3/24 Recap: Kassian generates as Spits drop opener

Zack Kassian (-1) notched an assist for his 20th career playoff point as Windsor opened the 2011 playoff year with a 2-1 loss to Erie. Kassian, whose power play blast by tipped-in by Stephen Johnston for the only Spits goal, put together a decent performance despite the loss while on a line with Johnston and Leafs prospect Kenny Ryan. The 6'3 banger showed engagement early, opening the game with a big hit only to be whistled for charging a couple of shifts later. He was controlling and patient with the puck, and more importantly was physical in all three zones in an effort to pressure the Otters carriers. Windsor scored on just one of 11 power play opportunities, a stat that will need to improve when the series shifts to Erie for game #2 Saturday.

Elsewhere on opening night, Steven Shipley finished +1 as Niagara rolled to a 7-1 thrashing of Brampton. The IceDogs rode four goals from the stick of Darren Archibald to notch their first win of the playoff year, while Shipley remains without a point through five career playoff games. Ranked #9 in the final CHL rankings, Niagara now travels to Brampton for Sunday's game #2.

Gregg Sutch played even as Mississauga defeated Belleville, 4-1. The 6'2 grinder, who came to life last year in the playoffs with four goals and an assist in 16 games, will have plenty of opportunities to eclipse that line with the CHL's #3 ranked Majors hosting this year's Memorial Cup. Austen Brassard ('11) scored the Bulls' lone goal.

###

On Wednesday, Christian Isackson (+1) scored his 16th goal of the year as Sioux Falls downed Omaha, 4-1. The goal thrusts Isackson into the team scoring lead with 41 points, one ahead of Brown commit Ryan Jacobson in two fewer games. Another future Gopher, Kyle Rau ('11) paced the Herd with two goals and an apple.

3/19 Recap: Sundher stars as clubs ready for playoffs

Kevin Sundher hit for two insurance goals and an assist Saturday as Chilliwack blanked Everett, 3-0. The six-foot pivot went to work with the Bruins holding a 1-0 lead after 40-minutes, first forcing Ryan Murray ('11) to cough up the puck allowing him to sail down and pot his 23rd on a shorthanded breakaway, and then snapping a shot from the slot a couple of shifts later for his 24th goal and sixth three-point game of the year. The Surrey native finishes the regular season as the Bruins #3 scorer with 76 points. Depending on what shakes out on Sunday, Chilliwack will visit either Tri-City or Spokane when the WHL playoffs kickoff next week.

Elsewhere in the WHL, Brayden McNabb (+1) registered an assist, his 50th helper of the year, as Kootenay hammered Lethbridge, 7-1. The 6'4 defenseman caps his fantastic regular season with 22 goals and 72 points, making him the 3rd-most productive WHL blueliner, while his sturdy +25 is representative of the quality (and sheer amount of) even-strength minutes logged during season grind.

Mark Pysyk skated -1 as Edmonton lost their second game in as many nights to Red Deer, 3-1. The weekend set allowed plenty of bad blood to brew prior to the clubs' squaring-off for their best-of-seven playoff round next week. Pysyk scored six goals this season while posting career highs in points (40), penalty minutes (88), and plus/minus (+29) in his first season as Oil Kings captain. He played like a leader to end the year and is sure to be counted on heavily as Edmonton engages the tough task of taking down the Rebs, lead by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ('11).

Matt MacKenzie registered an assist as Tri-City defeated Spokane, 6-4. The two-way defender has points in three of his last four games. He had posted points in three of his previous 17 prior to the productive home stretch. The Ams wrap up the regular season on Sunday versus Seattle.

Riley Boychuk had no points and 17-penalty minutes as Portland defeated Seattle, 5-4. The 6'5 Boychuk earned his sixth fighting major of the year when he dropped the gloves with 6'5 17-year old Mitch Eliot.



Corey Fienhage finished -1 in the final WHL game of his career as Kamloops lost to Prince George, 5-1. The 6'4, 221-pound "Moose", who played his previous two seasons with the University of North Dakota, scored four goals and 10 assists in 70 games this season on the Blazers blueline.

In the OHL, Steven Shipley scored his 18th goal of the year as Niagara pummeled Kingston, 8-4. Ryan Strome ('11) collected four assists to finish tied atop the OHL's scoring list with 106 points (33+73). The IceDogs will await the results of Sunday play before learning their first-round opponent. A Brampton win will see the Dogs play Kingston. A loss will set the stage for shorter drives with a Dogs/Brampton first round match-up.

Marcus Foligno (+3) notched an assist as Sudbury doubled Belleville, 6-3. The 6'3 captain was a physically intimidating throughout, earning a double minor for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct late in the second period after his hit sparked a powerkeg. The Wolves will close the regular season Sunday with a tilt against their first-round playoff opponent, #2 seed Ottawa.

Zack Kassian notched an assist as Windsor defeated Saginaw, 5-4 in overtime. The bullish wing, who had eight 3+ point efforts before the World Junior Championships and just two after, finishes the regular season with 26-51-77. Just like a year ago, the Spits will face the Erie Otters in the opening round of the playoffs.

In the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley (+1) picked up two assists Val-d'Or lost to Shawinigan, 8-4. The 6'5 Henley, who was called for boarding on the game's first shift, has 17 points in 21 games this season including a goal and seven assists in nine games since returning from wrist surgery. Les Foreurs will close their regular season Sunday against Drummondville.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson scored an empty-net goal and an assist as Sioux Falls rolled past Green Bay, 4-0. The six-foot rookie has 15 goals and 40 points in 51 games this season and has been a point-per-game player over his last 20.

Connor Knapp did not play as #6 Miami won their first-ever CCHA Tournament title with a 4-2 win over #12 Western Michigan. Senior UFA Andy Miele scored a goal and an assist to give him 71 points (24+47) in 38 games this year. By comparison, Nathan Gerbe's best season at BC (2007-08) saw him net 35-33-68 in 43 games. The RedHawks will now wait Sunday's announcement of the NCAA tournament bracket to determine who they'll next face.

Brad Eidsness served as backup as #1 North Dakota won the Broadmoor Trophy as WCHA Tornament champs with a 3-2 double-overtime win over #5 Denver. Like Knapp's RedHawks, Eidsness and the Sioux will wait for Sunday to learn who they face as one of the #1 regional seeds.

3/18 Recap: Foligno produces in return

Marcus Foligno gathered a goal and an assist in his return to the lineup Friday as Sudbury downed Kingston, 6-3. The 6'3 physical forward has scored 23 goals in 45 games this season after scoring a total of 26 over his previous two seasons (132 games). Foligno had missed last weekend's games with an illness. The Wolves close the regular season with weekend road games at Belleville and Ottawa.

Also from the OHL, Gregg Sutch scored a goal and an assist as Mississauga shut out Brampton, 2-0. The power-play marker, Sutch's eighth of the season, came off a failed Troops clearing attempt with 3:43 remaining in the 2nd period.

Zack Kassian did not score as Windsor downed Sault Ste. Marie, 4-2. Kassian, who three months ago looked like a lock for 100 points and even two weeks ago made 80 seem very reasonable, has gone -2 with an assist in his last four games to check in with 26-50-76 as the Spits enter their final regular season game Saturday versus Saginaw.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his 15th goal of the season to extend his point streak to nine games as Rimouski lost at Gatineau, 3-1. The 6'2 Quebec City native has scored seven time over the streak (nearly half of his season haul) to go along with eight assists. Gauthier-Leduc is ranked 4th among Q defenders with 53 points (18+33) with one game left.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb notched his 22nd goal of the season and added an assist as Kootenay downed Lethbridge, 5-3. The 6'4 McNabb now has 71 points with one game remaining, placing him 3rd overall among all WHL rearguards while tying him with Marc-Andre Gragnani (2005-06) for third-most single-season points for a Regier-drafted defenseman behind Brian Campbell (87, 1999-00) and Matt Kinch (84, 2000-01).

Matt MacKenzie collected a pair of assists as Tri-City defeated Chilliwack, 6-1. Kevin Sundher finished -2 for the Bruins.

Riley Boychuk scored his 17th goal of the year as Portland rallied to beat Everett, 4-3. The aggressive 6'5 grinder, who scored goals in back-to-back games for the fourth time this season, was whistled for three minor penalties in the game - two for roughing and one for cross-checking.

Mark Pysyk was +1 as Edmonton battled in a hard-fought 4-3 loss to Red Deer. The game, played in Rexall Place between clubs that are locked into to a first-round playoff match-up, was attended by 12,960 fans. Pysyk has posted career highs this season in assists (34), points (40), plus/minus (+30), and penalty minutes (86).

Corey Fienhage skated +1 as Kamloops saw their playoff hopes fade away via a 3-2 shootout loss to Prince George. The Blazers needed a regulation win to stay alive in the race for the final spot in the Western Conference bracket. The 6'4 stay-at-homer will play his finish his WHL career Saturday in a rematch at PG.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson (+2) scored his 14th goal of the season as Sioux Falls rolled over Chicago, 7-0. The six-footer, who has points in 13 of his last 16 games, had skated his previous nine games without a goal.

In the collegiate ranks, Connor Knapp served as backup as #6 Miami advanced to the CCHA Final with a 6-2 win over #8 Notre Dame. UFA's Andy Miele (two goals, two assists) and Carter Camper (two goals, one assist) paved the way for the RedHawks, who move on to face Western Michigan in Saturday's championship.

At the WCHA Final Five, Brad Eidsness did not play as North Dakota edged Colorado College, 4-3. The Sioux will battle Denver on Saturday for the tourney title.

3/17 Recap: Gauthier-Leduc streaks to eight

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc notched an assist to extend his season-high point streak to eight games as Rimouski was doubled-up by Montreal, 4-2. Still just 18 years of age, the 6’2 Quebec City native is currently tied for 4th among QMJHL defensemen with 52 points (14+38). The Nics have two games left, with their season ending Sunday versus Victoriaville.

In the OHL, Steven Shipley registered his 49th point of the season, an assist, as Niagara gave up a third period lead in a 2-1 loss to Central Division rival Mississauga. Ship's 2010 draft-mate Gregg Sutch finished even with a minor penalty for the Majors. With one game remaining on the regular season schedule, the CHL’s #10 ranked IceDogs will finish in second place behind the #3 ranked Majors.

Zack Kassian finished -2 as Windsor lost to Saginaw, 5-0. The Spits loss seals their second place finish in the OHL’s Western Division, while the team handing them the loss takes their first division title. Kassian, who averaged 1.92 points-per-game prior to the World Junior Championship, has recorded 28 points in his past 29 games. Windsor closes their regular season with Friday-Saturday games at Soo and Saginaw.

3/13 Recap: Gauthier-Leduc pots deux; Pair dishes 50

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored a pair of goals Sunday to extend his point streak to seven games as Rimouski cruised past Rouyn-Noranda, 6-1. The 6'2 defenseman has scored six goals and seven assists over the streak, and currently sits 6th among QMJHL in scoring with 51 points (14+37). He previously had a seven-game run in October that saw him collect a goal and seven assists.

In the WHL, Kevin Sundher dished a pair of assists as Chilliwack lost in overtime to Kelowna, 3-2. The six-footer, who has clicked for 26 points (5+21) in his last 18 games. ups his season line 22-52-73 with three games remaining on the regular season slate. Sundher spoke of needing to be a more consistent player at the time of his drafting, and on a broader scope he has. In his first 34 games, the Surrey product totaled 11+25. In 33 games since January 1st, he has netted 11 goals and 26 assists.

Matt MacKenzie notched a power play assist to help Tri-City to a 6-3 win over Prince George. The 6'2 defender, who has points in just three of his last 17 games, elevates his line to 7-28-35 though 69 starts. Tri-City currently holds down the #4 spot in the Western Conference playoff standings.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian returned to action after a one-game benching due to indifferent play, notching an assist on the first Spits goal as Windsor edged Sarnia in a shootout, 4-3. The assist, his 50th of the season, gives the budding power forward 76 points in 53 games.

Steven Shipley (+1) picked up an assist as Niagara used the shootout to defeat Kingston, 4-3. The 6'3 third-line center has a goal and four assists in his last four games.

Gregg Sutch was even with a hooking minor as Mississauga earned a 3-2 overtime win over Ottawa. Sutch was a healthy scratch in five of the previous twelve Majors' tilts heading into the weekend.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson skated -1 with two shots on goal as Sioux Falls lost to Omaha, 2-1. The Minnesota commit has 15 points in his last 15 games.

Kassian saying right things, but words best be put to action

As expected, Windsor Spitfires forward Zack Kassian is saying all the right things after being benched for Thursday's contest against Owen Sound. As someone who judges people by their actions and not their words, I'm playing and wait and see game when it comes to the powerful 20-year old.

The story

Some quotes:

“We’ve got five games remaining and we need a lot more out of Zack Kassian and we’re not getting it,” said Jones, who dressed two players under the limit of 20 for the game. “We won’t be a contending playoff team unless Zack Kassian plays to his full potential.”

“I’m the first to admit, I wasn’t playing well,” Kassian said as he watched the game from a suite at the WFCU Centre. “It’s a wake up call for me to take a bigger leadership role and be a bigger part of this to help the team.”

Kassian has 75 points this season, but I've been quiet about my opinion of his play until recently. His raw ability makes him a #1 prospect, but his lax approach to this season has me close to dropping him from the top of the list. The guy was a Memorial Cup champion a year ago. Tasting a title win should get the hunger brewing again, not turn you into a coasting player waiting for his pro career to begin.

The way you practice is the way you play.

About a week ago, I penned a reply to someone asking about the forward's overall game and what to expect in his first contract with the Buffalo Sabres. Here is an excerpt:

Like most have said, Kassian is a big, tough guy with pro hands. He likes to set up on the goal line where he'll look to distribute or power it to the net. He'll be a typical paint player in the NHL. Effective around the net with or without the puck. If I watch him on the boards and in the slot and think of the overall toughness element that he can bring when "on", I think it's OK to consider him Bertuzzi-esque in that regard.

His issue is keeping his feet moving and bringing it night-to-night. He skates with a long stride but sometimes finds himself flat-footed away from the puck. That split-second needed to re-start makes a difference, so keep it chugging. Regarding the effort, I was hoping he'd use this season to start preparing for the daily mental and physical grind of an NHL season but the off nights have appeared here and there. They will need to be limited and eventually eliminated moving forward.

Down in Erie a few weeks back, he showed his versatility by playing all three forward positions on his first four shifts.

The Spits were awful that night. Campbell was a sieve. D assignments were missed. Kassian and some of the better players weren't playing with much fire, while Czinder was bringing it physically and Ellis and Carnevale were creating. I made a note midway the 2nd that some guys were getting double-shifted over Kass when all of a sudden he came over the boards (with Khoko + Ebert) and went to the dressing room for the night for "not giving 100%"....

His last shift that game followed a goal against which he was on the ice for. A few seconds after the faceoff he had an opportunity to put a guy into the boards and let his teammates know he was engaged but didn't take it. Even if you don't connect, even if you hit all glass, you need to go hard in that spot. This was one of those "off nights"...

One of the best things that has happened to Kassian has been developing a friendship with Marcus Foligno. Marcus is a natural leader with a great work ethic who comes from a hockey family. He is what Zack isn't. There are going to be days when Kass is going to have some guilty skating to do in practice. I think a guy like Marcus will help him understand when those days are....

So yeah, it's great that Marcus can help him with that, but there's still a need for serious veteran leadership if this team wants to get the most out of Kassian early. For now, little things like him staying out of the box are seen as positive steps.

One other note about Zack worth looking at is his average post-World Jrs performance. Ennis, Myers, Adam all took it up a notch after playing for Canada. Kassian had a flu bug shortly after his return (which involved a week off) and is still a point-per-game guy (10+14 in 24 GP), but hasn't elevated his overall game. He had 48 points in 25 games pre-tourney.

These aren't serious red flags. There's a lot to like. If Zack has his epiphany and becomes the monster on the forecheck/backcheck and commanding scorer down low, it'll bring the team up. There are things the Sabres will do to make it happen.

Also about the tourney, interesting that he was among the top FO performers when called upon. Cameron used him primarily on o-zone PP draws to get him to the front of the net right away, but long term it's an interesting thought based on his very good passing hands. His plan for now remains as a wing no doubt. Keep it simple all the way around...

Let's see where this takes us. The concerns I raised earlier are still lingering, and the time is now for Kassian to not just say that he's learned a lesson, but actually show it on and off the ice.

3/10 Recap: Kassian sits; Red hot Leduc keeps rolling

Zack Kassian was a healthy scratch Thursday as Windsor needed the shootout to earn a 4-3 win over Owen Sound. Kassian, plagued by inconsistent effort since returning from the World Junior Championship, has been rumored to be at odds with the Spits staff of late. The Sabres can't be entirely pleased with Kassian's lack of focus either, and should be expecting a dominating response from their 2009 first-rounder before further evaluating his status once his OHL season ends.

Elsewhere, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc extended his point streak to five games with a pair of primary assists as Rimouski lost via shootout to Saint John, 3-2. The red-hot defender has amassed 10 points for his most productive five-game tear of the season to surge into a tie for fifth place among QMJHL defenders with 48 points.

In the OHL, Steve Shipley set-up the game winning goal in overtime as Niagara got past Brampton, 4-3. The 6'3 Shipley, who has been nearly a point-per-game player (4+10) over his last 15 outings, had a total of 17 goals and 46 points this season.

Gregg Sutch skated even as Mississauga doubled Peterborough, 6-3. The 6'2 grinder has hit a rough patch in his development, garnering just nine points in his last 25 games.

Marcus Foligno missed Sudbury's 6-3 loss to Barrie due to illness.

3/6 Recap: Henley gets first since fall

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

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

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

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

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

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

3/5 Recap: Pysyk extends; Eidsness sighting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###

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

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

2/28 Recap: Steady Pysyk returns; Kassian light lamp

In Monday WHL play, Mark Pysyk posted a power play assist Monday as Edmonton cruised to a 7-1 win over Calgary. The 6'1 defender, who returned after missing one game with an upper body injury, ups his season line to 5-31-36 with an impressive +30 rating.

On Sunday, Zack Kassian (+2) potted a goal and an assist as Windsor dropped a 6-5 decision to Sudbury. The 6'3 wing had skated his previous five games without lighting the lamp for the second time in his last 20 tilts.

Steven Shipley was -1 as Niagara was shut out by Brampton, 3-0.

Gregg Sutch was a healthy scratch as Mississauga drilled Belleville, 6-1.

In the WHL, Kevin Sundher dished a pair of assists to extend his point streak to 10 games as Chilliwack edged Prince George, 4-3. The Surrey, BC native ends January with 19 points (4+15) in 12 games.

Matt MacKenzie finished -1 as Tri-City was blanked by Vancouver, 5-0.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson earned an assist as Sioux Falls as rolled over Lincoln, 6-2.

2/25 Recap: Streaks continue; Henley returns as injuries mount

Kevin Sundher extended his point streak to eight games Friday with a goal and an assist as Chilliwack defeated Vancouver, 6-4. Sundher's power play marker, his 20th of the year, tied the game at two apiece late in the first period. The 6'0 pivot has collected three goals and 11 assists over the career-long streak.

Brayden McNabb scored an insurance goal and an assist as Kootenay defeated Prince Albert, 4-1. The empty-netter, McNabb's 19th goal of the year, gives the 6'4 defenseman 60 points through 50 games to go along with a solid +25 rating.

Mark Pysyk scored his fifth goal of the year before suffering an upper body injury as Edmonton lost at Lethbridge, 6-3. Pysyk, who tallied on the power play for his second goal in as many games and sixth point in his last three, left the game after the first period and did not return. The extent of the injury will be better known when the Oil Kings get back to Edmonton.

Corey Fienhage played even as Kamloops got past Medicine Hat, 6-5 in the shootout. The Blazers trailed 5-1 in the third period before exploding for four unanswered goals to gain the momentum en route to the shootout win.

Matt MacKenzie skated even as Tri-City defeated Seattle, 5-2. The 6'2 defender has gone eight games without a point - his longest slumber since an eight-game stretch in December of 2008.

Riley Boychuk (day to day) sat out with a concussion as Portland lost to Everett, 2-0. The Silvertips scored a pair of short-handed goals to secure the win.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored a goal for the second straight game as Rimouski downed Montreal, 3-2. The Juniors took a 2-0 lead on the first shift of the second period before the Oceanic struck for three goals in the nest five minutes. Gauthier-Leduc's power play tally, his 10th of season, tied the game at 5:13 with the game winner coming just :40 later. The Nics win despite being outshot 43-28 including a whopping 20-1 margin in the third period.

Cedrick Henley returned to the Val-d'Or lineup after a 42-game absence in the Foreurs lost to Moncton, 6-4. The 6'5 forward did not factor in any of the Foreurs goals in his first game back but did earn a five-minute major and game misconduct midway through the third period after a hit from behind. Henley had four goals and five assists in 12 games before having corrective wrist surgery.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian failed to get on the scoresheet in Windsor's 4-2 win at Sault Ste. Marie. The 6'3 ox came to play earlier in the season, getting points in 23 of 26 games leading up to his appearance with Team Canada. In 23 games since returning from the tourney though, Kassian has skated without a point nine times.

Gregg Sutch got back in the lineup but did not point as Mississauga defeated Brampton, 5-3. The 6'2 grinder has seven goals and 23 points this season.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson picked up an assist to extend his point streak to seven games as Sioux Falls defeated Tri-City, 4-3. The power play apple gives Isackson 4+5 over the streak while upping his season totals to 13-18-31 in 41 games.

In the NCAA, Drew MacKenzie scored his fourth goal of the season as Vermont overcame a three-goal deficit to tie Boston University, 3-3. Like many of MacKenzie's goals, this one came as he again made his way into the slot to unleash a backhander to cut the Terriers lead to 3-2. The ex-Waterloo Blackhawk now has six points in his last six games. The rally begins midway throigh the below clip:



Mark Adams recorded an assist as Providence played to a 3-3 tie with Lowell. The 6'3 freshman, who has yet to score a goal for the Friars, now has points in two of his last three games.

Connor Knapp did not play as Miami trounced Lake Superior, 8-1.

Nick Eno served as back-up as Bowling Green came up short in a 2-1 loss to Michigan State.

2/24 Recap: Shipley looking to get on track

Steven Shipley earned a power play assist to extend his point streak to four games Thursday as Niagara doubled Erie, 6-3. After being a point-per-game player through his first 15 starts (5+10), the 6'3 forward has gone on to produce a total of 39 points in 54 games (.72 pts/gm). Last season through 54 games, Shipley produced at slightly over a point-per-game clip by amassing 21 goals and 55 points. Entering the year I spoke of an upped compete level as the key to Shipley's growth moving forward. Taking hits to make plays...playing with more passion. We need to see it more, but for now the move back to center has helped his game come around.

Elsewhere, Zack Kassian posted an assist as Windsor downed Ottawa, 4-1. The big wing, who moved to the left side on a line with Taylor Carnavale and Jake Carrick, has 24 goals and 70 points in 47 games this season.

2/21 Recap: MacKenzie nabs star

Matt MacKenzie played even to earn the game's #3 star Monday as Tri-City lost to rival Spokane, 5-1. The Ams offense could only muster 10 shots on goal in the final forty minutes while MacKenzie showed good poise and effort in his own end to earn the nod from the local voters.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian saw his six-game point streak come to an end as Windsor was stopped by London, 3-2. Kassian, who skated the majority of his shifts with Stephen Johnston and Kenny Ryan, had collected 3+7 over the stretch to boost his season totals to 24-45-69.

Gregg Sutch did not play as Mississauga continued to sputter with a 5-2 loss to Kitchener. Sutch, who has made less of an impact since suffering a head injury at the same time that talented Russian Maxin Kitsyn joined the club, was one of just Majors skaters to not register a point in Sunday's thumping of Niagara.

2/19 Recap: Trio enjoys six-pack; Eno bids adieu

Kevin Sundher continued to surge with his 19th goal of the season Saturday, but Chilliwack skidded to their third straight loss, 6-3 at Portland. The third-round pivot buried a feed off a steal from behind the net at 9:49 of the second period to extend his point streak to six straight games (2+9). Fellow 2010 pick Riley Boychuk (2 PIM) did not factor into any of the goals for the Winterhawks (39-16-0-3), who clinched a playoff berth with the win. Portland moves on to face Prince George on Tuesday, while Sundher and the Bruins (24-29-2-2) will continue their road run Sunday at Seattle. (it's worth noting that Boychuk's fight on has been added to 1/23 recap. Always good to go back and see Sundher's one-punch KO as well...)

In the USHL, Christian Isackson notched his 13th goal of the season as Sioux Falls rallied for three goals in the final 12-minutes of play to stun Sioux City, 4-3. The crafty forward, who has nine goals in his last 15 games, has collected points in six straight for an even 30 (13+17) on the year. The Stampede (23-14-5) next play Friday at Tri-City.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian picked up a late assist as Windsor lost to Plymouth, 4-3. Kassian, whose helper came with :09 left in regulation, now has points in six consecutive tilts (3+7), while his 69 points rank second on the Spits behind Ryan Ellis' 79. Windsor (31-20-2-3) travels to London on Monday.

Elsewhere, Mark Pysyk (+2) earned an assist as Edmonton was bested in the shootout by Lethbridge, 6-5. The even-strength apple, his 27th of the season, gives Pysyk 30 points on the season. The Oil Kings (26-27-2-5) will look to rebound Wednesday against Calgary.

Matt MacKenzie played even as Tri-City was dominated by Spokane, 6-2. After netting eight points in his first 12 games with the Americans, the 6'2 defender hasn't appeared on the sheet in his last five. Tri-City (36-16-2-2) have a tough match-up on Monday when they host Spokane.

Corey Fienhage finished -1 as Kamloops dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to Red Deer. Ryan Hugent-Hopkins ('11) notched a pair of assists for the Rebels. The Blazers (26-31-3-1) will get back at it Wednesday at Lethbridge.

Brayden McNabb finished -1 as Kootenay was defeated by Saskatoon, 5-3. The Ice (38-18-1-2) will host Kelowna on Tuesday.

In the Q, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc skated -1 as Rimouski lost in a shootout to Victoriaville, 4-3. The Nics (27-28-1-2) will have to regroup quickly for a Sunday tilt with Lewiston.

On senior night in Bowling Green, Nick Eno allowed three goals on 19 shots in the final home game of his collegiate career as the Falcons lost to Northern Michigan, 3-2. The senior netminder falls to 4-10-1 in 16 appearances this season, while the loss drops him to 21-38-5 for his BGSU career. The 6'3 Eno enjoyed ups and downs in his four seasons in Ohio, ousting Flames prospect Jimmy Spratt as the #1 guy as a freshman before an ankle injury sidelined him as sophomore. Upon return to health, he found himself in Spratt's shoes with a worthy challenger emerging in Andrew Hammond for his final two seasons. The Falcons (8-22-4) close their season Friday at Michigan State.

In other NCAA action, Drew MacKenzie (+1) saw his four-game point streak snapped as Vermont played to a 2-2 tie with #8 New Hampshire. The Catamounts (7-17-6) return to action Friday at Boston University.

Justin Jokinen registered two shots on goal as Minnesota State was dumped by #5 Minnesota-Duluth, 6-2. The Mavericks (14-14-6) have a week odd before closing their regular season schedule with a home set against Alaska-Anchorage.

Mark Adams punched one shot on goal as Providence was shut out by #15 Boston University, 1-0. The Friars (7-16-7) host Lowell on Friday.

Brad Eidsness did not play as #2 North Dakota squeaked out a 3-2 win over St. Cloud State. The Sioux (22-8-3) will play out their WCHA schedule against Bemidji and Michigan Tech over the next two weekends. After one start in the Sioux's last 25 games, one would think that the junior would get a look in at least one of those four games.

2/18 Recap: McNabb continues mastery as streaks build

Brayden McNabb scored a goal and an assist Friday to lead Kootenay to a 4-1 victory over Medicine Hat. The even-strength marker, McNabb's 16th of the season and 24th point in his last 15 games, gave the Ice a 1-0 lead at 11:02 of the first period. The 6'4 minute-eater, who also registered a +3 rating on the night to elevate his season mark to +24, remains the #3 scorer among WHL defensemen with 16-40-56 in 46 games. The 24-point run is the most productive 15-game stretch of McNabb's WHL career.

Elsewhere in the Dub, Corey Fienhage (+1) scored  his fourth goal of the year to help Kamloops to a 4-3 overtime win over Edmonton. The big defenseman's beaming wrister from just inside the blueline gave the Blazers a 2-0 lead in the first period. Mark Pysyk finished +1 with a boarding minor for the Oil Kings. Pysyk continues to lead his club with a +25 rating.

Kevin Sundher (-4) earned an assist as Chilliwack got hammered by Tri-City, 6-2. The apple coming from tipped shot net, his 57th point of the year, puts the 6'0 pivot on a five-game point streak. Matt MacKenzie (-1) did not connect on any of the six TC goals but did land a shot or two when he took on Blair Wentworth in the final minutes to earn his fourth major of the season:



In the OHL, Steven Shipley (-2) scored his 16th goal of the year as Niagara lost at Erie, 5-2. The 6'3 center has goals in two straight games after potting just two in his previous 15 contests. After being nearly a point-per-game player a season ago, Shipley's third OHL season is closer to resembling that of his rookie year when he scored 16 goals and 39 points in 63 games. Through 52 games this season, the center has collected 16 goals and 37 points for the talented IceDogs. There's just enough time for Shipley to roll up his sleeves and up his compete level as the playoffs approach.

Zack Kassian picked up an assist to extend his point streak to five games as Windsor overcame a four-goal deficit to defeat Plymouth, 7-5. The 6'3 wing has three goals and six assists over the stretch after having just a pair of helpers in his previous eight games.

Gregg Sutch notched a primary assist as Mississauga won in the shootout over Kitchener, 5-4. Sutch returned to the lineup after being scratched in two of the previous three games - all Majors losses.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson  scored his 12rth goal of the year as Sioux Falls got past Cedar Rapids, 2-1. The 6'0 Isackson buried a high wrister at 10:21 of the third to tie the game before the Herd would complete the comeback with :05 remaining in regulation. The Gopher commit now has three goals and four assists over his season-best five-game point streak.

In the college ranks, Mark Adams picked up a assist as Providence lost at #15 Boston University, 2-1. The secondary helper at the 18:34 mark of the third period was the second career collegiate point for the 6'3 freshman blueliner.

Drew MacKenzie (-3) assisted on the game's first goal just :33 in but it was all the Catamounts would get as Vermont got torched by #8 New Hampshire, 6-1. The junior defenseman now has points in four straight games and a line of 3-9-12 in 27 games.

Justin Jokinen skated even as Minnesota State downed #5 Minnesota-Duluth, 3-1. The junior forward has one assist in his last six games.

Brad Eidsness was again the #2 goaltender as #2 North Dakota battled to a 3-3 tie at St. Cloud State.

Nick Eno served as backup to Andrew Hammond as Bowling Green played to a 2-2 tie with Northern Michigan.

2/16 Recap: Kassian begins late season cruise

Zack Kassian scored a goal and an assist Wednesday as Windsor suffered a 5-3 loss to Kitchener. The big forward has three goals, including two on the power play and two game winners, and five assists over his current four-game point streak to add to his line of 24-43-67 on the year. He skated without a point in four games leading up to the streak.

Gregg Sutch did not play as Mississauga got hammered by Oshawa, 8-2. Dogged by injuries and unspectacular play of late, the the grinder has been scratched two of the past three games. Along the way, the CHL's #2 ranked Majors have hit a three-game losing skid for the first time this season.

In the Q, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc posted five shots on goal as Rimouski defeated PEI, 3-2 in the shootout.
On Tuesday, Corey Fienhage played even as Kamloops earned a 3-2 shootout win over Tri-City. Matt MacKenzie was -1 with two minor penalties including a delay of game call with 3:40 left in regulation. 

2/13 Recap: Kassian cashes in

Zack Kassian scored his second straight game-winning goal Sunday and added two assists as Windsor hammered Sarnia, 8-0. The points, two of which came on the power play, give Kassian a career-high 65 on the year. His previous career best was 63 set in 2008-09 with Peterborough. 

Gregg Sutch finished -2 as Mississauga stumbled for the second straight game with a 4-2 loss to Ottawa. The grinding forward has just one assist and a -4 rating in his last eight games.

Steven Shipley did not factor as Niagara defeated Brampton, 3-1. The 6'3 center has a goal and four assists in his last 10 games. Ryan Strome ('11) had three assists for the IceDogs.

In the WHL, Kevin Sundher extended his point streak to four games with an assist as Chilliwack got whacked by Tri-City, 6-1. Sunder has 14 points (3+11) in his last 10 games. Matt MacKenzie was even with a pair of minor penalties for the Americans.

Mark Pysyk (+2) picked up an assist on the game's first goal as Edmonton edged Swift Current, 3-2. The steady defender improves his line to 3-26-29 and a sturdy +24 rating in 50 games.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson had an assist and his first USHL fighting major as Sioux Falls downed Tri-City, 6-2. The 6-footer ate one at the start before earning a clear victory over 5'9 Jason Binkley.

2/11 Recap: Sundher keeps dishin'; Kassian kicks funk

Kevin Sundher piled three assists for the second straight game Friday as Chilliwack won a 5-4 shootout decision over Kelowna. The 6'0 center, who also helped get the Bruins tiebreaker off on the right foot with a goal as the first shooter, now has 53 points through 51 games. His 36 assists match the total he posted in all of 2009-10 (72 games).

In the OHL, Zack Kassian potted the game winning goal Friday as Windsor defeated London, 5-2. The backhand wraparound goal, his 22nd of the season, ended a nine-game scoring drought for the 6'3 wing while leaving him one point shy of tying his career-best point total of 63 set in 2008-09 with Peterborough. The nine-game slumber was his longest stretch without a goal since an 11-game run last season turned out to be his last 11 games in a Peterbrough uniform.

Steven Shipley picked up an assist as Niagara dumped Barrie, 7-0. The Dogs unloaded five goals in the final period to improve their mark to an impressive 35-11-2-4.

Gregg Sutch was even as Mississauga lost to Plymouth, 4-3. The Majors, currently the #2 team in the CHL rankings, suffer just their ninth regulation loss of the season (40-9-0-2).

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc registered a pair of power play assists as Rimouski blanked Baie-Comeau, 3-0. The 18-year old remains tied for 11th in scoring among league rearguards with 37 points.

Elsewhere in the WHL, Mark Pysyk notched his third goal of the year and added an assist as Edmonton lost in a shootout to Moose Jaw, 5-4. It was the fifth multi-point effort of the season for the steady defender.

Brayden McNabb finished +2 as Kootenay downed Regina, 5-1. Despite the quiet night, the 6'4 McNabb remains third in WHL scoring for defenseman with 52 points.

Matt MacKenzie picked up a power-play assist as Tri-City shut down Portland, 5-0. Winterhawks forward Riley Boychuk added to his busy week at 9:03 of the second period when he paired high sticking and instigator minors with his fifth fighting major of the year.





 
 In USHL play, Christian Isackson scored his 10th goal of year as Sioux Falls lost to Tri-City, 3-2. The power play marker gives Isackson seven goals in his last 11 games.

In NCAA action, Justin Jokinen scored his ninth goal of the year as Minnesota State won a 5-1 decision at #19 Colorado College. The 6'3 junior buried a one-timer on a feed from behind the net to give the Mavs an early 1-0 lead.

In Hockey East, Drew MacKenzie (+1) had an assist as Vermont routed #18 Maine, 7-2. The junior blueliner has points in three straight games.

Mark Adams was even as Providence lost to #1 Boston College, 3-0.

Brad Eidsness did not play as #5 North Dakota defeated Alaska-Anchorage, 6-1. Eidsness has started just one of the past 22 Sioux games.

Nick Eno backed-up Andrew Hammond for the fourth straight game as Bowling Green came up short at #10 Notre Dame, 2-1. Hammond made 36 saves in defeat and will likely retain his #1 position in the Falcons net.

Connor Knapp served as backup to Cody Reichard for the fourth straight game as #12 Miami and #15 Western Michigan played to a 3-3 tie.

2/9-10 Recap: Boychuk thrives in 'Hawk romp

In Wednesday WHL play, Riley Boychuk popped off for a goal and two assists as Portland doubled Spokane, 10-5. The three-point night gives the 6'5 forward 12 points in his last 13 games and a total of 29 (14+15) on the year. The Winterhawks dominated on the scoreboard despite being outshot by a 48-29 margin. Late in the third with the game well in hand, Boychuk earned a roughing minor after coming to the aid of goalie Mac Carruth:



Also from the Dub, Corey Fienhage logged a +3 as Kamloops thrashed Seattle, 6-1. Colin Smith ('11) had a goal and an assist for the Blazers.

In the OHL, Steven Shipley finished -1 as Niagara defeated Kingston, 3-1. Ryan Strome ('11) had an assist for the victorious Dogs.

###

On Thursday, Gregg Sutch assisted on the game winning goal as Mississauga beat Barrie, 5-3. The helper ended a five-game point slumber for the checking forward.


Zack Kassian (-2) picked up an assist as Windsor lost a tough one to Owen Sound, 6-4. The helpers ends a four-game point drought for the slumping forward.