4/20 Recap: Gogulla, Sharks fall to Polar Bears

The fine seasons of Philip Gogulla and the Cologne Sharks have come to an end after a 2-1 OT loss to Berlin in the DEL finals. The 3-1 series win gives Berlin their third master Cup in league history. Gogulla set up both Sharks goals in their 2-1 win comeback win on Tuesday to even the series at one game each. The 6'2 LW was -1 in Cologne's 4-3 loss on Friday, and registered just a single shot on net in today's defeat. A 2nd round pick in 2005, Gogulla scored 12 points (3+9) in 14 playoff games after a career-best 44 points in the regular season.

4/19 Recap: Byron drops a deuce

Paul Byron scored both goals for Gatineau, including the overtime-winner as the Olympiques beat the Halifax Mooseheads 2-1 Saturday to take Game 1 of their QMJHL semifinal. The speedy centre now has 10 goals in 11 playoff games, and 14 points overall. From the Nova Scotia News:

Byron took advantage of a stumble by Halifax defenceman Justin Pender to score on a nice rush. Game 2 of the best-of-seven is back at the Metro Centre tonight. "Claude (Giroux) just gave me the puck and I was breaking out of our zone," said Byron, the game’s first star. "I knew I was going to try and use my speed and beat him wide, but then he fell down. From there I don’t really know what happened; it just all happened so fast. "I thought it was going to be fluky goal, like you just put it on net and anything could happen. I never thought a goal like that was going to happen."

Game 2 goes off tonight in Halifax.

Introducing the 2008 NHL Draft Prospects Video Page

With the NHL Draft approaching, feel free to spend some time on a new page here at SabresProspects. Introducing the 2008 NHL Draft Prospects Video Page Additional clips will come soon, as will more info about the prospects including stats, vitals, etc. SabresProspects is planning on attending the NHL Draft in June, so be sure to check back for all draft happenings throughout the offseason. As always, if you have links readily available of 2008 draftees or current Sabres prospects, please send me a tape-to-tape email at bakes@sabresprospects.com.

Dogs-Gens tied after one

The first period is over in St. Kitts, and Drew Schiestel's Niagara IceDogs are locked in a 2-2 tie with the Oshawa Generals. Down a goal in the final minute of the first, the Hamilton-born Schiestel picked up an assist on Michael Swift's power play goal tally to lock the game at two. Trailing 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, the contest is a must-win for Niagara. The Dogs have a bit of opening today, as Generals star goaltender Michal Neuvirth did not dress with what appears to be a groin injury. The fans are all over untested back-up Darryl Borden, blasting him with DAAAA-RUUHHHL chants reminiscent of those directed at former New York Met Darryl Strawberry. EDIT: Niagara would go on to lose this game, 5-2. Series over.

4/13 Recap: Gogulla extends streak in loss

Game one of the DEL finals just concluded with Philip Gogulla and the Cologne Sharks falling to Berlin in overtime, 3-2. The 6'2 wing garnered the lone assist on the first Sharks goal, and now has points (2-5-7) in six straight playoff games. The two teams will head to Kolnarena for Tuesday's game two.

4/12 Recap: MacKenzie gets assist; Amerks lose again

In the USHL playoffs, Waterloo blueliner Drew MacKenzie picked up an assist as the Black Hawks defeated Cedar Rapids, 3-0. In the early third, the Vermont recruit pumped a shot on net that was tipped by Nick Larson (WAS) to give Waterloo a 2-0 cushion. The win gives the 'Hawks a 2-0 edge in their first round series with the Roughriders, with game three going down on Wednesday. The last-place Rochester Americans played their final road game of the 2007-08 campaign, skating to a 6-2 loss at Toronto. Adam Dennis gave up six goals on 34 shots to take the loss. The Rundown: Weber - 1 SOG, 4 PIM, -3 Gragnani - 1 SOG Zagrapan - 1 SOG, -2 Mancari - 1 SOG, -1 MacArthur - 3 SOG, -2 Dennis - 26 saves Whitmore - -1

Gerbe: Media darling in aftermath

AP: Third Time a Charm for B.C.

Gerbe had a hat trick in the semifinals against North Dakota and finished his command performance at the Frozen Four with five goals and three assists. The 5-foot-5 fireplug from Oxford, Mich., who led the nation in scoring with 35 goals and 32 assists, shrugged it off Friday night when he lost out to Michigan's Kevin Porter for hockey's equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. "Since Day 1, we've been fixated on one trophy and that's the national championship," Gerbe insisted.

USCHO: Gerbe Shines Again In Spotlight

Afterward, there were a number of connections made between Gerbe, who stands 5-foot-5, and a former BC forward of roughly the same stature. Brian Gionta was a finalist for the 2001 Hobey but lost to Michigan State’s Ryan Miller. The next day, however, the 5-foot-7 winger helped the Eagles win the title. Both players have great hands, impressive speed and the ability to disguise the angle of their shot, making them tough for goaltenders to stop in close. Gionta and Gerbe share the occasional conversation. “He gives me a few messages here and there … maybe a little pointer here and there,” Gerbe said. “But not too often. I don’t want to bug him, especially now. He’s in the middle of the playoffs.”

On his future:

“You want to leave it all on the table, no matter what, if you get hurt or anything,” Gerbe said. “You’ve got time to heal now.” Gerbe also has time to make a decision about his future. The Buffalo Sabres draft pick didn’t commit to anything Saturday night about where he’ll play next season. “He’s going to be a terrific player — hopefully for us next year, but if not, down the road for the Sabres,” BC coach Jerry York said.

ESPN: Gerbe scores twice as Boston College cruises to third hockey crown

B.C. captain Mike Brennan said it was a bittersweet moment taking off his Eagles sweater for the last time. But what about Gerbe? Will he bolt for Buffalo and NHL's riches now that he has his cherished championship? "I haven't thought about it at all," he insisted. "My main focus this whole year was to bring this trophy back to Chestnut Hill and I try not to think about the future. Coach keeps me here in the present. So, that's something that I don't really want to talk about or think about."

CHN: Gerbe's Tournament, Absolutely Hobey-Like

"I think he should probably be the Hobey Baker (winner)," said teammate Andrew Orpik, who, in an incredibly rare and incredibly entertaining turn of events, was being faux-interviewed by teammate Brock Bradford via Bradford's makeshift water bottle microphone. "You know the votes are done before the weekend and I think he turned a lot of heads this weekend and showed why he should have won the award." After pausing briefly, Orpik added: "Rooming with him is exceptional." It was a moment that epitomized the misconceptions of Gerbe that have frequented the college hockey world all season long. Yes, he's "feisty." Yes, he's taken some liberties. But no, he's not a jerk. No, he's not arrogant. No, he's not in it for himself. He's simply an incredible player who delivered when his team needed him most. It was such a clutch performance that when asked about Gerbe, Norte Dame's Jackson could hardly stop doting on his one-time player at U.S. National Developmental program. "God bless the small guy because he plays fearless and with a lot of jam and skill," Jackson said. "He reminds me of another small player from BC — Brian Gionta — although he might even be quicker than Brian."

Butler to sign with Sabres

The Denver Post is reporting that Chris Butler and the Buffalo Sabres have agreed to a deal. Butler leaving DU for NHL

"It was tough," said Butler, who was drafted by the Sabres in the fourth round in 2005. "I've enjoyed every minute at Denver. And the guys and the coaching staff — everyone, from the strength coach to the administrators — are very special to me." Named to the All-America second team Friday, Butler was the Pioneers' best defenseman and two-way player. He had 17 points (three goals) this season, and had a team-high 110 blocked shots and a plus-10 rating. He was the quarterback on the No. 1 power-play unit and a key penalty killer. He also led DU in minutes per game.

Gerbe, Eagles fly a mile high for NCAA title

Congratulations to Sabres prospects Nathan Gerbe and Andrew Orpik who get to celebrate an NCAA Championship with a 4-1 win over Notre Dame. With a pair of goals and assists in the final, Gerbe powered his way to a total of eight points at the Frozen Four in Denver en route to being named tourney Most Outstanding Player. He ends his junior season with 35 goals and 33 assists in 43 games. The title is the third in Boston College history, and the program's first since 2001. Both Gerbe and Orpik were part of two national runners-up in 2006 and 2007 before tonight's big win.

...and Gerbe sets up goal #4

Moments after a second Notre Dame goal was disallowed, Nathan Gerbe flicked a pass to the front of the net that was pumped in by Ben Smith to give BC a 4-1 lead. That's two goals and two assists for the All-American forward in tonight's title game. Currently 4:22 to play in regulation. BC 4, ND 1