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2013 Mock Draft now up at Sabres.com

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 09:24:00 PDT

Happy draft season!

While planning the usual Sabres draft preview that will appear in this space, the partnership with Sabres.com is alive and well in the (almost) summer months. First up in a series of articles that will appear on the team site is the 2013 Mock draft - round one.

CLICK >> Sabres.com 2013 Mock Draft

I encourage you to give it a read and let me know what you think.

Class of 2011 update: Jacobs in, Lepkowski out

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 05:26:00 PDT

I’ve been working on draft stuff over the past couple of weeks, so I apologize for the delay in news regarding those who already were drafted…

In case you missed it, the Sabres last week signed Colin Jacobs (2011, fourth round) to a three-year entry-level contract. The WHL product was the leading scorer for the Prince George Cougars in 2012-13 with 25 goals and 53 points. Following his junior campaign, Jacobs reported to the Rochester Americans on an amateur tryout contract (ATO), where he scored a goal and two assists in 11 games. A big playmaking forward, Jacobs did not see any action in the Amerks’ three playoff games. Improving his quickness out of the blocks will be the key for the Texan to rise through the ranks.

The Sabres were unable to reach an agreement with 2011 fifth-rounder Alex Lepkowski, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound stay-at-home defenseman for the OHL’s Barrie Colts. The West Seneca, NY native performed well in a shutdown role for the Colts en route to their run to the OHL Championship series, scoring six points (2+4) in 22 postseason tilts. He had gone through the regular season without a goal. With the Sabres’ late-season signing of Chad Ruhwedel and the on-going AHL development of Matt MacKenzie and Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, sheer numbers made it difficult for Lepkowski to earn a role in the organization.

The Jacobs signing means that the Sabres have inked four of their six picks from the 2011 draft. The final player from that year’s haul, Wisconsin forward Brad Navin, will enter his junior year this fall. The Sabres won’t have a decision due on Navin until 2015.

5/23 Recap: Makarov's season ends as Knights roll

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Fri, 24 May 2013 06:28:00 PDT

Andrey Makarov saw his season come to an end Thursday as Saskatoon was eliminated from the 2013 Memorial Cup with a 6-1 loss to London. The tiebreaker game victory sends the Knights to Friday's semifinal versus Portland for the right to face Halifax in Sunday's final.

For Makarov, the season-ender was a mixed bag. He kept the Blades in the game for two periods with some big saves, but it appeared that both he and the over-matched team in front of him simply ran out of gas versus the high-powered Knights. London came out strong with three quick goals in the third period, causing coach Lorne Molleken to give Makarov the mercy pull with his club down by a 6-1 count. The 6-foot-1 netminder finishes the tournament with a 1-3 mark, a 4.09 GAA and .889 save%.

On Wednesday, Makarov again made some nice stops to keep the game competitive as Saskatoon closed out the round-robin portion of the tourney with a 4-2 loss to Portland, thrusting the Blades into the Thursday tiebreaker. Overall, the young goaltender played well given the 50+ day break between the WHL playoffs and the Memorial Cup, setting the stage for his first organized Sabres activity when development camp begins in July.

5/19 Recap: Makarov backs Blades to big win

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:50:00 PDT

Andrey Makarov stopped 29 shots Sunday to help Saskatoon to a 5-2 upset of Halifax at the 2013 Memorial Cup tournament. The Blades defense did a good job keying in on the Mooseheads top line, holding the high-powered offense off the scoresheet for two periods before allowing a pair of third period goals. Nathan MacKinnon scored the second tally with a quick release shot from between the circles to cut the Blades' lead to 4-2 before the Blades sealed the deal with an empty-netter.

Both Saskatoon and Halifax have records of 1-1 through their first two tourney games. If Portland can defeat London on Monday, all four teams will be an even 1-1 for just the second time in tournament history. The Blades close out the round robin on Wednesday versus Seth Jones-led Portland.

5/17 Recap: Makarov hangs tough in Memorial Cup opener

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 18 May 2013 05:29:00 PDT

Andrey Makarov stopped 30 of 33 shots Friday as the Saskatoon Blades opened the 2013 Memorial Cup with a 3-2 loss to the London Knights. The Blades, who hadn't played since being eliminated from the WHLplayoffs back on March 27, took a bit to get into a groove but were kept in the game by some excellent saves by Makarov.

After Josh Nicholls (NYR) put the Blades got on the board, London draft prospect Bo Horvat caused a neutral zone turnover and skated in for the nice cross-ice feed to Brett Welychka to make it 1-1. The teams would trade goals to knot the game at 2-2 until 2013 draft eligible Nikita Zadorov buried a power play rebound with 5:45 left in the third period to give the Knights the victory. Despite the outcome, the effort earned Makarov the game's number one star.

The tournament continues Saturday with the much anticipated match-up between WHL champion Portland and kings of the QMJHL, Halifax. The game features the top three North American skaters in Winterhawks defender Seth Jones and the dynamic Mooseheads duo of Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin, along with Central Scouting's top-rated netminder in Zachary Fucale. Makarov and the Blades return to action Sunday versus Halifax.

5/13 Recap: Lepkowski's Colts drop heartbreaker

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Wed, 15 May 2013 05:22:00 PDT

Bo Horvat continued to impress NHL execs on his way to the draft with a pair of goals Monday including the winner with less one second remaining in regulation as London claimed the OHL championship with a 3-2 victory over Barrie. Horvat amassed 16 goals and 23 points in 21 games to earn MVP of the OHL playoffs. Horvat, along with fellow draft eligibles Max Domi and Nikita Zadorov will move on to Saskatoon for the 2013 Memorial Cup to battle Portland, Halifax, and the host Blades for Canada's junior crown.

Sabres defensive prospect Alex Lepkowski logged a plus-one rating in the game seven loss, and will now await next steps from the organization regarding his career path. Fans should expect to get a closer look at the 6-foot-4 defender at when development camp opens in July.

5/11 Recap: Colts comeback falls short

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sun, 12 May 2013 07:35:00 PDT

Alex Lepkowski notched an assist Saturday as Barrie dropped a 5-4 overtime decision to London in game six of the OHL Championship series. Maple Leafs prospect Ryan Rupert recorded two goals including the OT winner to pace the Knights, while 2013 draft eligible Bo Horvat scored for the third straight contest.

The Colts trailed 4-0 after forty minutes but went on the attack in the final frame with four goals on nine shots to force extra time. With under five minutes to play in regulation, Lepkowski sprung Tyson Fawcett for an opportunity down the left side that was cleaned up by Mitchell Theoret (NYI) to make it a 4-3.

In Friday's game five, Lepkowski posted a plus-two rating as the Colts were downed by the Knights 6-4. Horvat struck twice and added an assist, while fellow draft eligible Max Domi contributed one goal and one assist.

The series now heads to an exciting game seven Monday in London to settle the league title. The winner will join QMJHL champion Halifax, host Saskatoon, and one of Portland or Edmonton at the Memorial Cup beginning on May 15.

5/8 Recap: Lepkowski tough as Colts inch closer to championship

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Thu, 09 May 2013 06:17:00 PDT

Alex Lepkowski maintained his chippy posture on the Barrie blueline Wednesday as the Colts got past London 6-4 in game four of the OHL Championship series. The victory gives Barrie a commanding 3-1 series lead with a chance to capture the title Friday in London. Lepkowski was a physical presence throughout the tilt, using his body and stick to defend while logging an even rating in the 10-goal affair (he was not on the ice for any of the goals). Winnipeg prospect Mark Schiefele collected four goals and an assist to lead the Colts, while 2013 draft eligible Bo Horvat pumped an NHL-style shot from the slot for one of the Knights’ goals.

5/6 Recap: Lepkowski lights lamp as Colts grabs lead

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:41:00 PDT

Alex Lepkowski scored the game winning goal Monday as Barrie downed London 6-3 win game three of the OHL championship series. The doubling gives the Colts a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Lepkowski, who went through the regular season with scoring a goal, scored his second of the post-season just 1:40 into the third period to give the Colts the 4-3 lead. The Colts will look to inch their way closer to an OHL championship and Memorial Cup berth when the puck drops for game four Wednesday in Barrie.

5/5 Recap: Lepkowski helps out in Colts loss

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Mon, 06 May 2013 05:28:00 PDT

Alex Lepkowski notched an assist Sunday as Barrie was defeated by London 4-1 in game two of the OHL championship series. Draft eligible forward Bo Horvat picked up a goal and an assist for the Knights, who were led by pair of goals from Bruins prospect Seth Griffith. Game three takes place Wednesday in Barrie.

On Friday, Lepkowski recorded a minus-one rating as the Colts opened the series with a 4-2 victory in London. The 6-foot-4 defender has two points (1+1) and a minus-three rating through 17 post-season games.

Last Wednesday, Zemgus Girgensons scored his third goal of the playoffs and Nick Tarnasky also marked as Rochester was eliminated from the AHL playoffs with a 3-2 overtime loss to Toronto. The Amerks end the season by being swept three games, losing to the Marlies for the second straight year in the first round. David Leggio made 27 saves in defeat while Johan Larsson assisted on all three of Girgensons’ tallies to finish the playoffs with three points.

4/29 Recap: Lepkowski's Colts get shot at title

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:21:00 PDT

Alex Lepkowski (even) continued his blue-collar defensive ways Monday as the Barrie Colts advanced to the OHL championship with a 3-1 win over Belleville. Paired with offensive-minded Ryan O'Connor for the final games of the best-of-seven victory, the steady leader will need to elevate his play when the Colts square off with the London Knights for the league title beginning Friday. Brady Austin finished even for the Bulls to finish the post-season with five assists and a plus-14 rating in 17 games.

4/27 Recap: Girgensons' pair not enough as Amerks drop opener

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 08:29:00 PDT

In Saturday play, Zemgus Girgensons scored twice and Cody McCormick added a short-handed goal but the Rochester Americans opened the 2013 AHL playoffs with a 6-3 loss at Toronto. The Amerks dictated the pace of play, firing twice as many shots on goal as the Marlies (34 to 17) only to allow their opponent to break a 3-3 tie after forty minutes with three third-period goals. David Leggio finished the game with 12 saves and the loss, while Johan Larsson added two assists for the losing side. Dan Catenacci, Mikhail Grigorenko, and Corey Tropp did not play for the Amerks on Saturday, but at least one (Grigorenko) is expected to be inserted into the lineup on Sunday when the Amerks look to even the series before heading home for game three.

In the OHL, Brady Austin finished with a plus-two rating as Belleville forced a home-ice game seven in the Eastern Conference final with a 3-1 win at Barrie. Austin, who was the game's third star in the Bulls' Friday victory by the same score, was paired with 2013 draft eligible Jordan Subban. Alex Lepkowski, who was paired with offensive-minded Ryan O'Connor on the Colts blue line, finished the game with a minus-two rating. The Bulls and Colts will play the deciding game seven Monday in Bellevile for the right to face London for the league title.

4/24 Recap: Armia a champion

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:10:00 PDT

Joel Armia became an SM-Liiga champion Wednesday as Assat Pori posted a 3-2 victory over Tappara Tampere to close out the final round series in six games. Armia posted a pair of assists in the championship series, giving him three goals and eight points in 16 post-season contests. Despite playing big in the offensive zone en route to Assat taking first league title since 1978, the 6-foot-3 shooter finished with a season-high eight-game goal scoring drought. It is thought that Armia will get a look from Team Finland for the upcoming World Championship before determining his next move. Signed to a contract back last summer, the newly-minted champion will look to bring that winning mentality to the Sabres organization when he embarks on his rookie season of North American hockey in 2013-14.

In the OHL, Alex Lepkowski (-1) got into a fight as Barrie downed Belleville 4-3 in overtime to win game four of the OHL Eastern Conference final. Lepkowski, who has been physical all series long, quickly got into a scrap with Carter Sandlak just 2:04 into the first period to set an early tone. Belleville defender Brady Austin was not on the ice for any of the Bulls' goals against. The Colts, who take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, will look to close things out Friday night in Belleville.

4/22 Recap: Armia assists in Aces triumph

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 06:14:00 PDT

Joel Armia assisted on the game winning goal in the game's 109th minute Monday as Assat downed Tappara 2-1. Armia took the puck at the blue line, took an angle to the inside and made a cross-ice pass to the circle to set-up the feed for the goal. The secondary helper gives the 6-foot-3 winger eight points (3+5) in 15 playoff contests. The triple overtime victory gives the Aces a 3-2 lead in the SM-Liiga championship series, giving the Armia and company a shot at winning the league title in Wednesday's game six.

In the OHL, Alex Lepkowski finished with a minus-one rating as Barrie edged Belleville 5-4 in OT to win game three of the Eastern Conference final. Bruins prospect Anthony Camara buried the game winning goal with five ticks remaining in the first overtime session to give the Colts a 2-1 series lead. Game four is Wednesday in Barrie.

4/20 Recap: Cat cashes in debut

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 08:39:00 PDT

Dan Catenacci made a successful AHL debut Saturday, scoring the game winning goal and adding an assist as Rochester clinched a playoff berth with a 5-1 hammering of Hamilton. Luke Adam and Phil Varone each added a goal and two assists, while Max Legault and Evan Rankin rounded out the Amerks scoring with singles. David Leggio stopped 29 of 30 shots for the Amerks, who will face one of Texas, Toronto, or Grand Rapids in the first round of the playoffs. Rochester wraps up the regular season Sunday with a rematch with the Bulldogs.

In the OHL, Alex Lepkowski (+1) played tough in his own end as Barrie evened the Eastern Conference final at one game each with a 5-0 victory over Belleville. Bulls rearguard Brady Austin finished with an even rating in the drubbing. With the teams splitting the opening frames in Belleville, the clubs will next head to Barrie for Monday and Wednesday tilts.

In Finland, Joel Armia was kept off the scoresheet through 14:44 of work as Assat downed Tappara 4-0 to tie the SM-Liiga championship series at two games apiece. Armia, who has gathered three goals and seven points this post-season, hasn't scored in his last six games for the longest goal drought of his 2012-13 season. The teams will reconvene Monday for the pivotal game five.

4/19 Recap: Armia comes close as Aces fall

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:59:00 PDT

Joel Armia finished with a plus-one rating Friday but Assat was defeated by Tappara 3-2 in game three of the SM-Liiga championship series. Armia (15:50 TOI) missed a golden opportunity late in the first period (below) but came back on his very next shift to contribute to an Aces power play tally as the team's went to the first intermission tied 1-1. Assat trails the best-of-seven affair 2-1 with game four taking place Saturday in Pori.

In OHL action, Brady Austin put in a strong defensive performance as Belleville opened the OHL Eastern Conference final with a 3-2 win over Barrie. Alex Lepkowski finished with an even rating for the losing side as neither of the Sabres prospects were on the ice for any of the game's goals. The two clubs will go back at it Saturday in Belleville.

In AHL action, David Leggio made 35 stops and Cody McCormick added a late power play goal as Rochester was defeated by Toronto 4-1. Leggio was again fantastic for the Amerks, making many tough stops including one for the highlight reels on a Jerry D'Amigo breakway, while Johan Larsson (career-low) and Jerome Gauthier-Leduc were two of four Amerks to log a minus-three rating. Daniel Catenacci, who reported to the Amerks earlier in the week, did not dress.

4/17 Recap: Armia gets a helper as Aces even series

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:52:00 PDT

Joel Armia recorded an assist Wednesday as Assat Pori evened the SM-Liiga championship series at one game each with a 5-1 victory over Tappara Tampere. The 6-foot-3 striker's secondary helper on a late power play gives him seven points (3+4) through 12 playoff outings. Armia's Aces will look to keep the momentum going when the series resumes Friday in Tampere.

4/15 Recap: Armia empty in Aces' opening loss

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:15:00 PDT

Joel Armia punched four shots towards the net Monday but was unable to light the lamp as Assat Pori opened the 2013 SM-Liiga championship series with a 2-1 loss to Tappara Tampere. The scoring line winger skated for 21:29 of action in the loss, his second-most time-on-ice in a non-overtime tilt this season, but the Aces surrendered a tip goal through traffic with just five ticks left on the clock to take the loss. Armia and the Aces will look to even the series in Wednesday's game two.

4/14 Recap: Cat done with Attack; Girgensons finds net

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:10:00 PDT

Dan Catenacci saw his junior season come to an end Sunday as Owen Sound was bested by Plymouth 3-1 in game six of the OHL Western Conference semifinal. The Attack's leading scorer in the regular season, Catenacci collected three goals, nine points, and 28 penalty minutes in 12 playoff tilts, with just 1+2 in the 4-2 series loss to the Whalers.

With his tour of duty in Owen Sound complete, it's expected that the speedy forward will next report to the AHL's Rochester Americans. Catenacci joined the Amerks at the end of last season, but didn't see any action after taking a puck off the ankle in his final junior game. He was out going hard in the final shift Sunday, so he should arrive healthy and ready to go.

In the AHL, Zemgus Girgensons scored his sixth goal of the year and Matt Hackett made 36 saves as Rochester earned a 3-2 come-from-behind victory at Albany. Cody McCormick and Mark Mancari propelled the Amerks with third period strikes, in the process giving Hackett wins in both of his starts since arriving in the Sabres organization. Johan Larsson assisted on the Girgensons tally to give him four points (1+3) and two shootout goals in six appearances with the Amerks.

The win was a nice rebound for the Amerks following a 5-1 drubbing in Syracuse on Saturday. Alex Biega scored the lone Amerks goal. David Leggio made 28 saves to move to 37-23-9-1 on the year.

In Saturday USHL play, Judd Peterson wrapped up his 2012-13 campaign with a minus-one rating as Cedar Rapids was defeated by Team USA 3-2 in shootout. Peterson racked up 11 goals and 26 points in 46 games as a Jr. A rookie, with his destination for next season yet to be determined.

Sabres go back to school, ink Ruhwedel

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 08:46:00 PDT

The Buffalo Sabres are set to announce the signing of University of Massachusetts-Lowell defenseman Chad Ruhwedel to a two-year entry-level contract.

A 5'11" native of San Diego, CA, Ruhwedel was recently named a first team CCM All-American after netting seven goals, 23 points, and a plus-16 rating in his third season with the River Hawks. The USHL product has developed a reputation as a very strong defensive player with good skating skills, a nice wrist shot, and an ability to provide a good push from the back end. The River Hawks functioned as one of the stingiest defensive groups in 2012-13 en route to gaining a berth in the NCAA Frozen Four before falling to Yale. Ruhwedel, an assistant captain, was a huge part of their own-zone success with his smarts and steady decision making.

The 22-year old Ruhwedel, who will forego his final year of NCAA eligibility, could make his professional debut with the Sabres over the weekend. He joins Mike Kostka (UMass - 2008), Brian Flynn (Maine - 2012), and Tim Schaller (Providence - 2013) as recent Hockey East products to earn free agent contracts from the Sabres organization.

4/12 Recap: Grigo scores as Remparts get bounced; Leggio magnificent

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 07:07:00 PDT

Mikhail Grigorenko scored a goal but saw his 2012-13 campaign come to a close - his junior one anyways - as Quebec was shellacked by Rouyn-Noranda 6-1 in game five of their QMJHL second round series. Former Remparts forward Nikita Kucherov, who was dealt to R-N by Quebec prior to the trade deadline, came back to haunt his old club with a hat trick and three assists as the Huskies used their speed to dictate tempo and keep Patrick Roy's squad on its heels for most of the series. After finishing the playoffs with five goals and 14 points through 11 contests, Grigorenko will likely extend his season back in the professional ranks with either Buffalo or Rochester of the AHL. The destination should be known shortly with regular season schedules winding down for both.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci (-3, 6 PIM) was shut down for the second time in three games as Owen Sound was pasted by Plymouth 5-0. Trailing the semifinal series 3-2, the Attack will need a victory in Sunday's game six to stay alive for a chance to face London in the conference final.

In the USHL, Judd Peterson raced down and scored a short-handed goal to help Cedar Rapids to a 2-1 victory over Team USA. The second--period tally was Peterson's 11th of the year with just one game remaining. Following the game, Peterson said he was still unsure if he'll return to Cedar Rapids for a second season next fall or enter the NCAA ranks with St. Cloud State. There is still time for both sides to mull that over, but the RoughRiders look to be set-up well for next year despite not qualifying for this year's playoffs.

In the AHL, David Leggio was magnificent in stopping 40 of 42 shots to lead Rochester to a 3-2 shootout victory over Oklahoma City. Cody McCormick and Nick Tarnasky scored in regulation for the Amerks, while Johan Larsson and Colin Jacobs capped the victory with shootout marks. Max Legualt recorded two assists for the Amerks. Matt MacKenzie chipped in with a helper for his fourth point of the year (0+4). The victory moves the Amerks ahead of the Barons and into fifth place in the Western Conference heading into the final five games of the regular season. Rochester visits Syracuse on Saturday.

In Thursday action, Brady Austin picked up an assist as Belleville closed out their semifinal round with a 5-0 victory over Sudbury. Austin's steady blueline play had seen him rack up five assists and a plus-12 rating through 10 playoff tilts. The Bulls take the series in four games, setting up an OHL Eastern Conference final versus Barrie beginning next Friday.

4/10 Recap: Grigorenko scores as Remparts slide to brink

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 04:47:00 PDT

Mikhail Grigorenko snagged a goal in the final minute of the opening frame Wednesday but Quebec blew a three-goal lead to take a 5-4 loss to Rouyn-Noranda. Trailing the series 3-1, Quebec will look to fend off elimination on the road in Friday's game five. The power play strike snapped a three-game point drought for Grigorenko, his longest since arriving in North American two seasons ago to play for Patrick Roy's Remparts.

Dan Catenacci (-2) scored his third goal of the playoffs as Owen Sound held on for a 4-3 win over Plymouth. The speedy scorer has nine points (3+6) through 10 post-seasons contests, while being whistled for a minor penalty in eight of them for a total of 22 PIM. The Owen Sound victory evens the Western Conference semifinal at two games apiece with the series shifting back to Plymouth for Friday's game five.

4/9 Recap: Lepkowski's rare tally helps Colts to sweep

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:13:00 PDT

Alex Lepkowski scored his first goal of the season Tuesday as Barrie doubled Oshawa 4-2 to earn the second round playoff sweep of the Generals. Lepkowski, who went through 60 regular season appearances without a goal, hadn't scored since the last April 15 in a 2012 playoff tilt versus Ottawa. The Colts move to the OHL Eastern Conference final where they'll take on the winner of Belleville-Sudbury.

Brady Austin finished with an even rating as Belleville pitched a 4-0 shutout of Sudbury. The Bulls will go for the sweep Thursday night in Sudbury.

Dan Catenacci (-1, 4 PIM) was kept off the scoresheet as Owen Sound lost to Plymouth 6-3. The clubs will go back at it Wednesday with the Attack trailing the Whalers 2-1.

In the QMJHL, Mikhail Grigorenko failed to record a point for the third straight game as Quebec was defeated by Rouyn-Noranda 5-2. The drought is the longest for Grigorenko is a Remparts uniform since arriving in North America two seasons ago. The Remparts trail the series 2-1 entering Wednesday's game four.

On Monday, Joel Armia fired five shots in 17:26 of work as Assat advanced to the SM-Liiga championship with a 1-0 shutout victory over JYP. The Aces will square off with Tappara Tampere, who before a shoulder injury were led by heralded 2013 draft prospect Aleksander Barkov, in a best-of-seven series beginning next Monday to determine a Finnish league champion.

4/7 Recap: Amerks win in shootout

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:47:00 PDT

In Sunday action, Zemgus Girgensons scored his fifth goal of the year shorthanded, and Matt Hackett made 39 saves in his debut as Rochester earned a 3-2 shootout victory at Albany. Nick Crawford added a regulation tally, while Johan Larsson, Corey Tropp, and Colin Jacobs scored in the shootout to seal the victory. The Amerks host Oklahoma City on Friday.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci notched an assist as Owen Sound evened their best-of-seven second round series with a 3-1 win at Plymouth. The helper gives Catenacci eight points (2+6) through eight post-season contests. Game three is set for for Tuesday in Owen Sound.

Brady Austin finished plus-one as Belleville downed Sudbury 4-1. Austin has four assists and a plus-10 rating through eight playoff tilts. The Bulls take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference seminfinal heading into Tuesday's game three.

Alex Lepkowski continued his tough defensive play as Barrie blanked Oshawa 4-0. The Colts take a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal. They'll go for the sweep Tuesday in Oshawa.

4/6 Recap: Jacobs cashes in shootout; Grigo, Armia quieted

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 05:47:00 PDT

Colin Jacobs supplied two assists and the shootout winner Saturday to guide Rochester past Adirondack 5-4. Patrick Rissmiler, Frederick Roy, and Mark Mancari also scored for the Amerks, while Drew Schiestel lit the lamp for both his first AHL mark and first two-game point streak since December 2011. David Leggio made 39 saves for his league-best 36th victory of the season. The Amerks continue their three-game weekend Sunday at Albany.

In Finland, Joel Armia unloaded 11 shots in 19:46 of work as Assat was edged by JYP 2-1. The Aces, who lead the SM-Liiga semifinal 3-1, will look to close out the defending champions in Monday's game five. The winner will advance to the league championship to face Tappara, who swept Lukko on Saturday. Armia's postseason has been marked by up and down play en route to collecting three goals and six points in nine outings.

In the QMJHL, Mikhail Grigorenko (+2, 23.5% faceoffs) failed to record a point for the second straight game as Quebec downed Rouyn-Noranda 4-2 to even the second round series at one game apiece. Despite the two-game lull, Grigorenko has amassed three goals and 12 points through eight post-season contests. Adam Erne ('13) scored twice and added an assist to pace the Remparts. The teams will convene on Tuesday for a pivotal game three.