a share of the team scoring lead.


Linus Ullmark made 22 saves Sunday as MODO J20 edged Vasteras 2-1. Ullmark has won six of nine starts for the J20, accumulating a league-best 2.24 GAA and .909 save%.

Christian Isackson logged a +1 rating in Minnesota's 1-0 shutout of Canisius. The Gophers play a home-and-home set with Minnesota State next weekend.

Mikhail Grigorenko was a healthy scratch in Quebec's 2-1 win over Gatineau. With Russian winger Nikita Kucherov now healthy, the Remparts will rotate their three-Europeans into a lineup that is only allowed two per game. Quebec can carry three European players until the conclusion of NHL training camps, at which point they will have 14 days to get to the limit of two per roster.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

10/26 Recap: Kea keys Spirit to victory

Justin Kea notched a pair of goals Friday including a hard-working short-handed game winner as Saginaw edged Oshawa 3-2. Kea's first-ever two-goal effort in 141 OHL games earned him the game's number three star. The Spirit wrap up their three-game road trip Saturday in Peterborough.


Mikhail Grigorenko scored his 11th goal of the year and added an assist as Quebec dominated Shawinigan 7-0. The Russian pivot sits with 26 points in 14 games heading into Sunday's meeting with Gatineau (which Grigorenko could sit for if Patrick Roy decides to subject his leading scorer to a rotation of European players). Grigorenko's teammate Adam Erne ('13) paced the Remparts with four goals and an assist.


Jake McCabe recorded two assists as Wisconsin blanked Minnesota-Duluth 2-0. McCabe rifled a shot that made it through to traffic to create the first Badger goal. Sophomore forward Brad Navin was unable to get a shot on net in the victory. Wisconsin will go for their first sweep of the season Saturday when the clubs conclude the WCHA set.

 Elsewhere, Joel Armia posted two shots in 14:19 of work as Assat skated past HIFK 4-1. Armia has seven goals and 11 points though 16-games, but hasn't connected for points in consecutive games since the opening week of SM-Liiga play. Assat takes on KalPa on Saturday.

Dan Catenacci saw his six-game point streak come to an end as Owen Sound suffered a 3-2 shootout loss to Kitchener. Catenacci went backhand/forehand in his shootout attempt but was unable to score. On Saturday, the Attack will look to get back on track when they host Sudbury.

Judd Peterson was +1 as Cedar Rapids got past Indiana 5-1 in USHL action. On Saturday, the RoughRiders will tangle with undefeated Dubuque.

Logan Nelson (-1) was held off the scoresheet as Victoria was handed a 4-1 loss at Vancouver. The Royals head to Kamloops Saturday to play their second of seven straight road games.

Mark Adams punched a shot on goal as Providence scored a pair of third period goals to earn a 3-2 win over Maine. The Friars and Black Bears will conclude the Hockey East set Saturday at 7:05.



Christian Isackson contributed three shots on goal as Minnesota played to a 2-2 tie with the U.S. Under-18 team. The Gophers will next host Canisius College for a non-conference tilt on Sunday.

In the AHL, Rochester stormed back with a pair of late goals to force extra time but fell short in a 5-4 overtime loss at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Trailing 4-2 with just over a minute to play, David Leggio went to the bench to give the Amerks the extra attacker. Kevin Porter took advantage with 1:08 left before Mark Mancari put a shot just under the crossbar 43 seconds later to complete the unlikely comeback. However, a Paul Thompson goal off a partial breakaway would end the game in the Penguins' favor with just 14-seconds to play.

Luke Adam and Evan Rankin scored the other Rochester goals. T.J. Brennan and Alex Biega added pairs of assists for the Amerks, who head north to Glens Falls on Saturday to take on the Adirondack Phantoms.

Friday, October 26, 2012

10/25 Recap: Grigo comes up empty

In Thursday action, Mikhail Grigorenko went without a point for the first time this season as Quebec was squashed by Baie-Comeau 8-2. Grigorenko, who entered with a 12-game point streak that saw him collect 10 goals and 24 points, centered a line with 2013 draft eligible Adam Erne and fellow countryman Nikita Kucherov (TAM), who was making his season debut following shoulder surgery. The Remparts return to action Friday versus Shawinigan.

Alex Lepkowski maintained his steady defensive play as Barrie skated to a 2-1 overtime win over Brampton. Defenseman Aaron Ekbland ('14) scored on the power play in the final minute of the extra session to snap the Colts' two-game losing streak. Barrie will tangle with Niagara on Saturday.

Monday, October 22, 2012

10/21 Recap: Grigorenko feeds winner

In Sunday action, Mikhail Grigorenko set up Logan Shaw for the game winning goal with just under five minutes to play as Quebec skated to a 3-2 triumph at Drummondville. The power play helper extends Grigorenko's season-starting point streak to a dozen games, equaling his previous best set last January. The Russian pivot, who has collected 10 goals and 24 points thus far, will look to continue the hot hand Thursday versus Baie-Comeau.


In Sweden, Linus Ullmark made 18 stops as MODO J20 earned a 5-2 win over Lulea. Ullmark improves to 4-3-0 in SuperElit league play. His 2.32 goals against average is tops in the league for goaltenders with more than one start.

Alex Lepkowski finished with an even rating as Barrie was outplayed in a 4-1 loss at Brampton. The Colts, who were unbeaten in regulation in their previous nine games, will host a rematch with the Battalion on Thursday.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

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

Thursday, October 18, 2012

10/17 Recap: Grigorenko keeps pace; Makarov wins again

In Wednesday action, Mikhail Grigorenko notched an assist and added an empty-net goal as Quebec downed Saint John 5-2. The multi-point effort ups Grigorenko’s season totals to nine goals and 13 assists through the Remparts’ first 10 games. Next up for Quebec is a Friday tilt at Victoriaville.



In the WHL, Andrey Makarov made 26 saves as Saskatoon skated to their first home-ice victory of the year 3-2 over Tri-City. The win, Markarov’s third in a row, improves his season mark to 6-6-0 heading into Friday’s visit to Swift Current.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

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.

Monday, October 8, 2012

10/7 Recap: Nelson, Grigo extend streaks

Logan Nelson earned an assist on the power play to push Victoria to a 2-1 win over Vancouver. Playing his third game in three nights, Nelson (number two star) was engaged physically while creating chances off the forecheck. The game-winning helper gives Nelson points in four straight games. The Royals travel to Kamloops on Wednesday.


Mikhail Grigorenko extended his season-starting point streak to eight games with a third-period helper as Quebec was dealt their first loss of the season 4-2 to Blainville-Boisbriand. The Remparts will look to begin a new streak Friday when they battle Gatineau.


In Sweden, Linus Ullmark was given a day off as Mora was defeated by Karlskrona HK 2-1. Ullmark had received four consecutive nods prior to the Sunday rest. Mora takes on Asploven on Tuesday.


Sunday, October 7, 2012

10/6 Recap: Grigorenko, Nelson spark Saturday wins

Mikhail Grigorenko scored a pair of goals Saturday as Quebec blew past Rimouski 7-2. Grigorenko had his speed and puckhandling abilities on display from the get-go between linemates Logan Shaw (FLA) and 2013 draft eligible Adam Erne. The brilliant center now has six goals and 16 points on the year, good for a share of the QMJHL scoring lead, while boosting the Remparts to a perfect 7-0 start. The CHL's top-ranked club, Quebec will conclude the weekend with a Sunday visit to Blainville-Boisbriand.


In the WHL, Logan Nelson scored two regulation goals and the only mark in the shootout to lead Victoria to a 4-3 win at Tri-City. Nelson, who earlier had tied the game 2-2 with a nice backhand finish, struck again with 35-seconds to play in the third to force the OT. The first-star effort gives Nelson three goals, eight points, and two shootout winners in the Royals' first seven games.


Colin Jacobs kept rolling with a goal and an assist as Prince George was outgunned by Kelowna 7-5. The big Texan opened up for a second-period one-timer as the Cougars attempted to overcome a three-goal deficit. Jacobs has points in all six Cougars' contests this year en route to co-leading the WHL with 12 points (6+6).


Andrey Makarov made 31 saves as Saskatoon lost 4-1 at Edmonton. Makarov surrendered three power play goals in the middle frame to see his record drop to 2-4 with a 3.59 goals against average and .888 save percentage.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci scored the game winning goal in the shootout as Owen Sound defeated Guelph 4-3. In the second period, Catenacci picked up an assist when the rebound of his speedy breakaway attempt was buried to give him seven points (3+4) through the Attack's first seven games.



Alex Lepkowski notched a pair of assists as Barrie won their fourth straight game 4-3 over Peterborough. Lepkowski's breakout pass earned him a secondary helper on Mark Scheifele's game winner in the final minute of regulation. The multi-point effort was the third of Lepkowski's career and his first since a one-goal, one-assist outing last April in game six of the OHL Eastern Conference semifinal.



Belleville defenseman Brady Austin skated even as the Bulls got past Ottawa 5-3. Sean Monahan ('13) scored his fourth goal of the year for the 67's in a losing effort.

Justin Kea played even as Saginaw earned a 2-1 shootout win over Kitchener. Next up for Spirit is a Thursday visit to Barrie.

In Finland, Joel Armia earned a season-high 20:16 of work but was unable to score as Assat edged TPS 2-1. Former Sabres forward Mike Ryan scored the shootout winner for the Aces, who are off until Wednesday's tilt at Jokerit.

In NCAA exhibition play, Christian Isackson netted a natural hat trick as Minnesota crushed the University of Lethbridge 7-0. Isackson, who manned the right side on a line with Nick Bjugstad (FLA) and Kyle Rau (FLA), scored scored the first three goals of the game as the Gophers dominated with 65 shots on goal.


Brad Navin collected two assists as the Badgers skated to a 5-0 exhibition win over the U.S. U-18 squad. Navin, who made nice pass to slot for his second helper of the night, skated on a line with Joseph Labate (VAN) and Brendan Woods (CAR). Defenseman Jake McCabe sat out with an upper body injury.


In the USHL, Judd Peterson did not dress as Cedar Rapids was handled by Youngstown 5-1. The RoughRiders continue their homestand Friday versus Muskegon.