Luke Adam, Phil Varone, and Brayden McNabb all had goals as the Rochester Americans opened the 2012 preseason Wednesday with a 4-3 home-ice loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Mark Mancari compiled three assists in his first game back in an Amerks sweater since 2007-08, while rookie Mark Pysyk added a pair of helpers from the blueline. David Leggio made 28 saves for the Amerks, who will complete the home-and-home series with the Baby Penguins on Friday. We'll have more on the Amerks as the AHL regular season approaches.
Elsewhere, Logan Nelson assisted on the game winning goal as Victoria slipped past Medicine Hat 4-3 in overtime. The Royals overcame a 3-0 deficit en route to moving into first place in the B.C. Division. Victoria (4-1-0-0) returns to action Friday at Spokane.
Justin Kea picked up an assist as Saginaw dropped a 6-5 see-saw battle with Sault Ste. Marie. The power forward prospect has three points (1+2) through the Spirit's first five games. Saginaw will host Niagara on Friday.
Andrey Makarov made 24 saves as Saskatoon lost to Red Deer 5-3. After scoring the game's first goal, Saskatoon surrendered four unanswered to slip to fifth place in East Division. The first goal allowed was an absolute highlight-reel play by Matt Dumba (MIN), who slipped to his knees but maintained control of the puck before roofing a shot over Makarov's shoulder. The Blades will tangle with Swift Current on Friday.
In Sweden, Linus Ullmark made 15 stops as Mora IK was defeated by Orebro HK 5-3. Ullmark allowed four goals against including one of the power play before Orebro potted an empty-netter to seal the win. Mora gets back at it Sunday versus Karlskrona HK.
In Saturday QMJHL action, Mikhail Grigorenko scored a pair of goals including a beauty on a breakaway as Quebec rolled to their third straight win 5-0 over Sherbrooke. Grigorenko, who finished just 4/16 (25%) at the faceoff circle, scored what would eventually hold up as the game winner just 2:35 into the game. He'd go in all alone to add another, his third of the year, late in the second period. Nick Sorensen ('13) added two goals for Quebec, who next do battle with Val-d'Or on Sunday.
Linus Ullmark made 25 saves and then another three in the shootout as Mora edged Leksands 3-2. Ullmark, who allowed a goal from long range midway through the third, now has three wins in four appearances since his loan from MODO while amassing a 1.61 goals against average (2nd in Allsvenskan) and .928 save percentage (4th). Ullmark could again get the nod when Mora plays Orebro on Wednesday.
In the WHL, Colin Jacobs earned an assist to extend his point streak to four games
as Prince George was defeated in overtime by Seattle 2-1. The helper gives
Jacobs nine points on the year, good for the co-lead among WHL scorers
entering the Cougars' pair of tilts with Kelowna next weekend.
Andrey Makarov made 26 saves as Saskatoon clawed their way back to a 2-1 overtime win at Swift Current. The Blades will welcome Red Deer town on Wednesday.
In the OHL, Brady Austin picked up an assist as Belleville lost to Oshawa 5-2. Austin fed Jordan Subban ('13) for a power play mark in the first minute of the third period but the Bulls were unable to further mount a comeback. Belleville is off until Saturday's date with Oshawa.
Dan Catenacci was unable to score but did add four minutes to his OHL-leading penalty total as Owen Sound lost to Sarnia 2-1. After making it clear to the team earlier this week that undisciplined play will not be tolerated, the Attack coaching staff watched as Catenacci was whistled for a checking-from-behind minor three minutes into the game. Owen Sound is off until Friday's rematch with the Sting.
Justin Kea racked up six minutes in penalties as Saginaw dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to Sault Ste. Marie. The Spirit and Hounds will rematch Wednesday in Sault Ste. Marie.
Alex Lepkowski finished -1 as Barrie skated to a 4-1 win over Mississauga. The Colts and Steelheads will go back at it on Friday.
Judd Peterson potted an empty-net goal and added an assist as Cedar Rapids kicked off the 2012-12 schedule with a 4-1 win at Green Bay. The RoughRiders will play their home opener Friday against Fargo.
In Thursday action, Dan Catenacci notched a power play goal while employing an edgy,
physical style as Owen Sound was defeated by Barrie 4-3 in the shootout.
Catenacci, who has goals in all three of the Attack's games this
season, converted a loose puck down low to tie the game 2-2 in the
second period. Owen Sound moves on to a Friday meeting with Guelph, while Alex Lepkowski (even, 2 PIM) and Barrie get a day off before hosting Mississauga on Saturday.
Justin Kea scored his first goal of the season as Saginaw opened the home-ice schedule with a 5-0 win over Sudbury. The power play mark could serve as a confidence booster for the hard-working center as he embraces a larger role following a three-goal output a season ago. Saginaw continues their brief homestand Saturday against Sault Ste. Marie.
In Sweden, Linus Ullmark stopped 19 of 20 shots as Mora was shutout by BIK Karlskoga 2-0. Ullmark held his club in the game with numerous difficult saves before allowing a power play goal at 4:46 of the middle period. Despite the loss, Ullmark's recent performances have elevated him among top Allsvenskan goalkeepers with a 1.51 goals against average (4th overall) and .929 save percentage (6th overall). Next up for Mora is a Saturday contest with Leksands.
In SM-liiga play, Joel Armia was on the ice for one goal for and one against in Assat's 4-3 overtime win at KalPa. Armia directed eight shots but was unable to connect in 14:40 of work to finish without a point for a second straight game. Armia's 38 total shots (includes those that miss the net) currently ranks third in the league. The Aces go right back at it Friday at JYP.
Colin Jacobs posted a career-best five points Saturday as Prince George opened the regular season with a 6-0 blowout of Everett.
Jacobs got the ball rolling for the Cougars with a penalty shot goal at 6:43 of the first period. He later struck on the power play in the final minute of the second. The five-point night (2+3), which eclipsed Jacobs' previous high (4) set in December 2010, was a first for a Sabres prospect since Kevin Sundher's one-goal, four-assist performance last October. The Cougars and Silvertips will engage in a rematch Sunday.
Joel Armia scored his third goal of the year as Assat defeated HPK 4-1. The mark, which came in the opening minute of the second period, tied the game 1-1 as Assat began to take control of the game. The Aces get back at it Tuesday when they host HIFK.
In Sweden, Linus Ullmark came on in relief of Daniel Hansen, stopping seven of eight shots in 39:57 of work as Mora rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat Djurgardens 5-4 in a shootout. Ullmark, who was making his Mora debut, allowed a power play goal off a quick feed from behind the night shortly after entering the game but held firm from there while his team carried the play over the final twenty minutes to force extra time. Mora returns to action Tuesday against Vasteras.
Elsewhere, Dan Catenacci notched a goal and an assist as Owen Sound defeated Saginaw 5-2. Catenacci has four points (2+2) after two regular season games. The Attack continue play Thursday at Barrie. Justin Kea finished -1 for the Spirit, who kick off their home schedule Thursday versus Sudbury.
Brady Austin was -2 as Belleville needed a shootout to defeat Plymouth 3-2. The Bulls take on the Battalion Friday night in Brampton.
In the WHL, Logan Nelson picked up a pair of even-strength assists in Victoria's 3-2 win over Vancouver. Nelson showed off his speed and passing on the second helper, breaking into the Giants zone and deftly sending a cross-ice saucer feed to Alex Gogolev. The Royals are off until Friday when they begin a two-game set with Kamloops.
Andrey Makarov made 25 saves as Saskatoon lost their home opener 5-2 to Prince Albert. The Blades made ti tough on themselves from the start, surrendering three goals in the top half of the first period including two on the power play. The Blades next take the ice Wednesday at Brandon.
Mikhail Grigorenko scored a goal and three assists Friday as Quebec opened the QMJHL regular season with a 9-4 win over Chicoutimi. All three of Grigorenko's helpers came on goals by Anthony Duclair ('13), who also added an assist to his hat trick. The Remparts return to action Sunday versus Baie-Comeau.
In the WHL, Andrey Makarov made 40 saves to earn the game's #1 star as Saskatoon defeated Prince Albert 2-1 in a shootout. Makarov saw just five shots in the opening period, but was equal parts busy and spectacular the rest of the way beginning with a 17-save second. The Blades and Raiders will complete the home-and-home series Saturday in Saskatoon.
Logan Nelson was +1 as Victoria downed Vancouver 6-4. The two clubs will play it back Saturday in Victoria.
In the OHL, Justin Kea posted an assist as Saginaw squandered a two-goal late in a 4-3 overtime loss at Guelph. Kea was efficient at the faceoff circle all the way from a clean win on his first-period helper to another key decision in the final minute of regulation. Saginaw continues the schedule Saturday in Owen Sound.
Brady Austin assisted on an empty-net goal as Belleville skated to a 3-1 victory over Sarnia. The Bulls go back at it Saturday at Plymouth.
Alex Lepkowski earned an ejection as Barrie dropped their opener 3-1 to Kingston. At 4:30 of the middle frame, Lepkowski racked up a fighting major and an automatic misconduct for being third man in on an altercation. The Colts resume play Sunday at Mississauga.
At the USHL Fall Classic, Judd Peterson recorded two shots on goal as Cedar Rapids closed the preseason with a 3-0 win over Tri-City. The RoughRiders begin the regular season Saturday, September 29 at Green Bay.
Joel Armia notched a power play assist Saturday as Assat earned their second straight shutout with a 3-0 win over TPS. Armia now has two goals and two assists in the Aces first two regular season games. Next up for Assat is a Wednesday visit to Karpat.
In Sweden, Linus Ullmark made 26 saves as Modo J20 lost their SuperElit North opener 3-2 to Brynas. Modo came back with a pair of second period goals after trailing 2-0 at the end of the first. The game would remain tied until Henrik Messfeldt struck for Brynas at 4:54 of the third just as a power play expired. Modo J20 tangles with Vasteras J20 on Sunday.
In the WHL, Logan Nelson scored his first goal of the preseason as Victoria doubled Vancouver, 4-2. With the exhibition slate complete, the Royals will now eye the start of their regular season Friday back in Vancouver.
Andrey Makarov played the entire game for Saskatoon, stopping 17 of 21 shots as the Blades were downed by Regina, 4-3. Morgan Klimchuk ('13) scored a pair of goals for the Pats. Saskatoon begins the regular seaosn Friday at Prince Albert.
In OHL preseason play, Justin Kea scored a late second period goal as Saginaw topped Sault Ste. Marie, 5-3. The Spirit, who completed their exhibition schedule with a 4-1 record, begin the regular season Friday evening in Guelph.
On Thursday, Kea got his scrapping on with his first major of the 2012-13 year in a 8-0 loss to Sarnia.
Alex Lepkowski skated without a point as Barrie closed out the preseason with a 4-2 win over Guelph. The Colts outshot the Storm by a 52-28 margin to earn the win. Barrie opens the OHL regular season Thursday at Ottawa.
In the USHL, Judd Peterson did not factor as Cedar Rapids was defeated by Waterloo, 4-2. Peterson, who scored a hat trick the night before in a loss to the Blackhawks, will look to get back on the scoresheet Wednesday when the RoughRiders continue the preseason in Des Moines.
Brady Austin picked up his second assist of the preseason Saturday as Belleville avenged the previous night's loss with a 6-5 decision over Kingston. Winnipeg prospect Austen Brassard pocketed a pair of goals for Belleville. The Bulls get back to action Tuesday when they take on Oshawa.
Justin Kea notched an assist for the second straight game as Saginaw improved their preseason record to 3-0 with a 5-1 win over Sault Ste. Marie. The Spirit will next visit Sarnia on Thursday.
In the WHL, Colin Jacobs failed to collect a point but earned his second game misconduct of the preseason as Prince George dropped a 4-1 decision to Edmonton. Jacobs, who last week was bounced for instigating a scrap in the final five minutes of the Cougars win over Red Deer, was whistled for a check to the head and fighting major with just two ticks left on the clock in Saturday's loss. The Cougars are off until Friday when they visit Kamloops.
Logan Nelson scored the first goal of the shootout as Victoria earned a 3-2 win over Kelowna. The 6'1 forward will look for his first regulation tally on Friday when the Royals take on Vancouver.
Dan Catenacci did not register as Owen Sound downed Mississauga, 5-3. The Attack will travel to Elmira, Ontario on Sunday for an afternoon tilt with Erie.
In the USHL, Judd Peterson did not play as Cedar Rapids was defeated for the second straight game by Dubuque, 4-2. The RoughRiders are off until Friday when they travel to Waterloo.
Justin Kea posted an assist Thursday as Saginaw skated to a 7-5 preseason win over Sarnia. The 6'4 center earned a secondary helper on the power play to give the Spirit a 2-0 first period lead. The victory gives Saginaw a 2-0 record in exhibition play.
Kea, who scored three goals and 14 points in 65 games last season, should be in line for a statistical jump in 2012-13 while maintaining a physical two-way presence for Greg Gilbert's Saginaw squad. The Spirit continue the preseason Saturday when they welcome Sault Ste. Marie to the Dow Event Center.
Dan Catenacci got his first preseason skate in Sunday as Owen Sound dropped a 3-1 decision to Barrie. The speedy forward is the top returning scorer on the Attack roster after scoring 33 goals and 72 points a season ago. The 2012-13 Barrie blueline will be anchored in part by 19-year old Alex Lepkowski, who emerged as a top stay-at-home presence in last spring's playoffs. The two clubs will go back at it Monday night in Barrie.
Justin Kea did not point as Saginaw won 2-0 at London. The two-way Kea is competing for second line center duty this season behind Panthers prospect Vincent Trocheck. Sunday's game featured more fights than goals (three) as some bad blood spilled over from last spring's Western Conference semi-final. Jake Paterson (DET) earned the shutout for Spirit, who are now off until Thursday when they take on Sarnia.
In the WHL, Colin Jacobs did not play as Prince George buried Medicine Hat, 5-0. Chase Witala ('13) paced the Cougars with two goals and an assist. PG returns to action Friday when they host defending WHL champion Edmonton.
In Kravare, CZE, Linus Ullmark served as backup as Sweden defeated Finland 2-1 in overtime to win the Four Nations tourney. Sebastian Collberg (MON) roofed a shot in the first minute of the OT to push the Swedes to a 3-0 weekend mark. Ullmark will head back to Ornskoldsvik to join Modo J20 for Tuesday's tilt with Timra.
Grigorenko tries on the colors for the first time.
"Now it's time for me to make my impression felt... so sit back, relax, and strap on your seat belt"
The Buffalo Sabres made great strides in their quest to get bigger and more talented down the middle Friday, selecting Quebec Remparts leading scorer Mikhail Grigorenko (12th overall) and Dubuque Fighting Saints power froward Zemgus Girgensons (14th overall) in the first round of the NHL draft.
In all it was a successful opening night for the Sabres. They nabbed the most gifted player available at their original spot, and then acted swiftly with Flames GM Jay Feaster for the second straight draft by bundling the 21st and 42nd picks in exchange for #14 to close out their round earlier than scheduled.
I mentioned in the draft preview how many top-end Europeans are now playing in North American in their draft years. Rated the #3 North American skater by Central Scouting, Grigorenko is the first Russian-born player drafted by Buffalo since 2005, while Girgensons, who was ranked 18th, becomes the first-ever Latvian to be selected in the first round of the NHL draft.
For those wondering, there are no language issues whatsoever with either player. Girgensons is 100% fluent after spending three years in the U.S., while Grigorenko picked things up rather quickly despite living in a city dominated by en francais. Kevin Devine dropped the line of the weekend by joking that Grigorenko already speaks better than (Sabres amateur scout) Iourri Khymlev.
With Grigorenko, the Sabres pick up a highly-skilled center with excellent offensive sense and balance. He has great hands around the net but it's his passing and vision that really stand out. The 6'3, 200+ pounder controls the offensive tempo, a trait that causes many to believe that he's close to NHL ready with a future as a #1 pivot. From a skill standpoint, Devine thinks he could good to go as early as this fall. I fully expect the Sabres to act quickly on a contract but time will tell on that front.
After accumulating four goals and 18 points at the 2011 U18s, Grigorenko was an instant North American hit with 85 points (40+45) to be an easy choice as the CHL's Rookie of the Year. Despite the sparkling results, his will to compete was often questioned, but his coach with the Quebec Remparts, Patrick Roy, always spoke glowingly of his Russian rookie and recently suggested that it has simply been an issue of stamina at the root of the chatter. I'm no doctor, but it makes you wonder about his spring bout with mononucleosis and the impact of its onset.
After listening to Kevin Devine and Darcy Regier speak after Friday's first round, it appears that Roy's input heavily influenced their decision. Grigorenko has informed the Sabres that he'll return to Quebec City next season if he is unable to crack the NHL roster.
The pick worked out the way it should have - don't chase him but don't let him pass by. I'm glad the Sabres agreed that you couldn't pass up a potential Malkin clone with the 12th pick in the draft.
Girgensons: fit for duty in a blue collar town
With Girgensons, the Sabres nabbed a well-rounded center with high character who plays the game hard. He'll hound the puck. He'll slide to block a shot. He'll stand in the crease and push back after the whistle. Simply put, the 6'2, 198-pounder is a natural leader who goes in straight line with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
While some speculated on Grigorenko's work ethic, no one ever questioned Girgensons'. Devine remarked about his no-quit attitude at the World Juniors when he sacrificed his body late in a blowout loss to Russia. He even kept chugging for a few shifts after breaking his jaw in an April playoff game on a play that saw him lay a hit.
And by the way, Girgensons can score. His aggressive style led to 45 goals through 100 USHL games over the past two seasons. While a very capable offensive player, the best seems yet to come as his hard working style should see him create a little more on his own as he develops. The blend of skills combined a very high effort level makes perfect sense after picking a dominant offensive talent two picks earlier.
While the Kelowna Rockets maintain his WHL rights, Girgensons is expected to honor his early commitment to the University of Vermont, where he'll be skating over the next two weeks in preparation for the upcoming Sabres d-camp.
Ironically, Calgary ended up nabbing Girgensons' replacement on the Dubuques roster with the pick they got from the Sabres, selecting Providence commit Mark Jankowski at #21.
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The Sabres began day two by selecting American-born defenseman Jake McCabe out of the WCHA's Wisconsin Badgers. From the draft preview:
Many of the defenders in this draft bring a strong two-way skill set to the table, and McCabe’s total package could be considered among the best. The Wisconsin native played in the WCHA as a true freshman in 2011-12, using smarts and excellent mobility to score three goals and 12 points while getting PP time alongside points machine Justin Schultz on the Badgers top PP unit.
It’s not all offense though. McCabe has a mature body and good shutdown skills that could make for a nice #4 defenseman after his days in Badgerland. A product of the U.S. NTDP, McCabe’s history with Amerks bench boss Ron Rolston could lend to some valuable input on draft day as the Sabres re-load youth on the blueline.
McCabe rebounded well after missing some time thanks to a cut tendon courtesy of a teammate's skate. While pegged in the preview as a third, the pick in the second makes sense given the relationships and overall skills of the player. Needless to say, I really like McCabe as quality two-way defensemen are always welcome in the NHL.
Happy with their organizational skill and speed at the center spot, the Sabres used their third round pick on another big body that more likely projects to checking line duty.
A former first-rounder in the 2010 OHL draft (13th overall), the 6'4, 211 pound Kea employs a hard-working power forward style that sees him strong on the forecheck, valuable on the PK, and a willing pugilist as evidenced by 14 scraps through his first two years of major junior. Moving forward, many expect the lanky forward to get more opportunity to show his offensive side while filling out his frame.
The Sabres brought the big pivot in for their combine and certainly thought highly enough of his make-up to produce the third round investment. Per Kevin Devine, they think he could be Paul Gaustad type with better skating.
5th round (133rd): Logan Nelson - C/W, 6'2", 188 lbs.
Yet another Sabres combine visitor, the Minnesota native is a strong, skilled forward who compiled 23 goals and 62 points this past season in Victoria while playing parts of the year alongside fellow Sabres prospect, Kevin Sundher. Naturally a center, Nelson plays with an edge, using his big body to make plays around the net.
Passed over in his first draft year as a member of the USHL's Des Moines Buccaneers, Nelson moved to the WHL where he emerged as a more complete player. His production did not go unnoticed by USA Hockey, who invited the talented Nelson to their U20 Evaluation Camp later this summer. He'll turn 19 in September, giving him one more year of junior to become a stronger skater before hitting the AHL.
Nelson notched his first WHL hat trick back on January 3rd in a 9-4 loss to Calgary. All three goals can be seen below.
I thought that perhaps the Sabres would stop their "every other year" trend and add a goalie to build more top-to-bottom depth, and they did just that. We'll go back to the draft preview for the goods on the big Swede who the Sabres had good intelligence on thanks to the January hiring of former MoDo GM Fredrik Andersson as a professional scout.
Linus Ullmark – G, 6’3, 198 lbs., Modo (SWE Jr)
Big and raw, the talented Ullmark enters his second draft year after an excellent season with Modo’s J20 squad that saw him post a solid 2.76 goals against average and .918 save percentage with the storied franchise. Ullmark’s play steadily improved throughout the season and into the playoffs, where he sparkled with a 2.24 GAA, .927 sv%, and one shutout in five starts.
Growing up dreaming of playing for Modo’s top club, Ullmark got his wish at the Christmas break when he was called in to back up Mikael Tellqvist while Anton Forsberg was away at the U20s. When Telllqvist fell ill, Ullmark was thrust into his first start as an 18-year old on two hours notice and held up well in an OT loss to Lulea.
While the bottleneck kept him buried most of the year, we’re still giving Ullmark a good shot to be drafted by the Sabres and an equally good chance to earn a larger SEL role with Modo before coming to North America.
The Sabres continued their run of three straight players in their second year of eligibility with the selection of Austin. The mammoth rearguard flourished this past season after an offseason trade to Belleville, leveraging his past experience as a spot-duty forward to score six goals and 26 points while developing his stay-at-home game under the guidance of former Edmonton Oilers bench boss George Burnett. Named the Bulls' Most Dedicated player, the steady improvement and overall package including a strong shot and a nice set of feet for a big man make him a smart pick late in the draft.
One Austin's season highlights came as he showed his mobility up-ice to score the overtime game winning goal in game #4 of the Bulls' first round playoff series against Ottawa (below).
Developing just up the road from Sabres amateur scout Keith Hendrickson, Peterson enters Sabreland following a prolific high school season that saw him rack up 47 goals and 83 points with Duluth-Marshall (MN) High School. Peterson's offensive package, which includes a nice burst and sniping accuracy, along with his relationship earned him an up-close audition at the Sabres pre-draft combine, where he confirmed his standing as a deeper day two option and potential depth scorer.
Native Minnesotan Brian Burke was also said to be interested, but the Sabres acted before the Leafs final pick to snatch up the 2012 Mr. Hockey Finalist. Peterson will play for the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders in 2012-13 before entering the WCHA ranks with the St. Cloud State Huskies.
Peterson ( gold #18) opened the 2011 scholastic season with a hat trick and an assist. You can see the points below.
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Sabres Development Camp is scheduled for July 8th-14th. (So just chill 'til the next episode).
