Short and sweet: Zack Kassian has been deployed to Portland of the AHL and could make his pro debut Saturday as the Pirates travel to Binghamton for game #3 of their division final series.
Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier announced today the Sabres have reassigned forward Zack Kassian to Portland of the American Hockey League. Kassian was Buffalo’s first-round selection (13th overall) in the 2009 Entry Draft, and signed a three-year entry level contract with the Sabres in November.
The 20-year-old Kassian just completed his fourth year of junior hockey, collecting 16 points (6+10) in 16 playoff games with the Ontario Hockey League’s Windsor Spitfires. This follows a regular season that saw Kassian finish with 77 points (26+51) in 56 games with Windsor. Kassian also won a silver medal with Canada at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo.
The 6'3 winger finishes his OHL career with and 72 goals, 194 points, and 358 PIM, including 28 fights, in 214 games with Peterborough and Windsor.
Brayden McNabb (+4) notched two assists Wednesday to extend his playoff point streak to a ridiculous nine games as Kootenay trounced Medicine Hat 7-2 to sweep the WHL Eastern Conference Final four games to love. Max Reinhart (CAL) potted five goals to pace the ICE while McNabb, whose 20 points leads all Canadian junior defensemen in the playoffs, saw his night cut short when he earned a major and game misconduct after scrapping with Tigers forward Emerson Etem with 7:35 to play and the game well in hand.
With the ICE rolling on an eleven-game winning streak, the 6'4 defenseman finds himself one series away from joining former Athol Murray College of Notre Dame teammate Tyler Myers as a Sabres blueline prospect to play in the Memorial Cup. Before that chapter can be written though, Kootenay must first face the winner of the Western Conference Final between Portland and Spokane. (And for those wondering, ICE captain McNabb did not touch the Husky Eastern Conference Championship bowl when it was presented.)
Riley Boychuk made a key play that led to the game winning goal as Portland got past Spokane, 3-2 in overtime. The aggressive forward, who was sent to the box twice in the game for cross-checking (1st period) and slashing (2nd period), chipped the puck from his own zone behind the Chiefs defensemen to create the game winning odd-man rush. The Winterhawks will hold a 2-1 lead when the series resumes Friday in Spokane.
In the OHL, Zack Kassian saw his OHL season come to a close as Windsor got embarrassed by Owen Sound, 10-4. Kassian, who of course was suspended for the game for his game three match penalty, is now eligible for AHL duty if the Sabres want to get the development going with the signed first-rounder. The Attack win the Western Conference Final in five games, not only moving into the OHL Championship against Mississauga, but also earning a berth in the Memorial Cup due to the Majors being this year's host.
After having him sit out game #4 of their Western Conference Final, the OHL officially handed Zack Kassian a four-game suspension Tuesday for his cross-checking match penalty on Attack dman Jesse Blacker in the final minute of Saturday's loss. Monday's game will count towards the four-game penalty. (Included link solely for the picture of Kassian, with his bus pillow, ready for the four-plus hour trek north to OS.)
The Spitfires trail the Attack 3-1, so the tough Sabres prospect will miss the rest of the series if Windsor forces a Game 7. If Windsor loses, then Kassian will have already played the final game of his junior career.
Some excellent perspective on the incident comes courtesy of Yahoo's Sunaya Sapurji, who details among other things how Kassian and Blacker have different accounts of what happened. The incident happened at center ice, behind the play and outside of the scope of any camera in the rink.
Not surprisingly, both players have differing versions of the events.
“I gave him a little slash in the back of the legs and he embellished it,” said Kassian. “He embellished it obviously because he’s playing right now, he’s skating around fine. It got blown out of proportion with my history and all that stuff, but there’s nothing I can do about that now.”
Blacker said what Kassian failed to mention is that after he was knocked down on the ice, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound winger started to whack at him from behind.
“I felt cross-checks raining down on my head and ribs and it didn’t exactly feel good,” said the second-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs. “The fans saw it. I can’t say I embellished it, I’m not the kind of player to dive.”
Kassian then re-states that he's learned from what is turning out to be quite the checkered past. In the past two years, he's been suspended by his team, by the OHL in the regular season, by the IIHF in the World Junior Championships, and again by the OHL in the playoffs.
“Buffalo drafted me to be that hard-nosed player that finishes checks and plays with that edge,” said the LaSalle, Ont., native. “I’m not going to lie, a couple of times in my junior career I went over that edge and I’ll be the first one to admit that. I think I’ve learned a lot over the years in the OHL.”
And despite the fact that he’s been forced to watching his team play, while he’s sitting out on a number of occasions – he’s still not used to being reduced to the role of observer.
“It definitely doesn’t (get easier),” said the Sabres prospect. “When you’re in the playoffs in the Western Conference final, it’s pretty huge because no one expected us to get this far. It just shows how tight this team is, Everyone believes in each other and to not be out there right now helping them fight for our (playoff) lives right now is not fun.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Kassian, who has all the tools to be a legit weapon for the Sabres once he reels it in, will head to Portland in support of the Pirates AHL playoff once Windsor's season concludes. However, I think the Sabres losing to the Flyers in the first round makes it easier to suggest that Kassian will be done when the Spits finish up.
Steven Shipley was unable to register a point for the fourth straight game as Niagara was blown-out by Mississauga, 6-1. The IceDogs now trail the OHL Eastern Conference Final 3-1, with the Majors going for the Tuesday night clinch on home ice. Mississauga’s Gregg Sutch was a healthy scratch for the fourth straight game, while Joe Cramarossa (’11) notched a pair of goals including a shortie for the Memorial Cup hosts.
As previously mentioned, Zack Kassian was forced to sit out as Windsor lost game #4 of the OHL Western Conference Final to Owen Sound, 3-2. The 6’3 bullying wing will learn if he is to miss any additional games when he receives the official disciplinary ruling on Tuesday. The object of Kassian’s Saturday night aggression, defenseman Jesse Blacker, was in action for the Attack in Monday’s victory earning an assist on the game winning goal. Trailing 3-1, the Spits will look to stave off elimination Wednesday in Owen Sound. If they lose, it may not mattter how many games (if any) he is forced to sit, but it may muddy the waters some regarding how the Sabres view their top 2009 pick.
On Sunday, Riley Boychuk skated even as Portland evened the WHL Western Conference Final at a game apiece with a 2-1 win over Spokane. The edgy 6’5 forward has four goals, five assists, and 26 PIM in a dozen playoff games. The series heads to Spokane for a pair of games Wednesday and Friday.
Zack Kassian has been suspended for game #4 of the OHL Western Conference after earning a match penalty in the final minute of Saturday's loss to Owen Sound.
WINDSOR, Ont. -- The Ontario Hockey League has informed the Windsor Spitfires that forward Zack Kassian will be suspended for tonight's Game 4 of the Western Conference final against the Owen Sound Attack. A league spokesman said the suspension could be longer and a decision on that will be announced Tuesday.
Kassian was given a match penalty for intent to injure Owen Sound defenceman and former Spitfire Jesse Blacker in the final seconds of Saturday's 6-4 comeback win by the Attack in Owen Sound.
Zack Kassian had a game he'd like to forget Saturday, posting an assist but also getting called for a late high sticking penalty to led to the game winning goal as Windsor lost game #3 of the OHL Western Conference Final to Owen Sound, 6-4. But folks, Kassian wasn't done. With :22 left on the clock and the Attack about to pot their capper into the empty net, Kassian received a match penalty with intent to injure by delivering a high cross-check to defenseman Jesse Blacker right at center ice.
The short-fused Kassian, who earlier gloated after earning his second period helper, had been jawing with Blacker throughout the contest and finished the conflict in a rather deplorable way. Expect the 6'3 bruiser to take a seat for Monday's game #4, with his track record of suspensions likely giving OHL commish David Branch some ammo to tack on some extra discipline. I don't like where this is going...More later.
Also from the OHL, Steven Shipley skated even as Niagara dropped game #3 of the OHL's Eastern Conference Final to Mississauga, 3-2 in overtime. Justin Shugg played hero by notching the goal at 3:13 of the extra session. Majors forward Gregg Sutch was a healthy scratch for the third straight game, while Shipley has yet to record a point in the series. The Dogs trails the series 2-1 with the teams traveling back to St. Catharines for Monday's game #4.
In the WHL Eastern Conference Final, Brayden McNabb extended his point streak to seven games with an assist as Kootenay shut out Medicine Hat, 3-0. The 6'4 defenseman, who set across-the-board franchise offensive marks for a blueliner this past season, has now tied ICE postseason marks for career playoff assists (24) and career playoff points (27) for a defenseman. Winners of six straight road games and nine straight overall, Kootenay will take a 2-0 series lead into Tuesday's game #3.
In the USHL, Christian Isackson (+1) posted four shots on goal as Sioux Falls defeated Omaha, 5-1, to sweep their best-of-five semifinal. The Stampede, who went hard for the sweep for four second period goals, will move on to face the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the Western Conference Final beginning Friday.
Zack Kassian (+2) scored the game winning goal Thursday as Windsor evened the OHL Western Conference Final at one game apiece with a 4-2 win over Owen Sound. Kassian followed up on a Taylor Carnavale shot to bang in his sixth goal of the playoffs at 1:19 of the third period to give the Spits a crucial 3-2 lead. Windsor would hold on for the remainder of play, with Thomas Kuhnhackl notching his second of the game into an empty net to seal the deal. Kassian, who saw the red-hot Carnavale (4A) replace Kenny Ryan as his center on the #2 line, now has six goals and nine assists in 15 playoff games. He wasn't the most outstanding skater on the ice, but he capitalized with quick hands on his best chance of the night. The clubs now head back north to Owen Sound for Saturday's game #2.
In the OHL's Eastern Conference Final, Steven Shipley did not factor into the scoring as Niagara defeated Mississauga, 5-3. The Dogs victory evens the series at 1-1 heading into Saturday's game #3 in Mississauga. Majors forward Gregg Sutch was scratched for the second straight game.
On Wednesday, Christian Isackson finished +2 with three shots on goal as Sioux Falls opened their USHL second round series with a 5-2 win over Omaha. Game #2 will be played Friday in Omaha.
Matt MacKenzie logged a -3 Tuesday as Tri-City saw their season come to a close with a 5-4 overtime collapse at Spokane. The Ams held a three-goal lead before falling apart in the third, allowing the Chiefs to score four unanswered goals in the first nine minutes of the period. TC would get one back on the power-play to force OT, but Spokane outworked the Americans to advance to meet Portland in the Western Conference Final. The 19-year old MacKenzie finishes the post-season with one goal, four assists, and a -1 rating in 10 games.
In the OHL, Zack Kassian finished -2 as Windsor lost game #1 of the OHL Western Conference Final to Owen Sound, 8-1. The Spits looked a little gassed coming off a one day break between rounds, allowing five goals in the middle frame to fall behind 7-1 heading into the third. After potting a hat trick in Sunday's clincher over the Spirit, Kassian was active offensively in the opening twenty before the Attack took control for the remainder. The Spits are going to need Kassian to show up ready to go for Thursday's game #2 in Windsor.
Steven Shipley skated -1 as Niagara opened the OHL Eastern Conference Final with a 3-0 shutout loss to Mississauga. Sabres 2010 fifth-rounder Gregg Sutch was a healthy scratch for the Majors, while 2011 eligible Ryan Strome earned a rare fighting major for the IceDogs. The teams will reconvene Thursday in St. Catharines for game #2.
Zack Kassian notched his first career playoff hat trick Sunday to lead Windsor to a 5-0 victory over Saginaw and a berth in the OHL's Western Conference Final. Kassian, who had just two goals in 12 games heading into the game #6, book-ended the first period with a fight 1:12 in and a snipe from the slot with 43-seconds remaining. Kassian's tilt with Anthony Camara marked the second time in the series that the pair dropped the gloves in the opening moments of a game.
I've mentioned it before, but Kassian has had a bi-polar post-season, at times being unstoppable and at others disinterested and detached. The Sabres are going to need to find ways to keep him hungry. However, Sunday was one of those games where he was engaged and ready to compete. He was excellent in the middle frame especially, cycling well to keep the Spirit pinned deep in their end while using his command of the puck and passing ability to create chances for his teammates. At 8:58, Kassian was sprung on a break by Kenny Ryan, faking forehand and then burying a backhand for his second goal of the night to give the Spits the 3-0 lead. The 6'3 completed the hat trick in the third period when his spin-and-fire shot from along the boards made it in the Spirit net. Kassian now has 14 points (5+9) through the first two playoff rounds. The Spits will begin the OHL Western Conference Final Tuesday in Owen Sound.
In the WHL, Riley Boychuk was injured early and did not return as Portland defeated Kelowna, 4-2, to advance to the WHL Western Conference Final. The 6'5 forward looked to be shaken up after taking a first period hit, and until we hear other wise will be considered "day-to-day with an upper body injury". The Winterhawks will open the conference final series Friday on home-ice against the winner of Tri-City/Spokane.
Matt MacKenzie was even as Tri-City lost in overtime to Spokane, 3-2. Trailing the series 3-2, the Americans will look to keep their season alive Tuesday night in Spokane.
In the USHL, Christian Isackson posted an assist as Sioux Falls advanced to the second round of the USHL playoffs with a 5-3 win over Sioux City. A three-goal catalyst in the Herd's first two games, the 6'0 forward was in the box for a high-sticking infraction when the Musketeers scored their first goal. The well-oiled Stampede will continue their quest for the Clark Cup with Wednesday's game #1 at Omaha.
Zack Kassian assisted on the game winning goal Saturday as Windsor moved one-step closer to advancing in the OHL playoffs with a 5-3 win over Saginaw. Kassian entered the Spirit zone with four minutes left on the clock, throwing the puck on net for Ryan Ellis to bang in the rebound and break the 3-3 tie. Kassian, who speaks about the play here in a post-game interview, now has 11 playoff points (2+9) heading into Sunday's game #6 in Windsor.
In other CHL playoff news, three Sabres prospects have received their marching orders for the week as OHL and WHL Eastern Conference Finals schedules have been set.
Steven Shipley and the Niagara IceDogs will open their OHL best-of-seven Tuesday at Mississauga. The 6'3 Shipley, who scored his first playoff goal and added two assists in the Dogs' Friday clincher, could be heating up at the right time as scoring depth will be needed to tackle the high-scoring Majors. Gregg Sutch has seen limited fourth-line minutes through the first two rounds for Mississauga, who will host this year's Memorial Cup once league titles are distributed.
In the WHL, Brayden McNabb and the Kootenay ICE will begin their series on the road Friday and Saturday with a set of games in Medicine Hat. McNabb currently leads all WHL defensemen with 15 points (3+12). Lewiston's Olivier Dame-Malka has netted 16 points (8+8) thus far in the QMJHL playoffs to lead the entire CHL.
Christian Isackson scored a third period goal Thursday as Sioux Falls dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to Sioux City. The six-footer, who is following the Thomas Vanek path to the University of Minnesota through Sioux Falls, has three goals on 10 shots on net through the first two games of the playoff year. The Herd and Musketeers are tied at one game each heading into Sunday's deciding game #3.
In the WHL, Matt MacKenzie (+1) posted an assist as Tri-City secured a 4-3 double-overtime win over Spokane. The 6'2 defender ups his 2011 playoff line to 1-4-5 through eight games. The Americans and Chiefs are now even at two games apiece in their Western Conference semifinal. Game #5 is Sunday in Tri-City.
In the OHL, Zack Kassian (+1) registered an assist as Windsor evened their series at two games apiece with a 6-2 throttling of Saginaw. The 6'3 Kassian, who has two goals and eight assists for the Spits this playoffs, will need to elevate his game when the series resumes Saturday in Saginaw.
Brayden McNabb notched a goal and two assists Tuesday as Kootenay came within one game of eliminating the WHL's top regular season club with a 3-0 shutout of Saskatoon. The victory gives the ICE an unthinkable chance to use the brooms Wednesday in Cranbrook. After his power play point shot was followed-up on to give the ICE an early lead, the 6'4 McNabb took it coast-to-coast to bury a wrister for the 2-0 lead at the end of two periods. The Kootenay captain, who also displayed excellent power-play QB skills throughout, leads all Sabres prospects with two goals and 12 points through eight playoff games. The #1 star effort was his second three-point performance of the playoffs.
Elsewhere in the WHL, Riley Boychuk scored the power play game-winner and added an assist as Portland defeated Kelowna, 5-4. The 6'5 Boychuk made a key play late in the second period when he got the puck back to the point and set a screen for Tyler Wotherspoon's shot on the fourth Portland goal. The 20-year old, who is currently averaging 1.29 points-per-game in the playoffs after a mean of .58 in the regular season, later banged home a rebound with a two-man advantage to give the 'Hawks a 5-3 lead. The power-play goal was the third time this series that Boychuk has scored on a five-on-three. It's expected that Boychuk will remain on the Winterhawks top line when the clubs return for Wednesday's game #4 in Kelowna.
Matt MacKenzie skated even as Tri-City dropped a 4-1 home ice decision to Spokane. After winning the opener, the Americans find themselves in a 2-1 series hole heading into Thursday's game #4.
In the OHL, Zack Kassian scored his second goal of the playoffs as Windsor lost to Saginaw, 5-2. The unassisted breakaway tally, Kassian's ninth postseason point, came amidst a disappointing top-to-bottom effort from the defending Memorial Cup champions. The 6'3 winger was a little too late with the passion, getting assessed a misconduct at the final horn after a shoving match with former midget teammate and good pal, Dalton Prout. With the Spits trailing the series by a 2-1 margin, Kassian needs to bring that aggressive attitude back to the rink for Thursday's game #4.
Marcus Foligno continued his disappointing series, finishing -2 with a fighting major as Sudbury lost for the third straight game to Mississauga, 6-3. Gregg Sutch was even with an elbowing minor for the Majors, who with a Wednesday win can end Foligno's OHL career. The 6'3 Wolves captain sparked his team early, making a big hit along the boards then dropping the gloves for the first time since returning from his February knee injury to take on Rob Flick.
In Monday OHL action, Steven Shipley was +1 as Niagara defeated Oshawa, 5-3. The win gives the IceDogs a 2-1 series lead with game #4 Wednesday in Oshawa. Ryan Strome ('11) scored his fourth of the postseason for the victors.
Riley Boychuk notched three assists in his expanded role Sunday as Portland drilled Kelowna, 6-3. The 6’5 Boychuk, who now has seven points (3+4) in six postseason contests, was playing his first full game on the ‘Hawks top line with Ryan Johansen (3G) and Nino Niederreiter (1A) in place of the suspended Brad Ross. Even in a grinding non-scoring line role, many thought the power-forward was set for a breakout this postseason despite having just three points in 13 career playoff games. It appears he'll continue to get the increased minutes with Ross' status in limbo with the league. The series in now even at a game apiece, with game #3 Tuesday in Kelowna.
Also from the WHL, Matt MacKenzie skated even as Tri-City lost to Spokane, 6-3. After splitting the series’ first two tilts, the two clubs will head to Tri-City for Tuesday’s game #3. MacKenzie has a goal and three helpers in the Americans six-game playoff year.
In the OHL, Marcus Foligno recorded his first goal of the playoffs as Sudbury came up short for the second straight game against Mississauga, 3-2. After a scoreless first period, the 6’3 forward cashed a power play tally all alone in front of the Majors net to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead. The Wolves, who were outshot 63-24 in the one-goal loss, are approaching do-or-die territory with Tuesday’s game #3 on the horizon. Gregg Sutch did not factor into the Majors' scoring.
In Windsor, Zack Kassian was even as Windsor lost in overtime to Saginaw, 5-4. The 6’3 forward was on the ice as linemates Stephen Johnston and Kenny Ryan connected for a goal on their first shift, but the Spirit kept answering en route to evening the series at one game each. Kassian has eight points (1+7) this nine games this postseason. Last year he had 16 points (7+9) in 19 games. Game #3 is Tuesday in Saginaw.
Zack Kassian picked up an assist and his first fighting major of the playoffs Friday as Windsor blanked Saginaw, 3-0, to take game #1 of their second round playoff series. Manning his usual right wing spot on a checking unit with Kenny Ryan and Stephen Johnston, Kassian showed his teammates that he was ready to play just 17-seconds into the tilt when he dropped the gloves with Anthony Camara ('11) for the second time this season. The 6'3 lefty tagged the gritty Camara early to earn the decision, allowing the Spits to dictate the pace and secure the key road victory to open the best-of-seven. Kassian, who did eat one near the end of the spirited scrap, has a goal and seven assists in eight playoff games.
In the WHL, Brayden McNabb notched a pair of assists as Kootenay earned a 4-1 victory over Saskatoon. The victory gives the underdog ICE a 1-0 series lead with game #2 Saturday night in Saskatoon. The 6'4 McNabb now has two goals and six assists through Kootenay's first seven post-season games to tie Kassian at the top the Sabres prospects playoff scoring list.
Elsewhere in the OHL, Marcus Foligno finished a season-low -4 as Sudbury was blasted by Mississauga, 8-5. The Wolves fell behind 8-0 with a little over seven minutes remaining in the second period, only to score the game's final five goals to get the ship moving in the right direction heading into Sunday's game #2. Foligno has yet to record a point in five playoff games. Gregg Sutch skated limited minutes for the Majors and was unable to factor into the scoring.
In the USHL, Christian Isackson (+1) set-up the game winning goal as Sioux Falls earned a 3-2 win over Sioux City. The Stampede can clinch a first round playoff bye with a Saturday win over Omaha.
Zack Kassian finished -3 Tuesday as Windsor advanced to the second round of the OHL playoffs with 5-4 win over Erie. Kassian, who generated a few shots on goal early on, was somewhat of a disappointment in the deciding game seven, showing signs of perhaps wear and fatigue as the deciding minutes approached. After a nice set of mid-series games in which he upped the physical ante, Kassian's feet slowed while the Otters used their speed and forechecking ability to create offense and ultimately keep the home team on their heels until the final minutes. The third Erie goal in particular stood out to me, as Greg McKegg walked in and swatted home a Shawn Szydlowski rebound right in front of a flat-footed Kassian.
With Windsor moving on, the wait continues on the farm with Kassian, Marcus Foligno, and Brayden McNabb all advancing to the CHL's second round.
Szydlowski meanwhile posted a top notch effort for the Otters in his final junior game. An undrafted 20-year old, the 6'0, 210-pounder had his strong hands and smarts on display throughout the series after completing a 41-goal regular season. In Tuesday's finale, he contributed with a solid takeout of Ryan Ellis on the second Otters goal, and later used good bursts and strength on the puck to create two other Erie tallies. Given the Sabres need for forwards and their missing of top-flight college UFAs, it may be worth keeping an eye on where the Michigan native lands for his next gig.
Brayden McNabb scored a goal and an assist Sunday in a little over thirty minutes of ice time as Kootenay advanced to the second round of the WHL playoffs with a 6-4 win over Moose Jaw. McNabb, who has six points in the playoff year, opened scoring on his first shift of the game when he capitalized on a defensive lapse and buried a shot top shelf. The ICE will wait for the finish of the Medicine Hat/Brandon series before learning who their next opponent will be. The match-up will mark just the second time that McNabb will skate beyond the first round.
In the OHL, Zack Kassian (-1) notched a pair of assists as Windsor coughed up a three-goal lead in a 6-5 loss at resilient Erie. The Otters win forces a deciding game #7 Tuesday night in Windsor. Skating on a line with Stephen Johnston and Kenny Ryan, Kassian missed a chunk of time in the third period after limping off the ice with an unknown ding. The 6'3 wing has scored just once in six playoff games but had added seven assists while being tougher on the puck.
On Saturday, Kevin Sundher scored a power play goal and two assists as Chilliwack's season came to an end with a 6-4 loss at Spokane. Sundher ends the playoffs with three goals and four assists for the Bruins were in the five-game bouncing. The 6'0 center missed an opportunity to score his fourth goal of the series when he was stopped on penalty shot in the second period.
In the USHL, Christian Isackson scored a goal and an assist as Sioux Falls moved into 2nd place with a 3-2 win over Omaha. Isackson, who cashed his 17th goal in his usual slot position, remains the Herd's leading scorer with 43 points in 56 games.
Zack Kassian earned an assist Friday, his sixth point of the series, as Windsor battled hard but lost in overtime to Erie, 6-5. Kassian was again a physical force, using his strength to generate puck pressure and record several shots, yet the effort was also marked by an undisciplined slashing penalty that allowed the Otters to take a three goal lead at the end of two periods. The Spits would answer by out-shooting the Otters 22-7 in the third en route to scoring three goals, including two 41-seconds apart with less than four minutes to play to force the overtime. Anthony Luciani's fourth of the night sealed it for the visitors at 4:03 of the OT to set-up a game #6 in Erie Sunday afternoon. Windsor holds a 3-2 series edge.
In the WHL, Brayden McNabb (+1) logged major minutes as Kootenay defeated Moose Jaw, 3-1, to take a 3-2 series lead. The 6'4 blueliner has a goal and three assists in the five games, while his +5 is currently tied for 3rd in the young WHL postseason. The ICE, who outshot the Warriors by a 48-29 margin, will look to close out the series Sunday in Moose Jaw.
In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc was -1 as Rimouski saw their season come to an end with a 4-3 overtime loss to Gatineau. The offensive-minded rearguard was on the ice for a Nics power play tally and later as the Olympiques scored the game-tying goal against. The QMJHL's #2 scorer among defenseman in the regular season, Gauthier-Leduc posted a goal and two assists in the five-game playoff year.
In USHL play, Christian Isackson was -2 with two shots on goal as Sioux Falls lost to Indiana, 6-4. The Herd's leading scorer with 41 points (16+25), Isackson has now gone three games without a point for the first time since 12/19-1/1.
Kevin Sundher potted two goals and an assist Wednesday as Chilliwack overcame a three-goal third period deficit to earn a 4-3 OT win over Spokane. Sunder led the way in the third, assisting on a power play goal to bring the Bruins within one before going to the net and making a nice backhand move to cash the game tying goal with 8:16 left and force the extra session. The six-foot center capped the heroic effort just 3:20 in when he broke free from center ice and smoked a quick release over the glove of James Reid. The Bruins now trail the series 2-1 with game #3 Thursday.
Elsewhere in the WHL, Brayden McNabb (+3) had an assist as Kootenay evened their series at two games apiece with a 5-0 shutout win over Moose Jaw. The 6'4 blueliner, who took the puck and delivered a sharp pass after entering the zone as the trailer to give the ICE a 3-0 lead, has a goal and three assists through the four post-season contests. Three of the four series games have been won via shutout. Game #5 is Friday in Kootenay.
Matt MacKenzie (+2) posted an assist as Tri-City earned a first-round sweep with a 5-1 over Vancouver. MacKenzie has a goal, three assists, and a +3 raing in four postseason games. The Ams will now wait for their next opponent to be determined.
Riley Boychuk did not point as Portland defeated Everett, 5-4. With a commanding 3-0 series lead, the Winterhawks will look for the sweep on Thursday.
In the OHL, Zack Kassian notched his first goal of the playoffs and added an assist as Windsor gained a firmed upper hand in their first round tilt with a 7-4 win over Erie. Kassian used his size and strength to spin away from a check and bury his first to give the Spits a 4-2 lead in the early second period. Alexander Khokhlachev ('11) had two goals and assist for the Spits, who can close out the series on Friday.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc picked up an assist as Rimouski lost in overtime to Gatineau, 4-3. The 18-year old, who assisted on the game-tying goal with 3:55 to play to send the game into overtime, has three points in four playoff games. The defeat puts the Nics in a 3-1 hole in their best-of-seven series, with their first elimination game coming Friday in Gatineau.
Cedrick Henley (-1) recorded two shots on goal and three hits as Val-d'Or was eliminated from the QMJHL playoffs with a 5-2 loss to Quebec. Henley ends the four-game playoff year with no points, a -4 rating, and six penalty minutes.
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In non-playoff news, as expected ex-Bowling Green netminder Nick Eno has signed a contract with Toledo of the ECHL. The 6'3 Eno was long considered a longshot to get a contract from the Sabres, and the Coast league deal essentially brings an end to his time as a Sabres prospect.
Zack Kassian earned #1 star honors Monday, posting a pair of first period assists and providing a major physical element to help Windsor to a 6-2 win over Erie. It was Kassian’s bullish game that earned the first-star recognition, as he again kept his feet moving to push bodies, attempt more one-on-one plays, and generally get the puck to the net. Seemingly upping his battle to assist the Spits to a 2-1 series lead, Monday’s effort was exactly the style of game that made that the 6’3 wing the 13th overall pick in the 2009 draft. The now head back to Erie for Wednesday’s game #4.
Elsewhere in the OHL, Marcus Foligno finished -1 as Sudbury downed Ottawa for the second straight game, 5-3. Foligno provided power forward muscle in the contest, using his strength to win 50/50 battles, and like Kassian, succeed in getting the puck to the net for scoring chances. The captain grinding his gears helped the Wolves to a 53-18 advantage in shots on goal. The two teams will reconvene Tuesday with Sudbury holding a 2-0 series lead.
In the WHL, Mark Pysyk logged a -2 as Edmonton lost game #3 of their first round series to Red Deer, 3-1. The steady captain put a scare into Oil Kings nation in the early third period when he took a puck to the head and returned to the bench on wobbly legs with the score knotted at zero. Pysyk, who previously put EDM fans on pins and needles when he was rammed hard into the boards early in game #1, would return to action minutes later. On the verge of being swept, the Oil Kings will look to extend their season another day when they take the ice Thursday in Edmonton.
Brayden McNabb continued to be a point machine Saturday, scoring a goal and adding two assists as Kootenay evened their best-of-seven series at one game apiece with a 5-2 win over Moose Jaw. After netting an assist on the game's first goal, McNabb scored on a power-play slapper from the high slot to gave the Ice an early 2-0 lead. The three-point night ties a Kootenay franchise mark for points by s defenseman in a playoff game. The two clubs will lock in Tuesday for game #3 in Moose Jaw.
Elsewhere in the WHL, Riley Boychuk opened the game with a power play goal and set-up another Winterhawks tally a few minutes later as Portland opened the playoff season by pitching a 4-0 shutout over Everett. Boychuk, who was also called for a pair of interference penalties (one in the paint on the goalie) had just three points in 13 playoff games in 2009-10. Game #2 will be played Sunday evening.
Matt MacKenzie scored the game winning goal as Tri-City held on to defeat Vancouver, 5-4. MacKenzie drilled a shot while on 5-3 advantage to give the Ams a 5-3 late at 9:47 of the third period. The Ams take a 2-0 series lead heading into Tuesday's game #3.
Mark Pysyk logged a -1 as Edmonton lost for the second straight night to Red Deer, 5-1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ('11) scored his third goal of the series and was whistled for a diving minor in the Rebels victory. I'm not a fan of diving. Shame on you, RNH. The Oil Kings will look to halve the Rebels 2-0 series lead on Monday.
Kevin Sundher was even Chilliwack was shut out by Spokane, 5-0. Trailing the series 2-0, the Bruins now face the difficult task of having to win two of the next three games in the Chiefs barn in order to keep their season hopes alive. The two teams re-engage for game #3 on Wednesday.
In the OHL, Zack Kassian finished +2 with six shots on goal and a smattering of hits as Windsor took game #2 of their first round match-up with Erie, 4-3 in double-overtime. The 2009 first-rounder was engaged from the get-go, using his feet to complete checks and battle for loose pucks, and seemed to get better (i.e. played with a greater sense of urgency) as the game progressed. With a slew of penalties against the Spits hampering Kassian's early ice time, the 20-year old was up on the bench directing teammates and chirping at the opposition. He was locked in mentally, which could bode well for Windsor entering Monday's game #3. If this effort is any indication of his preparedness moving forward, which keep in mind was by no means "overwhelming", then there's little question he'll be Portland-bound when his OHL season is done.
Marcus Foligno finished -1 as Sudbury opened their playoff year with a wild 8-7 overtime win over Ottawa. The strapping 6'3 forward made his presence felt just :11 in when he was whistled for a nasty slash/spear to the mid-section of gritty 67's forward Dalton Smith. The Wolves, who trailed 5-4 at the second intermission, sealed the deal when Andrey Kuchin completed his hat trick at 3:26 in to the extra session.
Gregg Sutch did not point as Mississauga edged Belleville, 1-0. The Majors, holders of a 2-0 series lead, will look to shake the disappointing effort when the teams meet for Sunday's game #3.
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc was -1 as Rimouski lost in overtime to Gatineau, 3-2. The 18-year old rearguard was on the receiving end of a vicious hit from behind midway through the first period after advancing the puck at his blueline (below). Piques forward earned a five-minute boarding major on the play. The series will resume Tuesday with Gatineau holding a 2-0 lead.
Cedrick Henley was unable to score as Val-d'Or lost to Quebec, 6-4. The Foreurs now trail the bes-of-seven 2-0, with game #3 set for Tuesday.
At the NCAA Tournament, Connor Knapp served as back-up as top-seed Miami lost in the Northeast regional semi-final to New Hampshire, 2-1. The junior metminder ends his season with a record of 8-5-4 in 17 appearances with a 2.03 goals against average and .909 save percentage. Senior UFA Andy Miele failed to get a point, ending his 17-game point streak, to finish the year with a line of 24-47-71 in just 39 games. Given the fact that he plays center, it's basically no-brainer that the Sabres make an attempt to sign the creative talent.
In other NCAA action, Brad Eidsness served as back-up as North Dakota advanced to the Midwest regional final with a 6-0 ripping of RPI. The Sioux move on to face familiar foe Denver Sunday with a Frozen Four berth on the line.
In the USHL, Christian Isackson recorded a shot on goal as Sioux Falls was blanked by Sioux City, 2-0.
