Dennis to start; Funk out indefinitely

The Portland Pirates will kick off their 2008-09 season tonight with a skate against Manchester. The Maine Hockey Journal reports that Kevin Dineen will likely keep Jhonas Enroth in waiting, instead giving the start to veteran netminder Adam Dennis. MHJ has also posted what they feel will the line combos for the contest.

F Mancari – Kennedy – Gerbe Darche – Zagrapan – Murphy Whitmore – Hunter – Bouck Fretter – Schutz – Bonneau

D Weber – Card Butler – Baier Kostka – Gragnani

With Mike Funk concussed, the presence of Mike Weber should provide quite a spark to the Pirates blueline. Per the Portland Press Herald, Weber thinks there might be a natural flicker by no longer sharing an AHL affiliation with the Florida Panthers.

Portland Pirates defenseman Mike Weber had been in town less than 24 hours, but he already sensed a big difference between this AHL team and the one he played on last season in Rochester.

"It's a better setup than what we had in Rochester," Weber said Friday morning. "We had two different (NHL) teams barking at the coaching staff, and there was a divide in the locker room. Here, it's a different situation."

Last spring, the Sabres ended a 29-year relationship with the Rochester Americans after sharing the AHL affiliate with the Florida Panthers for three seasons.

"Florida said they wanted these systems, and Buffalo said they wanted these systems, and the players were in the middle," Weber recalled. "It was a little bit crazy."

In June, Buffalo became the new NHL parent of the Pirates after the Anaheim Ducks ended their three-year affiliation with Portland.

"Everyone's on the same page here," Weber said. "It provides a less stressful environment."

It's safe to say that these comments validate the patience that many have taken with promising talents like Marek Zagrapan. On top of lacking veterans, last year's Amerks lacked any sense of cohesion.

Pirates stop Rats, 5-3

Instead of writing up a long-winded recap of my own, I thought it best to steer you to our good friends at Maine Hockey Journal for a rundown of last night's pre-season victory by the Pirates. Pirates push past Albany in pre-season action

Fitchburg, Mass. – Marek Zagrapan scored two goals and an assist for the Portland Pirates as they battled past the Albany River Rats, 5-3, at the Wallace Civic Center on the campus of Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg Massachusetts. Zagrapan, who arrived in Portland late Saturday, was playing in his first action since being sent to the Pirates on Friday, but despite being demoted he was still excited to get on the ice. “I think we have a bunch of young and fun guys,” said Zagrapan. This was just our first day together as a team; hopefully we’ll have all week to practice and get together and try to have a good start (of the season).” After a scoreless first period, the Pirates found themselves down 1-0 on a goal from Matt Murley at 8:07 of the second period, but just a little over three minutes later Zagrapan tied the game for the Pirates when he found puck at his feet for the easy tap-in at the left post, beating River Rats goaltender Justin Peters At 14:52, the Pirates made it 2-1, as Nathan Gerbe, Buffalo’s 2005 fifth round draft pick, was in alone on a breakaway, beating Peters with a forehand-backhand deke. Tim Kennedy would receive an assist on the play. Just 38 seconds later, the game was tied at 2-2 when Mike Angelidis found the back of the net on Adam Dennis, who replaced Jhonas Enroth after the first 30 minutes of play. Enroth played exceptionally well in his first AHL action. In 30 minutes of play, Enroth stopped 14 of 15 shots including an amazing paddle save, while on his stomach.

Felix Schutz also scored a short-handed goal on a breakaway in the third period. There's more meat to the MHJ article, including:

Line Combinations: Colton Fretter – Marek Zagrapan – Mathieu Darche Derek Whitmore – Tim Kennedy – Nathan Gerbe Jimmy Bonneau – Felix Schutz – Mark Mancari Josh Vatri – Dylan Hunter – Colin Murphy Chris Butler – Paul Baier Marc-Andre Gragnani – Mike Kostka Tyler Bouck – Mike Card Jhonas Enroth Scratches: Mike Funk (injury)

9/27 recap: Allard fuels comeback; Myers debuts

Jean-Simon Allard (+1) had a goal and an assist as Quebec came from behind to defeat Gatineau 4-3 in overtime. Trailing 3-2 heading into the third, Allard tied the game on the power play at the 10:56 mark. He then set-up the game winning goal just :32 into OT to seal the Remparts win. Paul Byron (-2) had an assist for Gatineau in the loss, and has yet to score a goal in his three games. He'll give it another shot against familar faces as les Olympiques do battle with Montreal (Luke Adam, TJ Brennan) tomorrow. Drew Schiestel had a power play assist in Niagara's 4-2 defeat of Brampton. Continuing to exhibit a more physical tone, the 6'2 Schiestel also picked up slashing and roughing minors in the home-ice win. Schiestel now has a goal and four assists through his first three games. Also in the OHL, Nick Crawford scored his first goal of the year as Saginaw fell to Sault Ste Marie, 6-2. In NHL pre-season action, Tyler Myers made his blue and gold debut in the Sabres 3-2 OT win over Toronto. He logged twenty shifts for a total of 15:59, going even with a tripping minor. He showed good recovery speed after a neutral zone miscue in the first, and reacted positively to the game speed and physical play. The Kelowna Rockets defender will likely be returned this week as the Sabres start paring things down to their opening night club. Philip Gogulla (17:29) and Marek Zagrapan (14:59) also put in quality minutes tonight, while Felix Schutz (6:56) was used in a limited role. Zagrapan made a few sacrifices to advance play, but won just one of ten faceoff attempts. Mike Weber was ejected in the first period after earning five and ten for a cross-check on Matt Stajan. Tyler Ennis and Medicine Hat are a period deep in their game with Lethbridge. We'll have an update when it finishes.

2008-09 predictions and projections

I'm not Karnac, but I thought it would be a good idea to lay out some projection targets for the group of prospects this season. (Or perhaps I'm just getting a little cocky after nailing the Adam and Fienhage picks this summer.) Whatever the case, let's put our forecasting cap on and see what the season could look like. Do the Sabres have a potential 50-goal guy this season? The Sabres haven't had a 50-goal prospect since Shawinigan's Jason Pominville back in 2001-02, but this season could see a quartet knocking on the door. Tyler Ennis - 50 goals in 64 games with Medicine Hat. Paul Byron - 47 goals in 62 games with Gatineau. Luke Adam - 46 goals with Montreal. Nathan Gerbe - 44 goals combined - AHL and NHL Dylan Hunter was the last 100 point prospect when he hit it back-to-back in 2004-05 (104) and 2005-06 (117). Can one hit the mark this season? After notching 91 last season with Medicine Hat, Tyler Ennis should land somewhere around the century mark. We'll project 102 points but it's not going to come easy. I'm setting the bar high and hope he goes for it. Jacob Lagacé can do 32-51-83 in Chicoutimi with Nicolas Deschamps and Joel Champagne around him. Fellow Q-men Byron and Adam should fall in a slightly higher 82-88 point window. Who is going to rack up the most PIMs this season amongst the prospects? A healthy, suspension-free season could see Mike Funk sit atop the prospect PIM-meter. After finishing last season with 104, the WHL product still isn't a policeman but will be one of the more experienced blueliners on the Pirates roster. Mike Weber is likely to post big numbers in this category and is the clear favorite, but we don't expect him to be considered a "prospect" much longer. The dark horse here is actually Tyler Myers. The number "144" keeps flashing into my head, so I'm thinking he'll spend at least two hours in the box this season. A safe forecast would suggest that names like Gerbe, Weber, Chris Butler, and Marek Zagrapan could all see time in a Sabres sweater this season. What about a call-up sleeper? Felix Schutz has pro experience and enough shiftiness in his game to sneak up on everyone, including the Sabres - possibly before January. How about a projection for Jhonas Enroth in his first AHL season? The Swede should see plenty of action, going 24-15-4, with a 2.29 GAA, .912 save percentage, and two shutouts. Is Marek Zagrapan going to see his production increase? After seasons of 38 and 40 points, Zagrapan will have more talent around him to help him eclipse the 60 point barrier for the first time as a pro. 24-37-61 -3. Ambitious? He has it in him. Philip Gogulla more than doubled his previous year's output last season in Cologne with 44 points in 51 games. Can he do it again? No. The Sharks are awful this season, and there's a mess waiting for Gogulla when he returns. They have a new coach, and have started the year 0-7 after losing Ivan Ciernik's production to the KHL. Gogulla isn't a dominating figure at this juncture, so he'll be lucky to equal last season's numbers. I'd love to be wrong. Can Corey Tropp achieve the 20-pt sophomore bump that Gerbe and Kennedy did while in school? It's going to be close, but after a 6-11-17 season as a freshman, Tropp projects to 14-26-40 in year two in Spartanville. Which QMJHL defenseman will score more points this season - TJ Brennan or Jordon Southorn? Both will see loads of power play time, and both will be stride-for-stride in terms of offense. Brennan is on the better club and likes to shoot the puck more. I believe that Southorn will have more pressure to produce, landing somewhere between 45-50 points. Brennan, though, should hover in the neighborhood of 48-54 points. How about individual honors? Junior D Alex Biega is set to produce for a solid Harvard squad, projecting to 7-23-30 and +16 to get himself on the ballot for the Hobey Baker. Brad Eidsness has the skills, opportunity, and club in front of him to earn a spot on the WCHA All-Rookie Team. Breakout players: Andrew Orpik will be ready to elevate himself as a senior leader with pre-season #1 Boston College. Much has been made of his checking ability as a forward, but his underrated offensive contributions will surface once 2009 hits. Justin Jokinen will make a bit of a splash, as he's capable of 9-15-24 as a Minnesota State freshman. Other predictions... Underrated as a senior, Matt Generous will post his second consecutive season as a +12 with St. Lawrence. Chris Butler - 6-17-23 +6 with Portland Tim Kennedy - 18-26-44 with Portland. J.S. Allard - 22-52-74 with Quebec. Drew Schiestel 12-33-45 +11 with Niagara. Mike Kostka - 4-12-16 +2 with Portland. Bowling Green goaltender Nick Eno will post big wins against Michigan and Miami this season, finishing the year 14-11-0, 2.56 GAA, and .912 save percentage. Corey Fienhage will engage in a battle for the #6 defenseman in Grand Forks this fall, and should firmly cement himself in the Sioux lineup by Thanksgiving. Marc-Andre Gragnani - 19-44-63 with Portland. Nick Crawford - 5-19-24 +7 for Saginaw. Dennis Persson - 3-9-12, 15:49 TOI average in 46 games with Timra Derek Whitmore - 12 goals in Portland. Mark Mancari will again be named an AHL All-Star. Dylan Hunter - 55 points in Portland. I'd love to see yours, so have at it.

CHL: Open for business

Labor Day weekend in the United States means it's time for work if you're a Canadian major junior player. 2008 first-rounders Tyler Myers and Tyler Ennis of the WHL were the first to get cracking on their 2008-09 campaigns, and by now the rest of the CHL has started their Memorial Cup quest. Niagara defenseman Drew Schiestel (2007, 2nd round) will participate in an intrasquad scrimmage this evening before opening the exhibition season with a pair of weekend contests. The Dogs will travel to Jamestown, NY for a game against the Erie Otters on Saturday, then return home to skate with Oshawa the next day. Another player who should get an extended look from the Dogs over the weekend is Hamburg, NY native John Cullen. A goaltending standout last season with Rochester of the Empire Junior Hockey League, the 17-year old recently played for Team USA at the U-18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial and has been very sharp in the early sessions in St. Catherines. As the players hit the ice in Saginaw, it seems that Nick Crawford (2008, 6th round) will have some new faces to work with as the OHL's Spirit sorts out their blueline. The Michigan-based club will play a two-game exhibition set with Sault Ste. Marie on September 6 and 7 before playing another home-and-home with Schiestel's Ice Dogs the following weekend. The inaugural training camp for the Montreal Juniors hockey club (formerly the St. John's Fog Devils) opened today at the Verdun Auditorium. A pair of Sabres second rounders, Luke Adam (2008) and TJ Brennan (2007), will play leading offensive roles as the QMJHL returns to Montreal for the first time since 2003. The Juniors open exhibition action on Sunday against a Gatineau Olympiques club lead by 2008 playoff darling, Paul Byron (2007, 6th round). J.S. Allard (2007, 5th round) will wear a Remparts uniform for the first time on Sunday when Quebec opens against Rimouski. A teammate of Adam and Brennan the past two seasons in St. John's, Allard was part of a June deal that sent Angelo Esposito back to his hometown of Montreal. Also on Sunday, class of '08 members Jacob Lagacé (Chicoutimi) and Jordon Southorn (PEI) will kick off their Q warm-ups with games against Baie-Comeau and Saint John. Speaking of Saint John, 2006 fourth-rounder Felix Schutz is skating a few laps at the training camp of his former QMJHL team while waiting for the start of Sabres camp.

Schutz joins the fold

The Sabres today announced that they have come to terms with 2006 4th round pick, Felix Schutz.

Schutz (11/3/1987, 5’11”, 192 lbs.) was eighth in team scoring with 25 points (12+13) and 76 PIMs in 46 games last season, and was named the league’s Rookie of the Year. He was also the youngest player on ERC Ingolstadt. “Felix is a great competitor who plays at a high skill level,” said Regier. “His experience in both the QMJHL and German Elite League last season has rounded his game perfectly for the professional level.”

Season ends for Schutz

In the DEL preliminary round, Felix Schutz finished -2 as ERC Ingolstadt's season came to end with a 4-3 loss to Hamburg. It was reported that Schutz was offered a contract by the Sabres over the summer, but it's unclear whether or not he took the deal before returning to Germany for the 2007-08 season (like fellow German Philip Gogulla). The DEL Rookie of the Year finished the season with 12 goals and 25 total points in 46 games, and an assist in three playoff outings. With his European season now over, one might wonder if it's in the Sabres interest to fly him over for AHL duty. Rochester has been short on players of late, and there are 14 games remaining on the regular season schedule.

3/9 Recap: Byron flyin' at right time

In a key QMJHL match-up, Paul Byron (+4) scored a goal and three assists in Gatineau's 6-1 trouncing of top-ranked Baie-Comeau. The four-point effort gives the explosive center 27 points in his last 14 games. Five days after Byron's 11-game point streak came to an end, Drakkar center Benjamin Breault extended his run to nine games (10-9-19) with an assist in the loss. T.J. Brennan (+1) continued his solid run by scoring the only Fog Devils goal in a 3-1 loss to Lewiston. The goal was Brennan's 16th of the season, with four of those coming on his current five-game point streak. 2007 5th round pick J.S. Allard had a shot on goal in the St. John's loss. Drew Schiestel notched an assist and helped control the game late in Niagara's 4-3 shootout victory over Oshawa. The comeback victory by the Dogs was teeming with OHL talent, as three of the top-four league scorers (#2 Brett MacLean and #3 John Tavares of Oshawa, and #4 Luca Caputi of Niagara) joined Schiestel in action, along with highly ranked 2007 defensive hopefuls Alex Pietrangelo and Michael Del Zotto. The assist gives Schiestel points in his last six games (1-5-6), raising his season sums to seven goals and 29 assists. Brad Eidsness made 31 saves, but Okotoks couldn't get it going in 5-1 loss to Drumheller. The loss puts the Oilers in a 1-0 hole in their AJHL second round series with the Dragons. In the final weekend of DEL play, Ingolstadt's Felix Schutz registered two shots on goal in a 4-2 win over Frankfurt. The victory coupled with a Krefeld loss puts Ingolstadt in the tenth and final playoff spot. The DEL Rookie of the Year, Schutz compiled 12 goals and 13 assists in his first season back in Europe after two QMJHL campaigns. Philip Gogulla was +1 as Cologne closed their regular season with a 4-1 win over the Metro Stars. Entering the postseason, the 2005 2nd round pick has 11 goals and 33 assists for the third-place Sharks. Last season, Gogulla scored eight goals and 21 total points. Dylan Hunter tied the game in the third, but the Amerks couldn't make it to a shootout in a 3-2 overtime loss to Houston. Adam Dennis made 29 saves, while Marek Zagrapan, Marc Mancari, and Mike Weber were all credited with assists. Combos of note: MacArthur-Zagrapan-(Globke) Gragnani-(Brine)-Hunter Funk-Weber The Rundown Hunter- goal, +1, 4 SOG Zagrapan - assist, +1 Mancari - assist, +1 Weber - assist, +2, 4 PIM Gragnani +1 MacArthur - 0-0-0 0 0 E Funk -1 Dennis - 29 saves Keep it here as we'll have updates following a pair of deciding games in college tourney action featuring St. Lawrence defenseman Matt Generous and BGSU's Nick Eno. For now, the update looks like it'll be limited to just Generous, as Bowling Green coach Scott Paluch has given the nod to Jimmy Spratt in the Falcons net after Eno gave up four goals on 24 shots in last night's loss.

3/2 Recap: High marks across the board

The Buffalo Sabres didn't have enough juice in their loss to the Red Wings, but it was a rather successful night for the rest of the Sabres organization. Marc-Andre Gragnani and Dylan Hunter each collected a pair of goals and assists in Rochester's 5-3 win over Iowa. Gragnani remains the Amerks hot hand, scoring both of his goals on the power play to extend his season-best point streak to ten games. Hunter's four-point game (3 on the PP) was a greater output than he had in all of February (3 points in 11 games). Rundown: Gragnani - 2 goals, 2 assists, 6 SOG Hunter - 2 goals, 2 assists, -1 Funk - assist, +2 Weber - 5 PIM, -2 Sekera - assist, -2 Mancari - assist, 3 SOG Zagrapan - 4 PIM, 2 SOG In the DEL, Philip Gogulla continued his excellent season with a goal and an assist in Cologne's 4-2 win over Mannheim. Down 2-0 entering the final period, the 2005 second-rounder put Cologne on the board with a power play goal at the 4:19 mark. Later on a 5-3, Gogulla set up the game-winning goal by Sean Tallaire to the delight of over 15,000 fans in Koln Arena. Gogulla now ranks third on the Sharks in scoring with 43 points, and is clearly ready for North American hockey next season. Felix Schutz had three shots on goal as Ingolstadt lost to the Metro Stars, 5-3. Schutz, who earlier was named the DEL Rookie of the Year, has 12 goals and 13 assists in 45 games this season after a two-year run in the QMJHL that saw him post 96 points. After dashing up to #11 on the latest SabresProspects rankings (tease), Paul Byron is building a case to earn even higher marks with a two-goal, one assist performance in Gatineau's 5-4 win over Acadie-Bathurst. The 2007 pick scored a third period goal on the power play, then netted his 35th goal of the season in overtime to lead the Olympiques come-from-behind efforts. With 14 goals and seven assists in his last 11 games, Byron owns the longest active point streak in the QMJHL. Another player heating up with the post-season in sight is Baie-Comeau's Benjamin Breault. Today, Breault potted two goals five minutes apart in the first period in the Drakkar's 4-2 win over Chicoutimi. The Pembroke, Ontario native dominated play with seven shots on goal while winning 19 of 25 faceoffs to earn the game's #1 star. Not to be outdone by Byron, Breault himself is sporting a six-game point streak that has seen him compile 9-7-16. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel scored the seventh IceDogs goal, his seventh of the season, as Niagara doubled-up Erie, 10-5. Schiestel was also +3 in surprisingly solid effort following the team's early-morning return from Sudbury. Brad Eidsness made 34 saves as Okotoks lost to the Calgary Canucks, 2-1. The Canucks scored two first-period goals, but the Oilers couldn't put together a team effort to dig themselves out in the ensuing forty minutes. The Sioux recruit was named his team's best player in the loss. The clubs are now tied at one game apiece in their best of five series with action resuming Tuesday evening in Calgary. In the USHL, Drew MacKenzie was on the ice for both Waterloo goals in their 2-1 win over Green Bay.

2/28 Recap: Shutout shoutout to Enroth

The Sabres European prospects have completed their day's work, while a few others are getting ready to strap it on back on North American sheets. In a key match-up, SSK netminder Jhonas Enroth made 33 saves to pitch an important 2-0 blanking of Lulea. The shutout was the second of the year for the 2006 second-round pick. Enroth also assisted on SSK's empty-netter in the game's final minute. Enroth's shutout keeps SSK in the hunt for the SEL's final playoff spot. Winners over Brynas tonight, Skelleftea is still two points in front of Enroth's club with just four games remaining for both teams. In Germany, Felix Schutz was active with three shots on goal, but he was unable to connect as Ingolstadt was shut out by second-place Berlin, 2-0.

2/24 Recap: A new Lord Byron?

Paul Byron scored a pair of even-strength goals in Gatineau's 6-2 win over Chicoutimi. And so the streak rolls on for Byron, who has now hit the scoresheet in eight straight contests. During the impressive stretch, Byron has 11 goals and five assists for the surging Olympiques. Philip Gogulla was +2 as Cologne continued their playoff tune-up with a 4-0 shutout of Hannover. Despite not factoring into any of the Sharks goals, Gogulla still has 13 points in his last eight games with just three to go in the regular season. Also in the DEL, Felix Schutz was pointless with a single shot on goal in Ingolstadt's 5-4 overtime defeat of Iserlohn. In the OHL, Drew Schiestel was +1 as Niagara dominated Sudbury, 4-1. T.J. Brennan and J.S. Allard were both held scoreless as St. John's lost in the shootout to Shawinigan, 3-1. Both Sabres prospects were chosen as Foggies shooters, but were stopped by Cataractes goaltender, Kevin Maletto. Brad Eidsness got a rest today as his Okotoks Oilers played to a 2-2 tie with Drumheller. We'll be back shortly with an update on the Amerks game against the Houston Aeros. The teams are scoreless after one. Rochester is playing with just sixteen skaters tonight - including 10 forwards.

2/19 Recap: Germans show well in match-up

Philip Gogulla and Felix Schutz each had a goal and an assist as Cologne defeated Ingolstadt, 7-5. Gogulla is now a point shy of 40 on the season for Cologne, while Ingolstadt's Schutz scored his second short-handed goal of the season, and will look for his first three-game point streak on Friday against Straubing. Jhonas Enroth made 28 saves, but it wasn't enough as SKK lost to Djurgardens, 3-1. With the loss and a Skelleftea win the night before, SSK drops out of the final playoff slot to 9th place in the SEL.

2/17: He Schutz, he scores

In the DEL this evening, Ingolstadt center Felix Schutz erupted for a pair of goals and an assist in a 5-2 win over Duisburg. In forty games in 2007-08, the German center has collected 11 goals and 23 total points. The three-point finish was the first multi-point game for the 2006 pick since a two goal, two assist outing against Philip Gogulla's Kolner Haie back on October 26th. Defenseman Drew Schiestel picked up an assist and was +3 as Niagara trounced visiting Barrie, 7-1, in front of a sellout crowd in St. Catherines. For his work, Schiestel how has a solid 28 points in 56 games (.5 ppg), with an elevated +10 rating. Thanks to the win, a Kingston loss to Oshawa later tonight will clinch a playoff birth for the IceDogs. Results are still pending for two QMJHL contests featuring Benjamin Breault and Paul Byron. Stop back for those updates, as well a recap of tonight's Amerks-Bulldogs matchup from Blue Cross Arena.

2/14 Recap: Shooting Efficiency

Today, Jhonas Enroth made 37 saves in SSK's 4-3 OT loss to Farjestad. SSK currently owns a tiebreaker with Skelleftea for the eighth and final SEL playoff spot, and can ill afford any late season losses. Enroth has kept a 2.11 GAA this season, stopping 572 of 615 shots along the way for a league-best .930 save percentage. He'll need to maintain his sparkling play down the stretch for SSK to hold that spot. In Germany, Felix Schutz did not connect with any of his three shots on goal as Ingolstadt defeated Augsburger, 4-2. The center is shooting at an 11.3% clip on the season, with nine goals on 80 total shots. To some, shooting efficiency is the ugly step child of statistics. It's just "there", right at the end of the stat line. To others, it's a good indication of a player's "hands". Regardless, it's only viewed properly when taking into consideration how many shots on goal the player actually has. Prospect tweener Patrick Kaleta is hitting on 11.9% of his tries while on recall, good for sixth on the Sabres, but he's only taken nine shots all year long. His time in Rochester reveals a better sampling, where he's a 4% shooter (25 shots). In combined time for 2007-08, he is scoring on 5.9% of his shots (2/34). The Sabres have some prospects who really like to shoot the puck. Nathan Gerbe has fired 149 times this season in just 27 games, with most of them coming from close range. That's an impressive 5.5 shots per game for a 5'5 left wing. Gerbe is shifty, using that smallish frame to get down low and convert quality chances. He leads the nation in points per game (1.59) while carrying a 14.8 shooting percentage. Simply put, Gerbe produces. Another player known for getting to the net, Tim Kennedy leads Michigan State with 13 goals on 84 shots. He takes about half the number of shots Gerbe has (2.7 shots per game), but connects at a better clip with a 15.5 shooting percentage. Other top shooting percentanges amongst Sabres forward prospects with at least forty shots on goal include: Dylan Hunter - 15.9% (63 shots) Marek Zagrapan - 14.9% (101 shots) Benjamin Breault - 13.9% (180 shots) J.S. Allard - 12.8% (117 shots) Corey Tropp - 12.8% (47 shots) Cologne's Philip Gogulla, who is having his finest season as a professional with 36 points, currently connects just 9.9% of the time. However, Gogulla's 27 assists are tied for second on the Sharks, rendering him rather effective in a broader offensive sense. Who is the most efficient shooting forward in the Sabres prospects ranks? Gatineau center Paul Byron has scored 26 goals on 125 shots this season. That computes to 20.8% success, a total that is ninth-best among Q players with a minimum of 100 shots. Shooting percentage isn't indicative of a player's overall value. It's just another shade used to paint a picture of a player's game.

2/12 Recap: Schutz gets a goal

A presumably tired Philip Gogulla was -2 in Cologne's 4-3 OT loss to second-place Berlin. DEL play resumed after a ten-day layoff, but Gogulla's season carried on through the break as a member of Germany's entry at the Skoda Cup. The Dusseldorf-born left wing had three assists in three games against teams from France, Slovakia, and Switzerland. Assists have been Gogulla's thing, as he's served 27 helpers to just nine goals in the Sharks' 44 games this season. Gogulla's Team Germany mate, Felix Schutz, scored his ninth goal of the year as Ingolstadt took down Hamburg, 4-3. The goal ups his season point total to 20, good for eighth on the Ingolstadt roster. Schutz went without a point in two Skoda games. Edit: Brad Eidsness made 20 saves in Okotoks' 5-2 win over the Calgary Canucks. The Chestermere, Alberta native shrugged off a loss to Camrose on Sunday, just his third regulation defeat this season, to pick up his league-best 26th win. With an 8-1-0-1 record in their last ten, the Oilers have reappeared in the AJAHL Top 15 Rankings (#14) for the first time in 2008.

2/10: Dennis blanks Griffins

Adam Dennis made 33 saves to post his 2nd shutout in a week and third of the season as Rochester eeked out a 1-0 win over Grand Rapids. Scoreless after two periods, Marc-Andre Gragnani stole a puck at the Amerks blueline and sprinted down the ice to bury his own rebound against Adam Berkhoel for the game's only goal. The shorthanded marker would hold up, giving the Amerks their first winning streak since late November. The line: Gragnani goal (6), 4 PIM Zagrapan 4 PIM Hunter +1 Weber -1, 15 PIM, checking from behind major Mancari, Sekera, Funk - 0's Dennis 33 saves, shutout In Camrose, the Kodiaks finally caught up with the league's top goaltender, Brad Eidsness, to defeat Okotoks, 5-2. Eidsness made 26 saves in the loss, as his Oilers now trail Camrose by five points for the top spot in the AJHL's South Division with just five games remaining. Drew Schiestel continued his solid defensive play with a +2 as Niagara rode another Michael Swift (undrafted) hat trick to a 5-2 win over the Mississaugua-St.Michael's Majors. Philip Gogulla picked up another assist at the Skoda Cup in Germany's 4-1 win over Slovakia. German C Felix Schutz failed to get on the score sheet for the second straight game. Gogulla played in all three games for Germany, collecting three assists. With the Slovakia loss, Switzerland takes the title in the round robin tourney.

2/9 Recap: Kennedy's unlucky 13

In a CCHA match-up, Michigan State's Tim Kennedy and Corey Tropp were again held without points in a 3-0 loss to Northern Michigan. The Buffalo-born Kennedy has now gone without a goal in his last 13 games - the longest such stretch of his career. The Spartans, who lost both weekend games in Marquette and three of their last four, will need to right the ship in next weekend's home-and-home series with last place Western. Bowling Green's Nick Eno got the nod against Alaska as the Falcons fell to the Nanooks, 4-1. The Howell, MI made 24 saves in the loss, dropping his record to 9-6 on the season. Landon Novotney gave Alaska the early jump, beating Eno high blocker side on the game's first shot at the :27 mark. Less than two minutes into the second, a failed clearing attempt allowed Nanooks defenseman Steve Vanoosten to jump up and beat a sprawling Eno for the 2-0 lead. The Falcons would later halve that lead before a scrum at the foot of the crease forced both Eno and the puck into the Falcons net. Video review would uphold the goal, giving Alaska a 3-1 edge after two. Eno kept his team in the game, making a nice breakaway save with the shaft of his stick in the opening minutes of the third. However, Bowling Green could not beat Eno's counterpart Wylie Rogers in the final twenty, as the sharp Nanooks netminder stopped 22 shots and a total of 46 in all. Alaska would eventually add an empty netter to earn the road split. In Denver, Chris Butler (+2) had an assist in the Pioneers 4-1 win over Minnesota. Quarterbacking a Pioneers power play, Butler let go a wrister that was tipped in by Rhett Rakhshani to give Denver a 2-0 lead. The Pios took seven of a possible eight points from the Gophers this season. Matt Generous went scoreless while anchoring the St. Lawrence defense in their 4-2 win over Cornell. The mobile rearguard is +14 entering the final month of play, a ten-goal differential over his closest teammate in the category. Vermont recruit and 2007 seventh rounder Drew MacKenzie drew a fighting major and a game misconduct in Waterloo's 6-5 loss to Omaha. Midway through the third period, MacKenzie paired off with Thrashers prospect Will O'Neill after Black Hawks winger Jordan Samuels-Thomas earned an elbowing major. Omaha scored two goals in the power play that followed to seal the win. In the Q, T.J. Brennan scored his 10th goal of the season, but it was all St. John's could put up in a 2-1 loss to Baie-Comeau. 2007 third-round pick J.S. Allard went scoreless in the back-to-back set, adding two shots on net for the Fog Devils. Despite a game-best six shots on goal, Drakkar center Benjamin Breault saw his four-game point streak come to an end in the win. Over the stretch, the 19-year old picked up two goals and five helpers while centering Baie-Comeau's top line. In the AJHL, Brad Eidsness got a rest but his Oilers kept cruising with a 6-3 win over Clarke MacArthur's former club, the Drayton Valley Thunder. In the second game of the Skoda Cup, Philip Gogulla had two assists as Germany defeated France, 6-5. Felix Schutz did not factor into any of the German goals.

Germans to play in Skoda; Enroth with another W

In DEL action, Philip Gogulla (+2) scored an even-strength marker in the Sharks 7-3 rout of last-place Duisberg. The Dusseldorf native now has seven points in his last three games for Cologne.

Felix Schutz went pointless, registering a shot on goal, in Ingolstadt's 6-4 win over Wolfsburg.

The league will enter a ten day break, but the Sabres German prospects will still see action before league play resumes. Both Schutz and Gogulla were tabbed this week by national coach (and former Sabres defenseman) Uwe Krupp to represent Germany at the Skoda Cup, where they'll face clubs from France, Slovakia, and host Switzerland.

Last night, Drew Schiestel entered a one week break by going -1 with a holding minor in Niagara's 5-2 loss to Peterborough.

In an elitserien match-up, Jhonas Enroth made 23 saves in SSK's 3-2 overtime win over Mora. The win over the last-place club was a sloppy affair featuring poor passing, little checking, and numerous icing calls. In other words, the teams did not play up to SEL standards.

More to come on a busy Friday.

Gogulla gives again

Cologne LW Philip Gogulla notched three assists for the second straight game as the Sharks defeated Wolfsburg, 6-2. After assisting on a power play goal earlier, The 6'2 Dusseldorf native set up Moritz Mueller's game winning goal with less than seven minutes to go in the first period. Gogulla would later pick up his third helper of the night on a Sean Tallaire short-handed tally in the third. The back-to-back three point efforts raise Gogulla's career best point total to 34 through 42 games (.81 ppg). The 48th player taken in the 2005 draft will next take the ice Friday versus Duisberg. In two games with the DEL's last-place team, Gogulla is -2 with an assist. Also in the DEL, Felix Schutz picked up and assist in Ingolstadt's 4-0 shutout of Straubing. The 20-year old centerman now has 19 points as a rookie after a 96-point junior career in the QMJHL.

1/27 Recap: Gogulla goes off, Schiestel solid

It's always a Super Sunday here at SabresProspects.com. Cologne's Philip Gogulla erupted for three assists tonight in the Sharks 5-4 overtime win over Struabing. The three-point night marked his highest output since starting the year with a two goal, one assist performance against Hamburg back in September. The 6'2 left wing signed a contract with the Sabres prior to training camp, but returned to the DEL where his 31 points are third-best on the league's third place team. Gogulla's frequent linemate in IIHF play, Felix Schutz of Ingolstadt, was -1 in a 6-0 shutout loss to Mannheim. The Sabres 4th round pick in 2006, Schutz has just six points in his last 21 games after starting the year with 12 through his first 14. He hasn't recorded a multi-point night in over three months. A neck injury once again sidelined 2006 first-round pick Dennis Persson as Nykopings fell to Vaxjos, 3-1. He should be ready to resume play within the week. In a North American tilt featuring a pair of top-ranked 2008 draft prospects, Drew Schiestel assisted on the game winning goal and was a game-best +3 in Niagara's 3-1 win over Sarnia. Currently rated the #1 North American by Central Scouting Bureau, dynamic Sting center Steven Stamkos was held off the scoresheet for 54:00 before setting up his team's lone goal. To date, the Unionville, ON native has 34 goals and 65 points in 40 games. Schiestel's touted teammate, 6'4, 210-pound defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, demonstrated the strength and ability that's put him top-5 in most 2008 mocks. In the Q, T.J. Brennan assisted on the first two Fog Devil goals in their 4-3 win at PEI. Playing the left side, the New Jersey product also contributed a game-high six shots on goal to spark the visitors. J.S. Allard was -1 for St. John's in the win. Benjamin Breault was quiet offensively as Baie-Comeau continued to roll in their 3-2 shootout win over Victoriaville.