4/22 Recap: McNabb streaks to six as ICE take opener

Brayden McNabb assisted on a late power play goal Friday as Kootenay opened the WHL Eastern Conference Final with a 6-5 overtime win at Medicine Hat. The 6'4 McNabb, who continues to lead all WHL dmen in points this playoffs with 16 (3+13), extended his point streak to six games when he earned a secondary helper on the game-tying goal with 1:55 left to play in regulation. The ICE, who have now ripped off eight consecutive wins, will look for the road sweep of the Tigers Saturday before taking the series back to Cranbrook.

In the WHL Western Conference Final, Riley Boychuk skated even with a minor penalty as Portland lost game #1 to Spokane, 2-1. Boychuk provided hard-working energy for the 'Hawks, who were coming off a five-day rest, but the Chiefs posted a 43-28 shots-on-goal advantage to gain the edge with the series remaining in Portland for Sunday's game #2. The 6'5 Boychuk has four goals and nine points in the 11 games thus far in the playoffs, but hasn't gotten on the scoresheet in the last four games since Brad Ross returned from suspension to reclaim his top line spot.

In USHL second round action, Christian Isackson (+2) earned an assist as Sioux Falls held on for a 4-3 win over Omaha. The St. Paul, MN native has three goals, three assists, and a +6 rating in five postseason tilts for the Stampede, who now take a comfortable 2-0 series lead back home for Saturday's game #3. Seth Ambroz ('11) notched a late goal for the Lancers to earn the #1 star of the game.

Stampede's Isackson dreaming big

Kudos to Sioux Falls ABC affiliate KSFY for giving Sabres 2010 seventh rounder Christian Isackson some pub as the Stampede battle the Omaha Lancers in the second round of the Clark Cup playoffs.

The six footer is a prospect who I hope the Sabres are able to connect with over his time at Minnesota. He looked to be a smart, well-rounded player at last summer's prospect camp, and followed up the momentum of being drafted by leading the Herd in scoring this season with 44 points (17+27) in 58 games. You have to love the quote from head coach Kevin Hartzell:

"He's got the offensive moxie and things you can't teach. But under the hood he's got real heart and desire and that gives him a chance."

Sioux Falls will take 1-0 series lead into Omaha for Friday's game #2.

4/21 Recap: Kassian nets winner as Spits pull even

Zack Kassian (+2) scored the game winning goal Thursday as Windsor evened the OHL Western Conference Final at one game apiece with a 4-2 win over Owen Sound. Kassian followed up on a Taylor Carnavale shot to bang in his sixth goal of the playoffs at 1:19 of the third period to give the Spits a crucial 3-2 lead. Windsor would hold on for the remainder of play, with Thomas Kuhnhackl notching his second of the game into an empty net to seal the deal. Kassian, who saw the red-hot Carnavale (4A) replace Kenny Ryan as his center on the #2 line, now has six goals and nine assists in 15 playoff games. He wasn't the most outstanding skater on the ice, but he capitalized with quick hands on his best chance of the night. The clubs now head back north to Owen Sound for Saturday's game #2.

In the OHL's Eastern Conference Final, Steven Shipley did not factor into the scoring as Niagara defeated Mississauga, 5-3. The Dogs victory evens the series at 1-1 heading into Saturday's game #3 in Mississauga. Majors forward Gregg Sutch was scratched for the second straight game.

On Wednesday, Christian Isackson finished +2 with three shots on goal as Sioux Falls opened their USHL second round series with a 5-2 win over Omaha. Game #2 will be played Friday in Omaha.

Eidsness unsure of future

The Okotoks Western Wheel today published a story about three former members of the AJHL's Oilers who recently participated in the NCAA Frozen Four as members of the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux. One of those former Oilers, 2007-08 league MVP Brad Eidsness, spoke about his tough go this season and admits he has a decision to make in the coming months regarding his senior year of eligibility.

For Eidsness, the 2010-2011 campaign was a bit more difficult.

After carrying the load in his first two years with the program, the Buffalo Sabres draft pick was largely relegated to back-up duties behind rookie phenom Aaron Dell, formerly of the Calgary Canucks.

Eidsness played in 41 games in each of his first two seasons with North Dakota but only managed to get into eight games this year.

“It was a really frustrating year,” he said.

With a hockey resumé as impressive as it is lengthy, Eidsness faces an offseason of questions as to whether he should return for his fourth year of eligibility.

“I’m going to make a decision that’s best for my hockey career,” he said, candidly. “At this point, I don’t really know what that is.”

Regardless of what happens, the former Okotoks star said this season has taught him a lot about himself and the importance of preparation.

Playing sparingly forced Eidsness to ramp up the intensity in practices and develop habits he insisted will help as he advances further in his hockey journey.

“I’m definitely a changed player,” he said. “Maybe that will help me moving forward.”

Brad seems intent on extending his playing career which is encouraging. I don't ever want to suggest that he would throw in the towel in his pursuit of becoming a member of the Buffalo Sabres, but Brad is by all accounts a rather brilliant young man who has the skills to succeed well beyond the rink. What's interesting is that just yesterday I put a tweet out regarding Aaron Dell's decision to remain at UND. I'm not sure how this effects Eids' future, but I have an idea:

"I’m going to make a decision that’s best for my hockey career"

Eidsness is set to wrap up his four-year degree a year ahead of time and has proven he can win games. This is definitely something worth tracking as the offseason progresses.

4/19 Recap: Season ends for MacKenzie

Matt MacKenzie logged a -3 Tuesday as Tri-City saw their season come to a close with a 5-4 overtime collapse at Spokane. The Ams held a three-goal lead before falling apart in the third, allowing the Chiefs to score four unanswered goals in the first nine minutes of the period. TC would get one back on the power-play to force OT, but Spokane outworked the Americans to advance to meet Portland in the Western Conference Final. The 19-year old MacKenzie finishes the post-season with one goal, four assists, and a -1 rating in 10 games.

In the OHL, Zack Kassian finished -2 as Windsor lost game #1 of the OHL Western Conference Final to Owen Sound, 8-1. The Spits looked a little gassed coming off a one day break between rounds, allowing five goals in the middle frame to fall behind 7-1 heading into the third. After potting a hat trick in Sunday's clincher over the Spirit, Kassian was active offensively in the opening twenty before the Attack took control for the remainder. The Spits are going to need Kassian to show up ready to go for Thursday's game #2 in Windsor.

Steven Shipley skated -1 as Niagara opened the OHL Eastern Conference Final with a 3-0 shutout loss to Mississauga. Sabres 2010 fifth-rounder Gregg Sutch was a healthy scratch for the Majors, while 2011 eligible Ryan Strome earned a rare fighting major for the IceDogs. The teams will reconvene Thursday in St. Catharines for game #2.

Pysyk looking to impress the Sabres

The Sherwood Park News is running a spotlight story on Edmonton Oil Kings captain Mark Pysyk, who recently was named the team's MVP for the second consecutive season. Pysyk's game matured in both ends in 2010-11, including a jump in his physical play which is needed in the highly competitive WHL.

While Pysyk said there are areas for him to improve upon, he was happy with his progression, and believes certain changes he made heading into the season gave him a leg up in winning the designation of MVP.

"I think I added a little bit more of a physical aspect to my game," he said. "It's tough sometimes, because I'm not a really vocal leader. I try to step out of my comfort zone that way as well."

It was a breakout year offensively as well. The 6'1 Pysyk scored 40 points for the OK's this past season, and now has his sights set clearly on Buffalo as next season approaches.

With the Oil Kings eliminated from playoffs in the first round, losing to the Red Deer Rebels, Pysyk is now gearing up for the Buffalo Sabres' upcoming training camp.

"I went last year, and it's just about a hard week of hockey and workouts," he said. "That's about it, so we get good experience again and it will be a big step in my training process as well."

Pysyk said he hopes this year is the one he'll be taken onto the NHL roster, but with Buffalo currently battling it out in playoffs, he hasn't had much of a chance to speak with them lately.

Still, he has plans in case it takes another year before making his way down to the United States.

"Hopefully I'll be in Buffalo soon, but if not next year, I'm hoping to play in the World Juniors," Pysyk said. "It would be an incredible honour to represent your country at the biggest stage besides the Olympics. That would be pretty cool."

For now, making the Sabres in the fall seems more of a longshot but that's not a bad thing. The Oil Kings should be one of the top guns next season in the WHL and big minutes will await their captain if the Sabres deem him not ready.

Regardless of where he lands, part of Pysyk's offseason training will involve a 200 km ride on June 25-26 in the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Sabres fans are encouraged to donate to his ride at www.conquercancer.ca.

McNabb earns Player of the Week honors

Kootenay ICE captain Brayden McNabb has been named the WHL Player of the Week.

From the WHL website:

McNabb picked up six points, scoring one goal and five assists to go with a +2 rating in two games over the last week, helping the Ice to a 4-0 series win over the Saskatoon Blades to advance to the Husky WHL Eastern Conference Championship Series.

On Tuesday, April 12th, the Kootenay Ice hosted the Saskatoon Blades for game three of their second round series at the Cranbrook Rec Plex. McNabb scored one goal, added two assists and was named the games 1st Star as the Ice downed the Blades 3-0 to take a 3-0 series lead. The following night, Wednesday, April 13th, the Ice had the opportunity to upset the top seed in the 2011 WHL Playoffs in front of a home crowd in Cranbrook. McNabb collected three assists as the Ice defeated the Blades 5-2 to advance to the next round.

The Kootenay Ice will now face the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Husky WHL Eastern Conference Championship Series starting Friday, April 22nd and Saturday, April 23rd at 7:30pm MT at the Medicine Hat Arena.

McNabb, a 20 year old (born 1991) from Davidson, SK, is playing his fourth season with the Kootenay Ice. The Ice made him their 2nd round (37th overall) selection at the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft and was selected in the 3rd round (66th overall) in the 2009 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. McNabb set career highs in all offensive categories this season and finished 3rd among WHL defenceman in scoring gathering 72 points (21 goals, 51 assists) in just 59 games. He is currently 6th among all WHL Scorers in the post-season with 15 points (3 goals, 12 assists) in 10 games.

4/17 Recap: Kassian pots turkey as Spits advance

Zack Kassian notched his first career playoff hat trick Sunday to lead Windsor to a 5-0 victory over Saginaw and a berth in the OHL's Western Conference Final. Kassian, who had just two goals in 12 games heading into the game #6, book-ended the first period with a fight 1:12 in and a snipe from the slot with 43-seconds remaining. Kassian's tilt with Anthony Camara marked the second time in the series that the pair dropped the gloves in the opening moments of a game.



I've mentioned it before, but Kassian has had a bi-polar post-season, at times being unstoppable and at others disinterested and detached. The Sabres are going to need to find ways to keep him hungry. However, Sunday was one of those games where he was engaged and ready to compete. He was excellent in the middle frame especially, cycling well to keep the Spirit pinned deep in their end while using his command of the puck and passing ability to create chances for his teammates. At 8:58, Kassian was sprung on a break by Kenny Ryan, faking forehand and then burying a backhand for his second goal of the night to give the Spits the 3-0 lead. The 6'3 completed the hat trick in the third period when his spin-and-fire shot from along the boards made it in the Spirit net. Kassian now has 14 points (5+9) through the first two playoff rounds. The Spits will begin the OHL Western Conference Final Tuesday in Owen Sound.

In the WHL, Riley Boychuk was injured early and did not return as Portland defeated Kelowna, 4-2, to advance to the WHL Western Conference Final. The 6'5 forward looked to be shaken up after taking a first period hit, and until we hear other wise will be considered "day-to-day with an upper body injury". The Winterhawks will open the conference final series Friday on home-ice against the winner of Tri-City/Spokane.

Matt MacKenzie was even as Tri-City lost in overtime to Spokane, 3-2. Trailing the series 3-2, the Americans will look to keep their season alive Tuesday night in Spokane.

In the USHL, Christian Isackson posted an assist as Sioux Falls advanced to the second round of the USHL playoffs with a 5-3 win over Sioux City. A three-goal catalyst in the Herd's first two games, the 6'0 forward was in the box for a high-sticking infraction when the Musketeers scored their first goal. The well-oiled Stampede will continue their quest for the Clark Cup with Wednesday's game #1 at Omaha.

Monday Morning Stat Sheet

4/16 Recap: Kassian helper gives Spits upper hand

Zack Kassian assisted on the game winning goal Saturday as Windsor moved one-step closer to advancing in the OHL playoffs with a 5-3 win over Saginaw. Kassian entered the Spirit zone with four minutes left on the clock, throwing the puck on net for Ryan Ellis to bang in the rebound and break the 3-3 tie. Kassian, who speaks about the play here in a post-game interview, now has 11 playoff points (2+9) heading into Sunday's game #6 in Windsor.

In other CHL playoff news, three Sabres prospects have received their marching orders for the week as OHL and WHL Eastern Conference Finals schedules have been set.

Steven Shipley and the Niagara IceDogs will open their OHL best-of-seven Tuesday at Mississauga. The 6'3 Shipley, who scored his first playoff goal and added two assists in the Dogs' Friday clincher, could be heating up at the right time as scoring depth will be needed to tackle the high-scoring Majors. Gregg Sutch has seen limited fourth-line minutes through the first two rounds for Mississauga, who will host this year's Memorial Cup once league titles are distributed.

In the WHL, Brayden McNabb and the Kootenay ICE will begin their series on the road Friday and Saturday with a set of games in Medicine Hat. McNabb currently leads all WHL defensemen with 15 points (3+12). Lewiston's Olivier Dame-Malka has netted 16 points (8+8) thus far in the QMJHL playoffs to lead the entire CHL.