Zack Kassian scored a goal and an assist Sunday as dynastic Windsor won the 2010 Memorial Cup title with a 9-1 clobbering of Brandon. Windsor is just the eighth franchise in CHL history to hoist the Cup two years in a row, and the first to do it since the 1993-94 Kamloops Blazers.
Kassian, a native of nearby Lasalle, Ontario, was a beast throughout the tournament for Windsor, using his 6'3, 215-pound frame just like the Spits expected when acquiring him from Peterborough back in January. He worked his tail off in the championship game, setting up Greg Nemisz's goal that gave the Spits a 5-1 lead before ripping a feed from the left dot over Jacob De Serres' shoulder to put Windsor up 7-1.
The 2009-10 Windsor Spitfires were an absolute junior hockey juggernaut. By adding Kassian, the Spits iced a lineup including eight NHL draft picks, and another pair, Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler, expected to go in the top five in 2010. In the championship game, 10 different players registered two points or more.
The valuable championship experience puts a positive end to a tumultuous season for Kassian. After a disappointing start with Peterborough, the power forward was traded to Windsor to inject some toughness into the defending champs. Kassian was suspended for 20 games after a high hit in his first game in a Spits uniform, but returned to make an impact with four goals in the team's final five games.
The Sabres first-rounder turned up the heat in the OHL playoffs, scoring seven goals and nine assists as the Spits needed 19 games versus Erie, Plymouth, Kitchener, and Barrie to win their second straight OHL Championship. Kassian completed his turnaround by adding two goals, three assists, and zero penalties in the four Memorial Cup wins.
A added bonus of the trade that brought Kassian to Windsor? Even with a shoulder injury while in Peterborough and the long suspension, the Spits postseason run allowed the developing forward to play a full junior slate. Including the playoffs, the right wing posted a total 2009-10 line of 61GP 21-30-51 +5 119 PIM.
What does the run mean for Kassian's chances to make the professional leap? The Sabres have a well-known need for increased toughness and intimidation in their forward ranks. With other young guys on the rise, the timing may be good for the horse to hitch his cart to the burgeoning youth movement with a solid training camp showing.
However, Kassian is a January birth date. He won't turn 20 until 2011, meaning that much like Tyler Myers this past season, his options next season are limited to the NHL or juniors. For now, expect him to earn a good hard look from the Sabres with the possibility of seeing a game or two before figuring where he lands. At worst, he goes back to Windsor to attempt a three-peat and further his big game experience as member of Team Canada's World Junior entry.
Many factors will play a part in Kassian's chances to make the NHL this fall, but there's no question his presence will add some spice to final roster battles when the 2010-11 edition of the Sabres is being put together.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Local boy looks to bring Cup home
The Windsor Star's Bob Duff had a quick hit in Saturday's edition about Windsor native and Spitfires forward Zack Kassian's wishes to win the Memorial Cup for his hometown.
Windsor will battle the host Brandon Wheat Kings for Canadian junior's top prize Sunday evening at 7:00 PM (EST). The game will be broadcast on cable via NHL-N. It can also be seen streaming at sportsnet.ca.
Kassian plans to deliver the goods
On watching Windsor win it all last season while on the couch at home:
On the mid-season deal that landed him back in Windsor for a chance to play in the prestigious tourney:
Windsor will battle the host Brandon Wheat Kings for Canadian junior's top prize Sunday evening at 7:00 PM (EST). The game will be broadcast on cable via NHL-N. It can also be seen streaming at sportsnet.ca.
Kassian plans to deliver the goods
On watching Windsor win it all last season while on the couch at home:
“Every junior hockey player wants to get a shot to get to the Memorial Cup. I didn’t have that chance last year, so it kind of sucked, but I wished them the best and they did a great job.
“I’m just hoping we can repeat this year.”
On the mid-season deal that landed him back in Windsor for a chance to play in the prestigious tourney:
He knew what they expected him to bring to the table, and he’s thrilled to be situated to deliver the goods.
“This is what I got traded here for,” Kassian said. “If we weren’t in this position, I’d feel like I let the trade down.
“It’s something that I take pride in, but it’s not complete yet.”
The 6-3, 215-pound right-winger is enjoying a strong tournament, with 1-2-3 totals in three games.
“I’m really excited,” Kassian said. “It’s still kind of surreal to think I’m at the Memorial Cup. I haven’t really sat back and thought about it yet, but it’s something special.”
Friday, May 21, 2010
From Ivy League to bigs: Sabres sign Biega
The Buffalo Sabres have signed defensemen Alex Biega to a two-year entry-level contract. Official financials aren't available, but the deal could be worth a shade over $1M in total with the likelihood of an NHL salary in the vicinity of $525K per season.
Chosen in the 5th round of the 2006 draft, the 5'11, 205-pound Harvard grad becomes the third prospect inked this offseason after the earlier signings of forward Luke Adam and fellow rearguard Nick Crawford. The Montreal-born Biega, 22, scored 15 goals en route to notching 70 points over his four years in the ECAC. It's expected that the right-hander will continue his development in the AHL with Portland.
Click the Biega tag for more info.
Chosen in the 5th round of the 2006 draft, the 5'11, 205-pound Harvard grad becomes the third prospect inked this offseason after the earlier signings of forward Luke Adam and fellow rearguard Nick Crawford. The Montreal-born Biega, 22, scored 15 goals en route to notching 70 points over his four years in the ECAC. It's expected that the right-hander will continue his development in the AHL with Portland.
Click the Biega tag for more info.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Odds & Ends: Southorn talking; Tropp on the way?
With 2008 draft pick Jordon Southorn recently finishing his fourth QMJHL season, The Guardian is reporting that player agent Don Meehan is talking to the Sabres about a pro deal.
Enter the Sabres blueline pipeline, where the system is rich with numbers. With Dennis Persson (one year), T.J. Brennan (two), and Drew Schiestel (two) having term remaining on their first contracts, and Nick Crawford recently added to the fold, it is thought that decisions on Portland defenders Matt Generous and Mike Kostka will play a role in what shakes out with Southorn and recent Harvard grad, Alex Biega.
The 5'11 Biega, who served as the Crimson captain this past season, moves well and plays a smart game, but the Sabres have to decide if he has enough juice to produce on the power play while providing consistent even-strength support. In 131 NCAA games in Cambridge, the Montreal native collected 15 goals and 55 assists with a net +1 rating.
Southorn, on the other hand, is waiting and working a summer job after an up-and-down season that saw a shift in his approach.
Southorn isn't a poor depth option by any stretch, but I was surprised to hear that discussions are taking place because there aren't that many jobs to go around in an organization that doesn't use an ECHL affiliate.
The Sabres have five blueliners under contract (Butler, Rivet, Sekera, Montador, Myers) entering 2010-11, with the expectation that RFAs Marc-Andre Gragnani and Mike Weber will be tendered. There is also the potential for UFA back-up plans like a Dennis Seidenberg and perhaps a Dan Hamhuis to be in place in the event that one of both of Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman sign elsewhere.
If you look at the depth chart, I already have Brayden McNabb penciled in to assume Dennis Persson's AHL slot beginning in 2011-12. I'll stop short of calling Persson a lame duck this early, but he will be entering the final year of his deal with the expectation of taking a huge developmental step on the Pirates blueline.
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After signing forward Luke Adam to an entry-level contract at the end of his junior season, the Sabres still have decisions to make with some forwards in the coming weeks.
It's becoming more of a certainty that Michigan State RW Corey Tropp will follow in the footsteps of past collegians Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, and Tim Kennedy by leaving school after his junior season to sign with the Sabres. The CCHA program has already lost juniors Jeff Petry (EDM) and Andrew Rowe (PHI) to the pro ranks this offseason, making Tropp's departure a no-brainer given the Sabres depth needs. The 6'0 winger led the Spartans this past season with 20 goals and 42 points, and with MSU bench boss Rick Comley not having a consistent track record for developing pro bodies, it may be in both parties best interests to shift the development cycle to the AHL.
With the Sabres short on forwards, it seems that Jacob Lagacé will ultimately get a look as well despite his disappointing finish with Cape Breton. The fifth-round pick in 2008, Lagacé scored five goals in 25 games with the Eagles after having 30 in 35 with Chicoutimi at the time of the deal.
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In other forward 'stuff', former first-rounder Marek Zagrapan has had his two-year KHL contract with Severstal terminated after one season. After a quick start in his return to European ice, the former Sagueneen/Amerk/Pirate found it tough to earn consistent time and ultimately became a non-factor down the stretch. It remains to be seen where Zagrapan will land moving forward, but the Sabres will continue to retain his NHL rights while the sting of another first round disappointment subsides.
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Speaking of Sabres European prospects, Felix Schutz made noise on the international stage when he scored the overtime winner as Germany shocked Team USA to win the opening game of the 2010 IIHF World Championships. It was a nice touch for Schutz after a tough second half in Portland that saw the tweener limited in ice time while being left off the Pirates clear day roster.
Schutz has two goals through three games for Germany, while fellow Sabres prospect Philip Gogulla has yet to record a point.
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When the University of North Dakota began stockpiling defensive recruits like Derek Forbort and Dillon Simpson, we began to think long and hard about the impact it would all have on Sabres 2008 third-rounder, Corey Fienhage. When Fienhage was sat late in the year in favor of forward-turned-defenseman Matt Davidson, those thoughts intensified.
When we reported that Fienhage was placed on the protected list by the WHL's Kamloops Blazers, the writing was seemingly being scribbled on the proverbial wall.
But when Fighting Sioux junior Chay Genoway announced that he would be returning to the team in 2010-11, the message on the wall stated that Fienhage was outsy.
Nothing is official, but whispers around Grand Forks are suggesting that Fienhage is as good as gone (along with Isles prospect David Toews). Fienhage needs to play, and since he didn't get in the lineup last season until Genoway suffered a concussion, it isn't too difficult to connect the dots.
My question is where does Fienhage go? If he opts for the WHL, his window to earn a deal is cut down to one season. Another option has him seeking a scholarship elsewhere, thus sending him to the USHL for a season of Jr. A to retain his NCAA eligibility, and in turn allow the Sabres to keep his rights for a longer term.
Fienhage is rugged and tough, and I would be eager to watch his game translate to the WHL. However, Fienhage is just 20 and needs consistent reps after playing a scant 39 games over two seasons with the Sioux. Couple that with the fact that the Sabres blueline prospect cupboard is already crowded, and I fully expect the Sabres to advise him to somehow stay in school.
--------------------------------
While we're at it, might as well make official what we already knew. Mark Adams, the Sabres fifth round pick last summer, will be enrolling at Providence College this fall. The right-hander will join Vermont junior defenseman Drew MacKenzie in the competitive Hockey East.
After a minor shoulder injury in the first half, "Roo" got his game clicking as the Steel's year wound down. Adams has good wheels that he'll need to use to limit stick infractions as he steps up a level of competition.
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Lastly, if you're not doing so already, try to follow SabresProspects on Twitter. I'll be in Los Angeles for the draft and will be using it to communicate throughout the entire week. This space will be updated as well, of course, but that feed should be more lively.
Southorn said his agent, Don Meehan, is talking with the Buffalo Sabres, the team that drafted him in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2008 draft, about a three-year, entry-level contract. At the maximum, it can be worth over $825,000 a year.
Enter the Sabres blueline pipeline, where the system is rich with numbers. With Dennis Persson (one year), T.J. Brennan (two), and Drew Schiestel (two) having term remaining on their first contracts, and Nick Crawford recently added to the fold, it is thought that decisions on Portland defenders Matt Generous and Mike Kostka will play a role in what shakes out with Southorn and recent Harvard grad, Alex Biega.
The 5'11 Biega, who served as the Crimson captain this past season, moves well and plays a smart game, but the Sabres have to decide if he has enough juice to produce on the power play while providing consistent even-strength support. In 131 NCAA games in Cambridge, the Montreal native collected 15 goals and 55 assists with a net +1 rating.
Southorn, on the other hand, is waiting and working a summer job after an up-and-down season that saw a shift in his approach.
Southorn, who turns 20 today, had a solid 2009-10, if not bumpy one.
A pre-season suspension by the Rocket, his second in two seasons, cancelled Buffalo’s plans to bring him to its training camp.
But Southorn focused on his job, finished with a team-high plus-five plus-minus and fourth in hits with 86, and left the offence to itself (four goals, 19 assists, 67 games).
He was down 18 points in scoring from 2008-09, but up 18 points in his plus-minus ratio.
“I think my game changed this year. I was always the offensive guy. My plus-minus was up in the plusses,” he said. “My defensive game got much better. That’s what I was proud of.”
New head coach Eric Lavigne, hired in early October to replace the fired Guy Chouinard, stressed defensive zone coverage and it worked.
Southorn isn't a poor depth option by any stretch, but I was surprised to hear that discussions are taking place because there aren't that many jobs to go around in an organization that doesn't use an ECHL affiliate.
The Sabres have five blueliners under contract (Butler, Rivet, Sekera, Montador, Myers) entering 2010-11, with the expectation that RFAs Marc-Andre Gragnani and Mike Weber will be tendered. There is also the potential for UFA back-up plans like a Dennis Seidenberg and perhaps a Dan Hamhuis to be in place in the event that one of both of Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman sign elsewhere.
If you look at the depth chart, I already have Brayden McNabb penciled in to assume Dennis Persson's AHL slot beginning in 2011-12. I'll stop short of calling Persson a lame duck this early, but he will be entering the final year of his deal with the expectation of taking a huge developmental step on the Pirates blueline.
--------------------
After signing forward Luke Adam to an entry-level contract at the end of his junior season, the Sabres still have decisions to make with some forwards in the coming weeks.
It's becoming more of a certainty that Michigan State RW Corey Tropp will follow in the footsteps of past collegians Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, and Tim Kennedy by leaving school after his junior season to sign with the Sabres. The CCHA program has already lost juniors Jeff Petry (EDM) and Andrew Rowe (PHI) to the pro ranks this offseason, making Tropp's departure a no-brainer given the Sabres depth needs. The 6'0 winger led the Spartans this past season with 20 goals and 42 points, and with MSU bench boss Rick Comley not having a consistent track record for developing pro bodies, it may be in both parties best interests to shift the development cycle to the AHL.
With the Sabres short on forwards, it seems that Jacob Lagacé will ultimately get a look as well despite his disappointing finish with Cape Breton. The fifth-round pick in 2008, Lagacé scored five goals in 25 games with the Eagles after having 30 in 35 with Chicoutimi at the time of the deal.
----------------------------------
In other forward 'stuff', former first-rounder Marek Zagrapan has had his two-year KHL contract with Severstal terminated after one season. After a quick start in his return to European ice, the former Sagueneen/Amerk/Pirate found it tough to earn consistent time and ultimately became a non-factor down the stretch. It remains to be seen where Zagrapan will land moving forward, but the Sabres will continue to retain his NHL rights while the sting of another first round disappointment subsides.
--------------------------------
Speaking of Sabres European prospects, Felix Schutz made noise on the international stage when he scored the overtime winner as Germany shocked Team USA to win the opening game of the 2010 IIHF World Championships. It was a nice touch for Schutz after a tough second half in Portland that saw the tweener limited in ice time while being left off the Pirates clear day roster.
Schutz has two goals through three games for Germany, while fellow Sabres prospect Philip Gogulla has yet to record a point.
--------------------------------
When the University of North Dakota began stockpiling defensive recruits like Derek Forbort and Dillon Simpson, we began to think long and hard about the impact it would all have on Sabres 2008 third-rounder, Corey Fienhage. When Fienhage was sat late in the year in favor of forward-turned-defenseman Matt Davidson, those thoughts intensified.
When we reported that Fienhage was placed on the protected list by the WHL's Kamloops Blazers, the writing was seemingly being scribbled on the proverbial wall.
But when Fighting Sioux junior Chay Genoway announced that he would be returning to the team in 2010-11, the message on the wall stated that Fienhage was outsy.
Nothing is official, but whispers around Grand Forks are suggesting that Fienhage is as good as gone (along with Isles prospect David Toews). Fienhage needs to play, and since he didn't get in the lineup last season until Genoway suffered a concussion, it isn't too difficult to connect the dots.
My question is where does Fienhage go? If he opts for the WHL, his window to earn a deal is cut down to one season. Another option has him seeking a scholarship elsewhere, thus sending him to the USHL for a season of Jr. A to retain his NCAA eligibility, and in turn allow the Sabres to keep his rights for a longer term.
Fienhage is rugged and tough, and I would be eager to watch his game translate to the WHL. However, Fienhage is just 20 and needs consistent reps after playing a scant 39 games over two seasons with the Sioux. Couple that with the fact that the Sabres blueline prospect cupboard is already crowded, and I fully expect the Sabres to advise him to somehow stay in school.
--------------------------------
While we're at it, might as well make official what we already knew. Mark Adams, the Sabres fifth round pick last summer, will be enrolling at Providence College this fall. The right-hander will join Vermont junior defenseman Drew MacKenzie in the competitive Hockey East.
Adams, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenseman, was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round (134th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He played three seasons at Malden Catholic High School before spending one season with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League. While with Chicago, Adams played in 53 games and recorded four goals and 10 assists for 14 points during the 2009-10 season.
After a minor shoulder injury in the first half, "Roo" got his game clicking as the Steel's year wound down. Adams has good wheels that he'll need to use to limit stick infractions as he steps up a level of competition.
----------------------------
Lastly, if you're not doing so already, try to follow SabresProspects on Twitter. I'll be in Los Angeles for the draft and will be using it to communicate throughout the entire week. This space will be updated as well, of course, but that feed should be more lively.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Kassian contributes as Spits roll in Cup opener
Zack Kassian scored a goal and an assist Friday as Windsor opened the 2010 Mastercard Memorial Cup with a 9-3 thrashing of host Brandon.
Kassian, who scored seven goals and nine assists in the Spits run to the OHL title, set up the game's first goal when he busted down the left side and fed a backhand pass to a crashing Kenny Ryan at the 2:01 mark. The goal from the Leafs prospect opened the floodgates as the Spitfires would cruise to a 5-0 lead at the end of the first period.
Kassian's line with Ryan and Flames prospect Greg Nemisz set a good pace in their third unit role, using their big frames to get the puck deep on the forecheck and break up plays in the neutral zone.
Kassian also saw time on the Spits second power play unit. With the game already in the bag, the 6'3 wing found himself in familiar territory near the Wheat Kings cage when he popped in a rebound to up the lead to 9-1. The man-advantage tally was Kassian's eighth of the post-season.
Taylor Hall had two goals, including one worthy of inclusion on Sportscenter's Top 10, to help pace the Spits. Hall entered the slot and slid the puck through his legs to his backhand to easily beat Andrew Hayes and give Windsor a 4-0 lead in the game's first five minutes. Adam Henrique and Scott Timmins also had pairs of markers for the defending champion Spitfires, who will next play Monday evening against WHL champs, Calgary.
Kassian, who scored seven goals and nine assists in the Spits run to the OHL title, set up the game's first goal when he busted down the left side and fed a backhand pass to a crashing Kenny Ryan at the 2:01 mark. The goal from the Leafs prospect opened the floodgates as the Spitfires would cruise to a 5-0 lead at the end of the first period.
Kassian's line with Ryan and Flames prospect Greg Nemisz set a good pace in their third unit role, using their big frames to get the puck deep on the forecheck and break up plays in the neutral zone.
Kassian also saw time on the Spits second power play unit. With the game already in the bag, the 6'3 wing found himself in familiar territory near the Wheat Kings cage when he popped in a rebound to up the lead to 9-1. The man-advantage tally was Kassian's eighth of the post-season.
Taylor Hall had two goals, including one worthy of inclusion on Sportscenter's Top 10, to help pace the Spits. Hall entered the slot and slid the puck through his legs to his backhand to easily beat Andrew Hayes and give Windsor a 4-0 lead in the game's first five minutes. Adam Henrique and Scott Timmins also had pairs of markers for the defending champion Spitfires, who will next play Monday evening against WHL champs, Calgary.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Kassian's Spits on cusp of title defense
Zack Kassian did not register a point Sunday, but despite not being 100% healthy with a still undisclosed upper body injury, still found a way to contribute as Windsor took game three of the OHL Championship over Barrie, 5-2. The reigning Memorial Cup Champion Spitfires, who now hold a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Colts, will look to use the brooms on their Eastern Conference counterparts and earn the right to defend the CHL title when they take the ice for game four Tuesday evening at the WFCU Center Tuesday.
Defenseman Nick Crawford finished even for the Colts after being on the for one goal for and another against. The hallmark of his game continues to be pateint, simple plays with the puck and execution on the power play. Kassian meanwhile, elevated his hitting in the final twenty minutes, using strength to win battles on the boards and his thick slap shot to create rebound opportunites.
Outshooting the Spits by a 44-30 margin, Barrie dictated much of the pace with many prime scoring opportunities. The game’s difference maker however was 18-year old netminder Philip Grubauer, as the German made several difficult stops en route to a 42-save performance that, along with an Adam Henrique hat trick, put Windsor in the series driver’s seat.
The game became quite chippy down the stretch as Kassian and teammate Adam Wallace finished off hits on Colts forward Matt Kennedy, spawning a brief melee with just :49 remaining on the clock. The 6'3 Kassian, nursing what is thought to be a hyperextended elbow, would receive a misconduct after pairing off with Matt Stanisz (below). Just nine seconds later, Colts forward Darren Archibald took a full throttle run at Grubauer, sparking another powder keg that likely sets a physical stage for Tuesday's titan clash.
Winners of their conference final over Kitchener after being down 3-0 to start the series, Windsor knows not to get too comfortable holding a commanding lead. The fact that bad blood spilled on to the ice in the final minute of play Sunday should keep the red and white troops motivated as they eye a trip to Brandon, Manitoba for the 2010 Mastercard Memorial Cup.
Defenseman Nick Crawford finished even for the Colts after being on the for one goal for and another against. The hallmark of his game continues to be pateint, simple plays with the puck and execution on the power play. Kassian meanwhile, elevated his hitting in the final twenty minutes, using strength to win battles on the boards and his thick slap shot to create rebound opportunites.
Outshooting the Spits by a 44-30 margin, Barrie dictated much of the pace with many prime scoring opportunities. The game’s difference maker however was 18-year old netminder Philip Grubauer, as the German made several difficult stops en route to a 42-save performance that, along with an Adam Henrique hat trick, put Windsor in the series driver’s seat.
The game became quite chippy down the stretch as Kassian and teammate Adam Wallace finished off hits on Colts forward Matt Kennedy, spawning a brief melee with just :49 remaining on the clock. The 6'3 Kassian, nursing what is thought to be a hyperextended elbow, would receive a misconduct after pairing off with Matt Stanisz (below). Just nine seconds later, Colts forward Darren Archibald took a full throttle run at Grubauer, sparking another powder keg that likely sets a physical stage for Tuesday's titan clash.
Winners of their conference final over Kitchener after being down 3-0 to start the series, Windsor knows not to get too comfortable holding a commanding lead. The fact that bad blood spilled on to the ice in the final minute of play Sunday should keep the red and white troops motivated as they eye a trip to Brandon, Manitoba for the 2010 Mastercard Memorial Cup.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Kassian scores as Windsor gets early jump
Zack Kassian scored his seventh goal of the playoff season Thursday as Windsor edged Barrie 5-4 to take a 2-0 series lead in the OHL Championship. Again placed on the Spits top unit with 2010 stud Taylor Hall and Devils prospect Adam Henrique, the big wing got underneath the Colts top pairing of Nick Crawford and Alex Pietrangelo and buried a breakaway backhander to put the Spits ahead 3-1 midway through the second period. Kassian now has 16 points and a +8 rating through 17 postseason contests. Crawford finished a team-low -3 in the loss, the Colts third of the playoffs.
In Tuesday’s game one, Crawford gathered an assist as Barrie let a one-goal lead slip away to lose in overtime, 4-3. The Spits forced the OT with 3:16 to play to set-up Hall’s clutch winner at 2:35 of the extra session. The helper was Crawford’s 11th postseason point for the Colts, while Kassian finished even for the Spits despite looking dogged by bumps and bruises from the seven-gamer with Kitchener.
The Colts and Spits will square off in game three Sunday at 2:00 at the WFCU Center in Windsor.
In Tuesday’s game one, Crawford gathered an assist as Barrie let a one-goal lead slip away to lose in overtime, 4-3. The Spits forced the OT with 3:16 to play to set-up Hall’s clutch winner at 2:35 of the extra session. The helper was Crawford’s 11th postseason point for the Colts, while Kassian finished even for the Spits despite looking dogged by bumps and bruises from the seven-gamer with Kitchener.
The Colts and Spits will square off in game three Sunday at 2:00 at the WFCU Center in Windsor.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Crawford named Kaminsky runner-up
Nick Crawford of the Barrie Colts has finished second in voting for the Max Kaminsky Trophy, awarded annually to the OHL's top defenseman. The league's leading defensive scorer, Crawford was edged out by Soo Greyhounds overager Jacob Muzzin by a 73-45 margin for the honor. Past winners of the Kaminsky hardware include Drew Doughty, Andrej Sekera, Brian Campbell, and everyone's favorite Flyer, Chris Pronger.
Crawford, 20, scored 11 goals and 70 points in 68 regular season games split between Saginaw and Barrie. His point total was the most for a Sabres CHL defenseman since Marc-Andre Gragnani's 71 back in 2005-06 with the QMJHL's PEI Rocket. While his patience and poise have made him an excellent power play weapon for the past two seasons, the 6'1 lefty also paced the OHL with an impressive +51 rating en route to helping the Colts to a dominating 57-9-0-2 record and #1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Crawford has continued his steady play into the postseason, registering 10 assists and a +6 rating through the first three rounds as the stay-back man on the Colts' #1 pair with Blues prospect Alex Pietrangelo. Barrie is currently awaiting the winner of Sunday's Western Conference game seven between the Kitchener Rangers and Zack Kassian's Windsor Spitfires for the rights to rep the OHL in the 2010 Memorial Cup.
The Sabres blueline cupboard is somewhat crowded, but it is a lock that Crawford is signed to an entry-level deal at the end of his season. Adding strength to his smart, shutdown style will make the 2008 sixth-round pick a prime candidate for quality AHL minutes in 2010-ll. From there, it'll be on Crawford to show he can handle the pro speed while doing all the other things that have made him a successful junior player over the past three seasons.
Not bad for a guy who wasn't even ranked by NHL's Central Scouting Bureau heading into the 2008 draft.
Crawford, 20, scored 11 goals and 70 points in 68 regular season games split between Saginaw and Barrie. His point total was the most for a Sabres CHL defenseman since Marc-Andre Gragnani's 71 back in 2005-06 with the QMJHL's PEI Rocket. While his patience and poise have made him an excellent power play weapon for the past two seasons, the 6'1 lefty also paced the OHL with an impressive +51 rating en route to helping the Colts to a dominating 57-9-0-2 record and #1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Crawford has continued his steady play into the postseason, registering 10 assists and a +6 rating through the first three rounds as the stay-back man on the Colts' #1 pair with Blues prospect Alex Pietrangelo. Barrie is currently awaiting the winner of Sunday's Western Conference game seven between the Kitchener Rangers and Zack Kassian's Windsor Spitfires for the rights to rep the OHL in the 2010 Memorial Cup.
The Sabres blueline cupboard is somewhat crowded, but it is a lock that Crawford is signed to an entry-level deal at the end of his season. Adding strength to his smart, shutdown style will make the 2008 sixth-round pick a prime candidate for quality AHL minutes in 2010-ll. From there, it'll be on Crawford to show he can handle the pro speed while doing all the other things that have made him a successful junior player over the past three seasons.
Not bad for a guy who wasn't even ranked by NHL's Central Scouting Bureau heading into the 2008 draft.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
4/23 Recap: Kassian's Spits order game seven
Zack Kassian finished +1 with a fighting major Friday as Windsor claimed a 6-4 victory over Kitchener to even the OHL Western Conference Championship at three games apiece. Kassian saw his eight-game point streak end in the win, but will gladly look to begin another when the series is settled in Sunday's game seven showdown.
Kassian, 19, failed to produce a point for just the third time this post-season while skating on the Spitfires top line with 2010 stud Taylor Hall and New Jersey prospect Adam Henrique for the third straight game. Falling behind 2-0 early, the trio mixed excellent passing plays with pressure on successive shifts to help Windsor tie the game 2-2 midway through the first period, and ultimately gain control of game six.
The Spits would keep pouring it on en route to taking a 6-2 lead before Rangers captain Dan Kelly looked to spark his team by dropping the mitts with the 6'3, 215 pound Kassian at 12:39 of the second period. The in-tight tussle featured few connections, a good thing considering Kassian is still dinged with an upper body injury (suspected to be an elbow) suffered in Thursday's win. The scrap was the banger's second of the playoffs.
The Rangers and Spitfires will now head back down the 401 for the deciding game seven Sunday at 2:00. The winner will play the resting Barrie Colts, featuring Max Kaminsky Trophy runner-up Nick Crawford et.al., for the right to represent the OHL at the 2010 Memorial Cup.
Kassian, 19, failed to produce a point for just the third time this post-season while skating on the Spitfires top line with 2010 stud Taylor Hall and New Jersey prospect Adam Henrique for the third straight game. Falling behind 2-0 early, the trio mixed excellent passing plays with pressure on successive shifts to help Windsor tie the game 2-2 midway through the first period, and ultimately gain control of game six.
The Spits would keep pouring it on en route to taking a 6-2 lead before Rangers captain Dan Kelly looked to spark his team by dropping the mitts with the 6'3, 215 pound Kassian at 12:39 of the second period. The in-tight tussle featured few connections, a good thing considering Kassian is still dinged with an upper body injury (suspected to be an elbow) suffered in Thursday's win. The scrap was the banger's second of the playoffs.
The Rangers and Spitfires will now head back down the 401 for the deciding game seven Sunday at 2:00. The winner will play the resting Barrie Colts, featuring Max Kaminsky Trophy runner-up Nick Crawford et.al., for the right to represent the OHL at the 2010 Memorial Cup.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Kassian continues streak; Crawford's Colts advance
Zack Kassian finished +2 with an assist Thursday as Windsor shut out Kitchener 3-0 to win game five of the OHL's Western Conference Championship. The Spitfires, who trail the series 3-2, have now won two straight must-win games after disappointments in the first three.
Still babyfaced after his post-game three shave, Kassian received top line minutes alongside Adam Henrqiue and Taylor Hall for the second consecutive game as Spits coach Bob Boughner attempted to rejuvenate his troops. Midway through a quiet first period, Kassian was whistled for embellishing a cross-check with a dive. Near the close of the opening twenty, Rangers captain Dan Kelly put a solid check on Kassian that left the big wing favoring his shoulder on his way off the ice.
Returning to the bench for period two, Kassian earned an assist on the second Spits tally as he went to the net while Hall went wide to create a Henrique goal. Later, the 6'3 forward nullified a Spits power play was called for goaltender interference while claiming a spot in front of the Rangers net.
Kassian, who now has six goals and 15 points in 13 postseason contests, will ride an eight-game point streak into Friday night's game six.
On Wednesday, Nick Crawford earned an assist as Barrie won the Eastern Conference Championship with a 4-2 victory of Mississauga. Holding a 3-2 lead into the third, Crawford helped create Luke Pither's marker 4:26 into the third to put the Colts into the OHL Championship series against the winner of Windsor/Kitchener. Crawford, the OHL's leading defensive point-getter in the regular season, now has 10 assists through 13 playoff games.
Still babyfaced after his post-game three shave, Kassian received top line minutes alongside Adam Henrqiue and Taylor Hall for the second consecutive game as Spits coach Bob Boughner attempted to rejuvenate his troops. Midway through a quiet first period, Kassian was whistled for embellishing a cross-check with a dive. Near the close of the opening twenty, Rangers captain Dan Kelly put a solid check on Kassian that left the big wing favoring his shoulder on his way off the ice.
Returning to the bench for period two, Kassian earned an assist on the second Spits tally as he went to the net while Hall went wide to create a Henrique goal. Later, the 6'3 forward nullified a Spits power play was called for goaltender interference while claiming a spot in front of the Rangers net.
Kassian, who now has six goals and 15 points in 13 postseason contests, will ride an eight-game point streak into Friday night's game six.
On Wednesday, Nick Crawford earned an assist as Barrie won the Eastern Conference Championship with a 4-2 victory of Mississauga. Holding a 3-2 lead into the third, Crawford helped create Luke Pither's marker 4:26 into the third to put the Colts into the OHL Championship series against the winner of Windsor/Kitchener. Crawford, the OHL's leading defensive point-getter in the regular season, now has 10 assists through 13 playoff games.
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