4/9 Recap: McNabb chips in as ICE gain edge

In Saturday playoff action, Brayden McNabb (+2) logged an assist as Kootenay earned a 3-2 overtime win over Saskatoon. The ICE, who jumped out a surprising 2-0 series edge with the pair of road victories, held the lead until 1:05 left in regulation when a Brayden Schenn slapshot bounced off Cody Eakin and past a kicking McNabb into the Kootenay net. The 6'4 minute-eater has collected two goals and seven assists through eight postseason games including points in three straight. The teams will travel back to Kootenay for Tuesday's game #3.

Matt MacKenzie finished -1 as Tri-City opened their WHL Western Conference semi-final with a 3-1 win at Spokane. The tilt was the 50th playoff appearance of MacKenzie's WHL career. The Ams and Chiefs will continue the series Sunday in Spokane.

In the OHL, Steven Shipley picked up an assist as Niagara lost to Oshawa, 6-4. The 6'3 center now has points in three straight playoff games. The IceDogs and Generals are tied 1-1 in their second round set with game #3 Monday in Saint Catharines.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson recorded two shots on goal and a pair of minor penalties as Sioux Falls was a dealt a 2-0 shutout by Omaha. With the loss, the Herd earn the #3 playoff seed and playoff date with Sioux City beginning Wednesday. Isackson ends the regular season as the Stampede's leading scorer with 44 points (17+27).

4/8 Recap: Kassian sets tone as Spits take opener

Zack Kassian picked up an assist and his first fighting major of the playoffs Friday as Windsor blanked Saginaw, 3-0, to take game #1 of their second round playoff series. Manning his usual right wing spot on a checking unit with Kenny Ryan and Stephen Johnston, Kassian showed his teammates that he was ready to play just 17-seconds into the tilt when he dropped the gloves with Anthony Camara ('11) for the second time this season. The 6'3 lefty tagged the gritty Camara early to earn the decision, allowing the Spits to dictate the pace and secure the key road victory to open the best-of-seven. Kassian, who did eat one near the end of the spirited scrap, has a goal and seven assists in eight playoff games.



In the WHL, Brayden McNabb notched a pair of assists as Kootenay earned a 4-1 victory over Saskatoon. The victory gives the underdog ICE a 1-0 series lead with game #2 Saturday night in Saskatoon. The 6'4 McNabb now has two goals and six assists through Kootenay's first seven post-season games to tie Kassian at the top the Sabres prospects playoff scoring list.

Elsewhere in the OHL, Marcus Foligno finished a season-low -4 as Sudbury was blasted by Mississauga, 8-5. The Wolves fell behind 8-0 with a little over seven minutes remaining in the second period, only to score the game's final five goals to get the ship moving in the right direction heading into Sunday's game #2. Foligno has yet to record a point in five playoff games. Gregg Sutch skated limited minutes for the Majors and was unable to factor into the scoring.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson (+1) set-up the game winning goal as Sioux Falls earned a 3-2 win over Sioux City. The Stampede can clinch a first round playoff bye with a Saturday win over Omaha.

Sabres ink Szydlowski

The Buffalo Sabres are set to announce the signing of unrestricted free agent Shawn Szydlowski to what is rumored to be an entry level contract. The 6’0, 210-pound forward recently completed a four-year OHL career with the Erie Otters in which he compiled 94 goals and 103 assists. This past season the St. Clair Shores, MI native finished third in scoring for the Otters with 41 goals and 37 assists while skating primarily as a right wing. A physical player with a good center of gravity, the scoring forward also logged 21 fighting majors during his time with the Otters.

Szydlowski, 20, is a smart player with strong hands and good finishing ability. His complete game was on display in the Otters first round loss to Windsor, especially in game #7 when his effort was marked by excellent puck control and a several powerful drives to the net that led to a pair of goals in the Otters 5-4 game #7 loss. He also made a strong takeout of Ryan Ellis along the wall to give a teammate space to score in the second period.

After reporting to Portland for his physical on Thursday, Szydlowski is expected to play in the Pirates three weekend games.

4/7 Recap: Shipley in on Dogs win

Steven Shipley notched an assist on the game-winning goal Thursday as Niagara opened the second round of the WHL playoffs with a 2-1 win over Oshawa. The helper was Shipley's second point in five post-season contests. Nicklas Jensen ('11) scored the lone Generals goal. The IceDogs will travel to Oshawa for Saturday's game #2.

In the WHL, Riley Boychuk finished -3 as Portland lost game #1 of their Western Conference semifinal to Kelowna, 5-1. Boychuk, who midway through the first period was bumped up to the Winterhawks top line after Brad Ross was ejected for a charging major, generated a some down-low scoring opportunities but was unable to connect for the scoreboard. The Rockets were fueled by hat trick and an assist from talented 2011 prospect Shane McColgan. Game #2 is Sunday in Portland.

Boychuk hard to handle as 'Hawks look to round two

Pad tap to Scott Sepich of Yahoo! for his piece on Portland Winterhawks forward Riley Boychuk. The 6'5 Boychuk has hammered his way through the WHL this season, scoring a career-high 18 goals in third-line minutes for the talented Winterhawks while racking up a hard-earned 148 PIM.

Even though Boychuk may not look specifically for offense, Johnston has trusted him in some power play situations and says the big guy is deceptively talented with the puck.

"He has great hands for a big man, and he's very quick in tight," said Johnston.

Still, Boychuk is mostly known for being front and center in any scrum while he's on the ice. He says he's trying to gain more control of his emotions on the ice to prevent taking unnecessary penalties that have hindered his game in the past.

"Mike (Johnston) talks about playing more whistle to whistle, and going out after big hits during the play rather than shoving after the whistle and taking those kind of minor penalties," he said.

Johnston praised Boychuk's improving "control," but hopes he can continue to walk a fine line between aggressiveness and recklessness.

"I've gone too far sometimes," Boychuk admits. "Part of my game is to get in people's faces as a big body, and I'm not going to back down from anyone. I just have to be smart about it."

Portland will begin their second round series Thursday when they host the Kelowna Rockets.

Sabres pot three-peat as Adam takes AHL honors

Congratulations to the Luke Adam for being named the AHL's Most Outstanding Rookie for the 2010-11 season. Congrats to the Buffalo Sabres scouting staff as well, as the award marks the third straight year a Sabres prospect has earned the honor (Nathan Gerbe 2008-09, Tyler Ennis 2009-10).

From the American Hockey League website

Adam, a second-round draft choice by the Buffalo Sabres in 2008, ranks among the AHL’s rookie leaders with 28 goals (1st), 32 assists (tied for 3rd), 60 points (2nd) and a plus-22 rating (2nd) in 54 games for Portland this season. The 20-year-old native of St. John’s, N.L., began the season with two goals and two assists in an opening-night win over Manchester on Oct. 9, the first of his 16 multiple-point efforts on the year, and his 11-game scoring streak from Feb. 26 to Mar. 22 was the longest by an AHL rookie forward since 2005. Adam made his National Hockey League debut with Buffalo on Oct. 26 and has totaled three goals and one assist in 19 NHL games with the Sabres.

So yes, Adam has been the apple of the Pirates eye all season long. Why isn't he in Buffalo you ask? I think it's simple. He needs to keep working hard where he is. Keeping Adam down will make him continue to tune-in defensively and polish some skills - mainly his puckhandling. Plus, it's fair to suggest that it's harder to send player down at the beginning of the next season when he ends the year on the top club.

Regardless, I can't wait to read the next tired article about the Sabres using video scouting...

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Adam winning the AHL rookie honor makes it kind of a cool day for this site as well, as longtime readers may remember that Luke was talked about quite a bit in this space leading up to his 2008 drafting. From the first time watching him with the St. John's Fog Devils (along with Sabres picks T.J. Brennan and J.S. Allard), you sort of knew Luke could develop into a big bodied goal-scorer at the pro level despite his lack of top-flight wheels. That conviction made him my no-brainer target when the Sabres opened their day two selections, and the Sabres obviously agreed. Not a bad run for the Sabres at that draft getting Myers, Ennis, Adam 1-1A-2. Perhaps Corey Fienhage can continue the dent being made by the class of '08? Baby steps of course, but we're not ruling anything out.

4/5 Recap: Kassian struggles as Spits advance

Zack Kassian finished -3 Tuesday as Windsor advanced to the second round of the OHL playoffs with 5-4 win over Erie. Kassian, who generated a few shots on goal early on, was somewhat of a disappointment in the deciding game seven, showing signs of perhaps wear and fatigue as the deciding minutes approached. After a nice set of mid-series games in which he upped the physical ante, Kassian's feet slowed while the Otters used their speed and forechecking ability to create offense and ultimately keep the home team on their heels until the final minutes. The third Erie goal in particular stood out to me, as Greg McKegg walked in and swatted home a Shawn Szydlowski rebound right in front of a flat-footed Kassian.

With Windsor moving on, the wait continues on the farm with Kassian, Marcus Foligno, and Brayden McNabb all advancing to the CHL's second round.

Szydlowski meanwhile posted a top notch effort for the Otters in his final junior game. An undrafted 20-year old, the 6'0, 210-pounder had his strong hands and smarts on display throughout the series after completing a 41-goal regular season. In Tuesday's finale, he contributed with a solid takeout of Ryan Ellis on the second Otters goal, and later used good bursts and strength on the puck to create two other Erie tallies. Given the Sabres need for forwards and their missing of top-flight college UFAs, it may be worth keeping an eye on where the Michigan native lands for his next gig.

4/2-3 Recap: McNabb moves on; season sets for Sundher

Brayden McNabb scored a goal and an assist Sunday in a little over thirty minutes of ice time as Kootenay advanced to the second round of the WHL playoffs with a 6-4 win over Moose Jaw. McNabb, who has six points in the playoff year, opened scoring on his first shift of the game when he capitalized on a defensive lapse and buried a shot top shelf. The ICE will wait for the finish of the Medicine Hat/Brandon series before learning who their next opponent will be. The match-up will mark just the second time that McNabb will skate beyond the first round.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian (-1) notched a pair of assists as Windsor coughed up a three-goal lead in a 6-5 loss at resilient Erie. The Otters win forces a deciding game #7 Tuesday night in Windsor. Skating on a line with Stephen Johnston and Kenny Ryan, Kassian missed a chunk of time in the third period after limping off the ice with an unknown ding. The 6'3 wing has scored just once in six playoff games but had added seven assists while being tougher on the puck.

On Saturday, Kevin Sundher scored a power play goal and two assists as Chilliwack's season came to an end with a 6-4 loss at Spokane. Sundher ends the playoffs with three goals and four assists for the Bruins were in the five-game bouncing. The 6'0 center missed an opportunity to score his fourth goal of the series when he was stopped on penalty shot in the second period.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson scored a goal and an assist as Sioux Falls moved into 2nd place with a 3-2 win over Omaha. Isackson, who cashed his 17th goal in his usual slot position, remains the Herd's leading scorer with 43 points in 56 games.

4/1 Recap: Duo looks to game six; April fools Nics

Zack Kassian earned an assist Friday, his sixth point of the series, as Windsor battled hard but lost in overtime to Erie, 6-5. Kassian was again a physical force, using his strength to generate puck pressure and record several shots, yet the effort was also marked by an undisciplined slashing penalty that allowed the Otters to take a three goal lead at the end of two periods. The Spits would answer by out-shooting the Otters 22-7 in the third en route to scoring three goals, including two 41-seconds apart with less than four minutes to play to force the overtime. Anthony Luciani's fourth of the night sealed it for the visitors at 4:03 of the OT to set-up a game #6 in Erie Sunday afternoon. Windsor holds a 3-2 series edge.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb (+1) logged major minutes as Kootenay defeated Moose Jaw, 3-1, to take a 3-2 series lead. The 6'4 blueliner has a goal and three assists in the five games, while his +5 is currently tied for 3rd in the young WHL postseason. The ICE, who outshot the Warriors by a 48-29 margin, will look to close out the series Sunday in Moose Jaw.

In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc was -1 as Rimouski saw their season come to an end with a 4-3 overtime loss to Gatineau. The offensive-minded rearguard was on the ice for a Nics power play tally and later as the Olympiques scored the game-tying goal against. The QMJHL's #2 scorer among defenseman in the regular season, Gauthier-Leduc posted a goal and two assists in the five-game playoff year.

In USHL play, Christian Isackson was -2 with two shots on goal as Sioux Falls lost to Indiana, 6-4. The Herd's leading scorer with 41 points (16+25), Isackson has now gone three games without a point for the first time since 12/19-1/1.

3/31 Recap: Boychuk pots two; Foligno gets boot

Riley Boychuk scored a pair of goals Thursday and provided a major physical spark as Portland completed the sweep of Everett with a 6-2 victory. The 6'5 power forward, who opened the game with a huge hit that jarred the glass loose, consistently used his feet to drive hard to the net with the puck en route to cashing his pair. His edgy game created space but also drew penalties, as Landon Ferraro was forced to sit for five after giving Boychuk a cross-check to end the second period. Everett simply could not keep up with the physical tone set by Boychuk, making the Sabres prospect a valuable piece to a team that should go deep in the playoffs.

Elsewhere in the WHL, Kevin Sundher finished -1 a night after providing the heroics as Chilliwack stumbled in a 4-2 loss at Spokane. The Bruins will have win on the road in Saturday's game #5 to keep their season alive.

Mark Pysyk was -1 with a pair of minor penalties as Edmonton saw their season come to a close with a 5-1 loss to Red Deer. The 6'2 defender finishes the four-game playoff year with no points, a -1 rating, and 6 PIM.

In the OHL, Marcus Foligno was ejected in the first period after being called for a checking to the head penalty as upset-minded Sudbury clawed their back from a 3-1 deficit to earn a 5-3 win over Ottawa, and a date with Mississauga in the second round of the OHL playoffs. Foligno, who came in high on Adam Sedlak but looked to have made contact with the shoulder and not the head, got the boot with 7:31 to play in the first period to end the series with no points, a -2 rating, and 13 PIM.

Steven Shipley notched his first career playoff point, an assist, as Niagara earned the first round sweep with a 4-1 win over Brampton. The shift resulting in the goal was probably the best of the night for the unit of Archibald-Shipley-Doan as the trio pinned the troops in their own end for a minute before Archibald lit the lamp. The IceDogs will now await the winner of Oshawa/Kingston.