SabresProspects.com - The #1 Source on the Future Blue & Gold

Buffalo Sabres Winter 2012 Top 25 Rankings

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:08:00 PST

2/12 Recap: Lieuwen blanks Hitmen

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:56:00 PST

Nathan Lieuwen stopped 26 shots to earn his third shutout this season and ninth of his career in Kootenay's 3-0 blanking of Calgary. The 6'5 netminder has been excellent of late, winning four of his last five starts to improve his record to 24-12-4-2 while leading the WHL with a 2.24 goals against average and .923 save percentage. Elsewhere, Steven Shipley scored his 15th goal of the year as Niagara's 5-3 win over Oshawa. The 6'3 center has four goals and seven points in his last six games - all Niagara wins. Kevin Sundher (-2) saw his three-game point streak snapped as Brandon lost to Medicine Hat, 4-2. Sundher, who is -10 since coming to Brandon, has nine points in 16 games (.56 p/g) since the trade. He previously averaged 1.60 points-per-game while with Victoria.

2/11 Recap: Catenacci grabs lead in Attack rout

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 06:06:00 PST

Dan Catenacci scored his prospect-leading 27th goal of the year Saturday and added an assist as Owen Sound pitched a 12-0 blowout of Peterborough. The speedy 5'10 center has seven goals and 14 points in his last eight games. A season ago, he posted just six marks in 30 games after January 1st. Catenacci now has 21 multi-point games this season, while the 27 goals sets a new career high. Nathan Lieuwen made 22 saves as Kootenay downed Saskatoon, 5-2. The 6'5 netminder has gone 3-1 thus far in February, allowing two goals or fewer in all four starts. He'll enter the stretch run with a WHL-leading 2.30 goals against average. In the QMJHL, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc extended his blueline points lead with a pair of assists in Rimouski's 5-4 shootout win over Blainville-Boisbriand. Leduc, who missed in his attempt as the Nics third shooter, has a goal and five assists in five February games to up his line to 24-38-62 through 50 games. Cedrick Henley snapped an eight-game point drought with an assist as Val-d'Or bagged a 6-5 overtime win over Cape Breton. The 20-year old forward has 27 points (10+17) in 41 games. Mark Pysyk tied a career-high with a +4 rating as Edmonton avenged their loss the night before with a 5-0 victory over Prince George. The steady captain has 10 points (2+8) in 16 games since returning from the World Junior Championship. Colin Jacobs earned an assist as Seattle got smoked by Portland, 7-2. The 6'1 Texan has three goals and two assists in his last five games. Steven Shipley did not factor into the scoring as Niagara blanked Barrie, 3-0. Alex Lepkowski finished -1 for the Colts, while Gregg Sutch collected two minor penalties including an unsportsmanlike after a spirited wrestling match with Luke Mercer late in the third. Brad Eidsness entered the game in the 22nd minute, stopping all 14 shots he faced the rest of the way as North Dakota's comeback came up short in a 5-4 loss to Minnesota-Duluth. Eidsness, who came over the boards at 1:46 of the middle frame after Aaron Dell allowed five goals on 17 shots, used the relief work to improve to a 2.08 goals against average and .924 save percentage. Justin Jokinen (-2) punched two shots goal on as Minnesota State earned their first WCHA sweep of the seaosn with a 2-1 win at Alaska-Anchorage. The senior has three goals and 11 points with four games left on the regular season schedule. Mark Adams played even as Providence defeated Massachusetts, 5-4. Undrafted forward Mike Pereira, a player mentioned in the past two previews, scored a hat trick for the Minutemen. Christian Isackson (-1) contributed two shots on goal as #2 Minnesota was defeated for the second straight night by #14 Denver, 4-3. The weekend split marked the first time that Isackson played in both games of a WCHA series. Connor Knapp was given the night off as Miami earned the non-conference sweep with a 4-1 win over Alabama-Huntsville. The 6'6 senior currently leads the CCHA with a 1.81 goals against average (t3rd in nation). *** T.J. Brennan scored in his first game back on the farm as Rochester was defeated by San Antonio, 4-1. Trailing 1-0 in the second period, Brennan fired a laser from the point to tie the game. The mark was his eighth of the year and first AHL point since January 8th. Drew Schiestel and Paul Szczechura drew assists on the play. Reigning AHL Most Outstanding Rookie Luke Adam, who along with Brennan was loaned to the AHL club earlier in the day, finished with two shots on goal and a pair of stick penalties. It was his first game in a Rochester uniform after scoring 29 goals and 62 points last season with Portland. The Rundown: Brennan: G, -1, 1 SOG Schiestel: A, 1 SOG McNabb: -1, 1 SOG Tropp: -1, 1 SOG Crawford: 1 SOG Parker: 1 SOG Foligno: -1 Adam: 2 SOG Fienhage: even Lagace: even The Amerks are now off until Friday when they host division foe Lake Erie.

2/10 Recap: Kassian collects, Jacobs ramping up

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:42:00 PST

In Friday AHL action, Zack Kassian scored a pair of goals while Corey Tropp (three assists) and Brayden McNabb (two assists) posted multi-point nights in Rochester's 9-4 blowout win over Texas. Kassian, whose effort included a short-handed tally, has now scored five goals on 12 shots in his last three games with Rochester. Travis Turnbull (+5) earned the game's first star with two goals and an assist. Jonathan Parker, Paul Szczechura, Derek Whitmore, Mark Voakes, and Maxime Legault added singles for the Amerks. All but four Amerks skaters (Lagace, Schiestel, Persson, Ryan) earned a point in the win. Drew MacIntyre made 23 stops to move to 8-11-0-2 on the year. The Rundown: Kassian: 2G, 6 SOG, +2 Parker: G, 3 SOG Tropp: 3A, +4 McNabb: 2A, +2 Fienhage: 2A, +1 Crawford: A, +1 Foligno: A Lagace: 2 SOG Schiestel: +1 Persson: +2 The Amerks (22-18-6-3, 2nd in North Division) host San Antonio on Saturday. *** Colin Jacobs recorded a goal and an assist as Seattle lost to Spokane, 5-4. While on a 5x3 in the middle period, the 6'1 center took a long pass and buried the breakaway backhander for his third goal in his last four games. The T-Birds will welcome another division rival to town on Saturday when they host Portland. Kevin Sundher scored his 26th of the year and second in as many games as Brandon doubled Swift Current, 6-3. The win snaps the Wheat Kings six-game losing streak at home. Brandon will travel to Medicine Hat on Sunday. Connor Knapp was forced to make just 11 saves as #12 Miami downed Alabama-Huntsville 3-1 in a non-conference affair. The 6'6 senior, who has now started eight of Miami's last 11 games, moves to 9-6 on the year. The two clubs will close the set Saturday in Oxford. Justin Jokinen picked up an assist as Minnesota State defeated Alaska-Anchorage, 3-2. The senior wing now has a goal and three assists in three games this season versus the Seawolves. The teams will play it back on Saturday. Elsewhere, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc finished +1 as Rimouski edged Quebec, 2-1. Leduc continues to lead all QMJHL defenders in scoring with 60 points (24+36), nine more than his next closest competitor. The Oceanic will battle Blainville-Boisbriand on Saturday. Cedrick Henley registered three hits as Val-d'Or was dealt a 3-1 defeat by Moncton. The 6'5 captain will look to snap an eight-game point drought on Saturday when the Foreurs host Cape Breton. Alex Lepkowski skated even while Gregg Sutch got into his third fight of the year (and second in a week) as Barrie got past Sudbury, 4-3. Winners of five straight, the Colts will host the Niagara IceDogs (winners of four straight) on Saturday. Drew MacKenzie was held to one shot on goal as Vermont was blown out by #5 Boston College, 6-1. The senior rearguard has gathered points in 18 of his last 24 games. The Catamounts are off until Friday when they visit New Hampshire. Mark Adams logged a shot on goal as Providence earned a 4-3 win over #12 Maine. The friars move on to face Massachusetts on Saturday. Christian Isackson saw action as the fourth line center, finishing -2 with a shot on goal as #2 Minnesota suffered a 5-3 loss at #14 Denver. The six-footer will look to dress in both ends of a WCHA set for the first time when the clubs rematch Saturday at Magness. Mark Pysyk logged a season-low -3 rating as Edmonton dropped a 5-4 overtime decision at Prince George. The Oil Kings, ranked sixth in the latest CHL rankings, will look for the road split when the clubs play the rematch on Saturday. Brad Eidsness served as backup as #16 North Dakota downed #3 Minnesota-Duluth, 3-1. The Sioux will likely keep the same lineup when they go for the sweep on Saturday. Nathan Lieuwen was given the night off as Kootenay was shut out 2-0 by Red Deer. The ICE host Saskatoon on Saturday.

2/9 Recap: Sutch sets mark; Ship chips in

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:23:00 PST

In Thursday OHL action, Gregg Sutch scored his career-high ninth goal of the year late in the third period as Barrie lost in a shootout to Sarnia, 3-2. The 6'2 grinder, who stole the puck from a Majors defenseman before lighting the lamp, has goals in two straight games for the second time this season. Alex Lepkowski was +1 for the winning side. Steven Shipley recorded a pair of assists as Niagara skated to a 11-0 blowout win over Mississauga. The 6'3 center now has points in four straight, while the two-assist effort was his eighth multi-point game of the year. Shipley needs 15 points over the IceDogs' final 17 games to equal his total of 50 from a season ago. Dan Catenacci saw his six-game point streak snapped as Owen Sound defeated Brampton 4-2. The 5'10 center has an even 60 points with 15 games left to play in the regular season.

Kassian adds pair in Amerks loss

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:35:00 PST

Zack Kassian added two goals to his stat line Wednesday but the Amerks were halted by Toronto, 4-3. Maxime Legault (2009, 7th round) added the other Rochester mark, while Brayden McNabb added a pair of assists. Kassian finished his own rebound to get the Amerks on the board at 1:43 of the second period, halving the Marlies lead to 2-1. After the Marlies regained a two-goal lead in the third, Corey Tropp started a passing play that resulted in Legault's fourth of the year. Trailing 4-2 in the game's final minute, Kassian tipped in his second of the game and 13th of the year with just :04 to go to complete the scoring. The Amerks (21-18-6-3) remain in second place in the North Division. Mike Ryan earned an assist in his first game back since October 14th. The Rundown: Kassian: 2G, 4 SOG, +1 McNabb: 2A, 3 SOG, +3 Tropp: A, 1 SOG Schiestel: +2 Fienhage: +1 Lagace: even Crawford: even Persson: -2

2/8 Recap: Catenacci continues cruise

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:30:00 PST

Dan Catenacci scored his 26th goal of the year Wednesday and then added the clincher in the shootout to give Owen Sound a 2-1 win at Erie. The 5’10 center extends his season-high point streak to six games (6+6), giving him an even 60 points on the year. Kevin Sundher scored his 25th of the season as Brandon edged Regina, 3-2. The goal snaps Sundher’s four-game goal drought. The six-foot center has three goals and eight points in 14 games since joining the Wheat Kings from Victoria. Colin Jacobs scored his sixth of the year on the power play as Seattle blanked Kelowna, 2-0. Jacobs has two goals in his last three games and a total of 10 points this season. Mark Pysyk had an assist as Edmonton pounded Calgary, 9-5. The Oil Kings have won three straight and are 7-2-1 in their last 10. On Tuesday, Pysyk was +1 as Edmonton earned a 3-1 win over Kootenay. ICE netminder Nathan Lieuwen played superb in defeat, stopping 32 of 34 shots to earn the game’s #2 star. The loss drops Lieuwen to 22-12-4-2 with a .922 save percentage and 2.31 goals against average. He’s stopped 88 of 93 shots in three February contests. On Monday, Jacobs went without a point in Seattle's 7-3 loss to Spokane.

2/4 Recap: Cat scratch fever; Ship back on course

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:39:00 PST

Dan Catenacci streaked in for the shorthanded game winner Saturday and added an assist as Owen Sound held on to defeat Belleville, 2-1. The speedy center is currently riding a five-game point streak that has seen him gather five goals and 11 points. Through 50 games in 2011-12, Catenacci has 25 goals and 59 points, good for 14th in the OHL scoring race. Steven Shipley scored his 14th goal of the year and added an assist as Niagara erupted for four unanswered goals in the third period to overcome Brampton, 5-2. The 6'3 Shipley has struck in three straight for the IceDogs on the heels of a season-long eight-game drought. Gregg Sutch notched his eighth goal of the season and a fighting major in Barrie's 5-0 shutout win over Sault Ste. Marie. The tally was the first since December 28th for the 6'2 grinder, while the fight was his first since getting the better of former teammate Stuart Percy back in October. Colts defender Alex Lepkowski missed his second straight game due to an unspecified reasons. Colin Jacobs scored his fifth goal of the year as Seattle's losing losing streak hit five with a 3-1 loss to Kamloops. The 6'1 center, who missed the year's first 26 contests, has nine points this season including three goals in 15 games of the 2012 calendar year. Nathan Lieuwen made 28 saves to earn the game's #3 star as Kootenay downed Spokane, 4-2. The 20-year old has stopped 56 of 59 shots over his last two starts to move his season record to 22-11-4-2 with a 2.31 goals against average (2nd in WHL) and .921 save percentage (2nd). In NCAA action, Drew MacKenzie racked up two assists as Vermont was swept by Lowell, 6-4. The Connecticut native, who has new career highs with six goals and 14 assists, is tied for 10th in all of Hockey East with 11 power play points. Connor Knapp made 28 stops but Miami was shut out by Michigan, 3-0. The 6'6 senior let in three goals for the first time since a 5-3 win at Ohio State back on 12/9. If his 1.86 goals against average (3rd in the country) wasn't enough, Knapp seems to have a firm grip on the #1 job down the stretch after having started seven of the RedHawks' last 10 games. Elsewhere, Kevin Sundher finished +1 as Brandon dominated Swift Current, 7-3. Sundher has gone without a point in four straight games en route to accumulating just two goals and four assists in 13 appearances for the Wheat Kings. Despite the recent lapse, the six-footer remains tied for 8th in WHL scoring with 70 points (24+46). Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (-2) saw his four-game point streak come to an end in Rimouski's 2-1 loss to Drummondville. Leduc, who had recorded three goals and three assists during the four-game stretch, has a career-best 24 goals and 60 points through 48 games. Cedrick Henley finished -1 as Val-d'Or lost to Gatineau, 6-3. The Foreurs have lost six straight games. The 6'5 captain has gone without a point in all six of those defeats while contributing just four shots on goal. Brad Navin recorded a shot in goal as Wisconsin was swept by St. Cloud State, 2-1. The 6'3 freshman has just one assist in his last 10 games while landing back in bottom line minutes. Justin Jokinen (-1) recorded two shots on goal as Minnesota State suffered a 7-3 loss to Michigan Tech. The 6'3 senior has a goal and two assists in his last 10 games. Mark Adams was even as Providence lost a 3-2 overtime decision to New Hampshire. The sophomore rearguard has recorded a shot on goal in just three of 16 games this season.

More points than vowels: Szczechura guides Amerks win

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:05:00 PST

In Saturday AHL action, Paul Szczechura's overtime winner capped his four-point night to lead the Amerks to 5-4 win over Syracuse. Brayden McNabb and Marcus Foligno each chipped in with pairs of assists in the win to extend their point streaks to four games. Trailing 4-2 entering the third period, the Amerks started the comeback by clicking on their only power play of the night when Travis Turnbull redirected Drew Schiestel's point shot at 7:49. It was all Szczechura from there, as the center forced the extra session with his second goal of the night with under five minutes left in regulation before cashing in OT for his first career hat trick. The four points ties his career high. McNabb drew the lone assist on both the tying and winning marks. With a one-time goal in the second period, Phil Varone has now earned a point in 14 of his last 20 games. Drew McIntyre made 33 saves to improve to 7-11-0-2 on the year. The Rundown: Foligno: 2A, +4, 6 SOG McNabb: 2A, +3 Schiestel: A Lagace: A Crawford: A, -1 Parker: 3 SOG Szydlowski: 1 SOG Persson: -1 *** On Friday, the Amerks were defeated 3-2 in overtime by visiting Abbotsford to split the back-to-back set. Szczechura and Igor Gongalsky had the Amerks goals. The Rundown: Foligno: A McNabb: +1 Schiestel: -1, 2 SOG Lagace: -1, 2 SOG Crawford: -1 Parker: even Persson: +1

Armia's pair lead Assat to victory

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:51:00 PST

Joel Armia scored his 13th and 14th goals of the season Saturday including the overtime winner as Assat downed KalPa, 4-3. The 2011 first-rounder now has 29 points on the year, equaling his total from a season ago. Armia's first mark was a powerful offensive display, starting with a nice move at the blueline before taking it hard to the net for the short side finish. In overtime, action from behind the net resulted in the puck finding Armia in front, who swatted it in for the winner. The 6'3 right wing has been on a tear since returning from the World Junior Championship, scoring six goals and five assists in 10 SM-liiga contests. With 13 games remaining on the schedule, a 20-goal, 40-point finish is within the realm of possibility. Not a bad turnaround for a player who had just two goals and six assists after his first 20 games. Assat gets a 10-day break before their next match versus HPK on the 14th.

2/3 Recap: Cat's three extends streak

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:46:00 PST

Dan Catenacci scored a goal and two assists in the first period Friday as Owen Sound lost in overtime to Windsor, 6-5. Catenacci, who was returning from a one-game suspension, has now collected four goals and nine points in his last four games. Chris Marchese ('12) had a goal and two helpers for the Spits. Steven Shipley scored his 13th goal of the year as Niagara battled to a key 3-2 victory over the CHL's top-ranked London Knights. The 6'3 center now has goals on two straight games for the third time this season. Nathan Lieuwen made 28 saves as Kootenay edged Calgary, 2-1. The victory, his first in his last five starts, moves Lieuwen to 21-11-4-2 on the year. Sam Reinhart ('14) scored his second goal of the game with :01 left on the clock to ice the win for the ICE. Jerome Gauthier-Leduc picked up an assist as Rimouski blew the doors off Quebec, 9-3. The QMJHL's leading defensive scorer, Leduc has gathered points in four straight games. 2012 draft stud Mikhail Grigorenko finished the game a -6. Joel Armia earned an assist as Assat got past Tappara, 2-1. At the 40 game mark, the 6'3 wing has 12 goals and 27 points. In 48 games last year, Armia collected 18 goals and 29 points. In NCAA play, Drew MacKenzie (+1) picked up an assist as Vermont was defeated by #9 Lowell, 3-1. The 6'2 senior has now recorded a point in 18 of his last 21 games. Brad Navin was credited with a late power play assist in Wisconsin's 5-1 home ice loss to St. Cloud State. The helper was earned when Frankie Simonelli's point-shot deflected off Navin before Brendan Woods tipped it into the Husky net. Connor Knapp made 12 saves in two periods of relief work as Miami lost at Michigan, 4-1. Knapp allowed a goal on the only Wolverine shot in the second before stopping everything thrown at him in the third. The 6'6 senior had started both ends in two of Miami's four January sets, but began the game on the bench as Cody Reichard was given the nod after posting a shutout last Saturday. Justin Jokinen assisted on the Mavs insurance goal as Minnesota-State bested Michigan Tech, 5-3. The 6'3 senior has a goal and three helpers in his last 15 games (since 12/1). Elsewhere, Kevin Sundher did not factor as Brandon was doubled by Lethbridge, 4-2. The Wheat Kings have won just three of 12 games since acquiring Sundher at the WHL trade deadline. Sundher has gone without a point in five of the 12 appearances. Gregg Sutch was even in lower line minutes as Barrie edged Mississauga, 1-0. Alex Lepkowski did not play for the Colts. Cedrick Henley finished -1 with seven hits as Val-d'Or was hammered by Shawinigan. 8-1. The Foreurs have now last their last five games. Colin Jacobs was kept off the scoresheet as Seattle lost at Tri-City, 4-1. The Texas-born pivot has gone without a goal in his last six games. Mark Adams was scratched as Providence lost to New Hampshire, 3-1. Adams has sat out three of the Friars' last seven games.

Leggio stands tall as Amerks cool Heat

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:05:00 PST

In Thursday AHL action, Nick Crawford, Phil Varone, and Travis Turnbull each had a goal, and David Leggio made 33 saves for his first shutout of the year as Rochester downed Abbotsford, 3-0. Crawford wasted little time getting the Amerks on the board with his third of the season just 1:35 into the opening frame. The teams would play a scoreless second before Phil Varone accepted a Marcus Foligno pass while shorthanded to notch his sixth of the year at 2:56 of the third. Abbotsford brought the heat with 14 shots in the final stanza, with Leggio standing tall en route to earning the game's #1 star. The Rundown: Crawford: GWG, +2, 2 SOG Foligno: 2A, +2, 4 SOG McNabb: A, +2 Schiestel: even Biega: 2 SOG Szydlowski: +1 Lagace: even Parker: even Persson: even Varone: G, +2 The Amerks will look for the rink to be rocking when the two clubs play it back on Friday.

2/1 Recap: Leduc clicks for Nics

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:34:00 PST

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored a goal and two assists Wednesday to guide Rimouski to an exciting 8-7 overtime win over Victoriaville. The mobile defender, who assisted on the game winner, now has goals in three straight games. The multi-point night is his first since 12/16, giving him a new career-best of 59 (24+35). The Nics have three straight games, and seven of their last 10. On Monday, Joel Armia finished -1 with two shots on goal as Assat downed Jokerit, 4-1. The 6’3 wing, who failed to earn a point, earned 14:10 of work in defeat. He’s hit for 12 goals and 14 assists in 39 games this season, including four goals and four assists in eight January outings. Colin Jacobs recorded a minor penalty as Seattle lost to visiting Spokane, 5-3. In 22 games, the 6'1 center has gathered four goals, eight points, and a -14 rating.

1/29 Recap: Leduc bags winner

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:24:00 PST

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored the overtime game winner Sunday as Rimouski bested Halifax, 4-3. The power play tally came just 26-seconds into the extra frame to give Leduc goals in two straight games. The Nics are at Victoriaville on Wednesday. Steven Shipley scored his 12th goal of the year as Niagara blanked Brampton, 3-0. Shipley, whose mark snapped an eight-game drought, now has 30 points in 44 games. The IceDogs travel to London on Friday. Cedrick Henley finished -1 in Val-d'Or's 4-2 loss to Chicoutimi. The 6'5 forward has now gone four games without a point. Les Foreurs battle Shawinigan on Friday. Colin Jacobs did not factor as Seattle came up short against Kelowna, 4-3. The 6'1 center has recorded points in eight of 21 games this season, and has yet to click for a multiple point effort. He had 11 multi-point games last year. The T-Birds host Spokane on Tuesday. Mark Adams finished even as Providence lost to Merrimack, 4-2. The Friars travel to UNH on Friday. Daniel Catenacci served his one-game suspension as Owen Sound suffered a 3-1 loss to Brampton.

1/28 Recap: Lepkowski lights lamp; Cat facing discipline

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:29:00 PST

Alex Lepkowski scored the first game winning goal of his OHL career Saturday to lead Barrie to a 2-1 win over Ottawa. The 6'4 defender, who didn't score his first goal until his 100th game, now has six in his last 26. Gregg Sutch did not score but earned the game's #3 star for his all-around work. Dan Catenacci recorded an assist before being ejected in the second period for a slew foot match penalty as Owen Sound lost to Guelph, 3-2. The infraction carries a one-game suspension, forcing Catenacci out of Sunday's game against Ottawa. The match penalty is the second of Catenacci's career after getting called for a slew foot on Erie's Brett Thompson a year ago. Brad Eidsness made 20 saves in his fifth start of the year (and first of the year on a Saturday) to help North Dakota to a 4-2 win over Wisconsin. The victory was Eidsness' fourth of the year and 54th of his WCHA career. Brad Navin contributed one shot on goal in bottom line minutes for the Badgers. Joel Armia saw his eight-game point streak come to an end as Assat dropped a 6-3 decision to the Pelicans. The 6'3 wing picked up four shots on goal and a roughing minor over 13:53 of work. Kevin Sundher did not factor into the scoring as Brandon got past Red Deer, 3-2. The six-foot center has gone without a point 15 times this season, with six of those coming during his first 11 games in a Brandon uniform. Nathan Lieuwen stopped 41 of 46 shots but Kootenay fell in overtime to Spokane, 5-4. The ICE netminder was especially busy in middle period when he faced 18 shots. After starting January with four wins in six outings, Lieuwen is winless in his last four starts. Mark Pysyk finished -2 as Edmonton was defeated by Vancouver, 3-2. Colin Jacobs finished -1 with a diving minor as Seattle got pounded by Portland, 8-3. Drew MacKenzie notched an assist as Vermont was doubled by Northeastern, 4-2. The two-way defender has six goals and 17 points in 23 games. Justin Jokinen registered one shot on goal as Minnesota State handled Bemidji State, 5-2. Christian Isackson (3 SOG) was inserted into the lineup as a fourth-line center as Minnesota edged St. Cloud State, 3-2. Connor Knapp was given the night off as Miami pitched a 6-0 shutout of Northern Michigan. *** In the AHL, Zack Kassian (11th) and Derek Whitmore (17th) scored first period goals, and David Leggio provided the rest with 37 saves as Rochester held on to defeat Toronto, 2-1. The Amerks head into the All-Star break withb a 19-17-5-3 mark. The Rundown: Kassian: G, 2 SOG Foligno: A, 3 SOG Persson: A, 1 SOG Parker: 2 SOG Crawford: 2 SOG Biega: 1 SOG Schiestel: 1 SOG Lagace: even Fienhage: even Szydlowski: even

1/27 Recap: Cat pounces for pair, Armia streak at eight

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:36:00 PST

Dan Catenacci scored a pair of goals Friday, his 22nd and 23rd of the year, as Owen Sound dropped a 5-4 decision to Kitchener. The speedy center, who now has five two-goal games this season, is currently tied for 17th in OHL scoring with 53 points (23+30) in 47 games. Jerome Gauthier-Leduc scored his 22nd goal of the year as Rimouski defeated Gatineau, 5-2. The goal, Leduc's second game winner of the year, snaps his six-game scoring drought. Crafty 2011 eligible Tomas Hyka notched a goal and an assist for the Olympiques. Colin Jacobs picked up an assist and then scored the only goal in the shootout as Seattle edged Kelowna, 2-1. The shootout goal was Jacobs' third in three tries in the tiebreaker, nearly matching his regulation/OT output of four in 19 games since returning from injury. One of those goals was a penalty shot. Gregg Sutch recorded two assists for his third multi-point game of the year as Barrie downed Brampton, 6-2. Alex Lepkowski, who was on the ice for a short-handed goal for and two goals against (one on a 5x3 PP), finished even for the Colts. Mark Pysyk picked up an assist as Edmonton spanked Brandon, 6-2. Kevin Sundher finished the night at -2, giving him two goals and four assists in his first 10 games in Brandon uniform. Pysyk, meanwhile, has two goals and seven assists in 10 games since returning from the World Junior Championships. Cedrick Henley finished -1 as Val-d'Or lost at home to Chicoutimi, 7-6. The 6'5 forward has 10 goals and 26 points in 35 games this season after having the bulk of his 2010-11 washed out due to wrist surgery. Steven Shipley upped his goalless stretch to eight games as Niagara was blanked by Guelph, 3-0. The 6'3 Shipley, who has collected 29 points through 43 games, is amidst his longest stretch without a goal since his nine-game drought back in 2008-09 as an OHL rookie. Nathan Lieuwen allowed five goals on 17 shots before getting pulled late in the second period as Kootenay lost in a shootout to Prince Albert, 7-6. The 20-year old netminder has allowed 12 goals in his last three outings - all ICE losses. In NCAA, Drew MacKenzie saw his nine-game point streak come to an end as Vermont was thumped by Northeastern, 8-3. The 6'2 defender is currently the sixth leading scoring among Hockey East defensemen with 16 points (6+10) in 22 games. Connor Knapp stopped 11 of 13 shots but Miami scored just once on 41 shots in a 2-1 loss to Northern Michigan. Knapp, who entered the game with six straight wins including a 0.60 goals against average and .977 save percentage in the month of January, moves to 8-5 on the year. Brad Navin continued to bring a physical element to to the third line as Wisconsin lost to North Dakota, 5-3. Brad Eidsness served as backup for UND. Justin Jokinen did not factor as Minnesota State lost to Bemidji State, 2-1. The 6'3 senior has three goals and nine points in 27 games. Christian Isackson was scratched for the 20th time this season in Minnesota's 2-1 win over St. Cloud State. The freshman, who has bounced between center and wing, is +1 with 14 shots on goal in eight appearances. *** In the AHL, the Amerks continued their recent offensive woes with a 4-0 defeat at Syracuse. The Amerks coughed up two goals in the game's first three minutes en route to being shut out for the first time all year. The Rundown: Kassian: -2, 6 SOG Crawford: 5 SOG Foligno: 2 SOG Szydlowski: -2, 1 SOG Schiestel: -1 Lagace: -1 Biega: -1, 4 SOG Fienhage: 2 PIM Persson: -2 Parker: -2 Drew MacIntyre stopped 29 shots to fall to 6-11-0-2 on the year. Losers of two straight, the Amerks will travel to Toronto on Saturday before heading to the AHL All-Star break. *** On Thursday, Joel Armia continued to ride his renewed confidence with a pair of assists in Assat's 6-1 win over the Blues. The 6'3 wing is red hot with points in eight straight games, including all six since returning from the World Junior Championship. He has gathered nine goals and eight assists in his last 15 overall. In other Thursday games, Shipley failed to get in on the fun as Niagara smoked Belleville, 6-0. Henley registered two hits in his return from a two-game absence as Val-d'Or lost to Drummondville, 3-1. Sutch (-2) and Lepkowski (-3) were stifled as Barrie dropped a 4-1 home ice decision to Plymouth.

1/25 Recap: Sundher scores in loss; Amerks fall to Griffs

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:37:00 PST

On Wednesday, Kevin Sundher scored for the second straight game as Brandon was blown out by Calgary, 7-2. The six-foot center, who has two goals and four assists in nine games as a Wheat King, now has 70 points (24+46) with 22 games remaining in the WHL regular season. He's been averaging 1.43 points-per-game in 2011-12, and he'll need to maintain that pace (actually 1.36 will do it) to eclipse the 100-point barrier. Mark Pysyk finished -1 in a 5-4 overtime loss to Tri-City. Trading punches the entire way, the two clubs kept the goaltenders busy with a combined 90 shots on goal. The Oil Kings will welcome Sundher and the Wheat Kings to Rexall on Friday. Nathan Lieuwen was given the night off as Kootenay lost to Lethbridge, 5-4. Lieuwen should be back between the pipes on Friday when the ICE host Prince Albert. *** In AHL play, the Rochester Americans couldn't overcome a three-goal deficit after the opening frame en route to a 4-1 loss to Grand Rapids. The Amerks had defeated the Griffins in the previous three meetings between the clubs this season. The Rundown: Schiestel: A, -1 Kassian: -1, 1 SOG Lagace: -1, 2 SOG Foligno: 4 SOG Parker: -1, 1 SOG Biega: -1, 4 SOG Crawford: -1 Fienhage: -1, 1 SOG Szydlowski: -1

1/24 Recap: Sundher gets first as Wheatie

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:42:00 PST

Kevin Sundher snapped a career-long 10-game goal drought Tuesday as Brandon blanked Kootenay, 1-0. Sundher's late first period goal, his 23rd of the year and first in eight games since being traded to Brandon, was all the Wheat Kings would need with 17-year old goaltender Curtis Honey stopping all 34 shots sent his way. Nathan Lieuwen stopped 27 of 28 shots in defeat to earn the game's #2 star. The loss drops him to 20-11-3-2 on the year with a 2.19 goals against average and .924 save percentage.

1/21-22 Recap: Armia on tear; Knapp stellar

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:31:00 PST

Joel Armia continued his recent surge Saturday, scoring a pair of goals to extend his point streak to seven games as Assat smoked KalPa, 8-3. Armia's offensive spike, marked by a variety of goal celebrations, has resulted in 13 points (7+6) in his last 10 games to up his season line to 36GP 12-12-24. > In NCAA play, Connor Knapp made 22 saves for his 10th career shutout as Miami earned the weekend sweep with a 4-0 win over Western Michigan. The 6'5 senior, who earned back-to-back starts for the second time in three weekends, is now tops among Sabres goaltending prospects with a 1.77 goals against average and .932 save percentage. Knapp also added an assist the old fashioned way en route to securing his grip on the RedHawks' #1 goaltending spot. In the OHL, Dan Catenacci notched a goal and two assists as Owen Sound lost in overtime to London, 6-5. The goal, his 21st of the year, snaps a seven-game goal drought. It was his fifth three-point effort since joining the Attack. Colin Jacobs scored a power play goal in Seattle's 5-4 overtime loss to Everett. The goal was Jacobs' fourth point in eight January games, and seventh in 18 games since returning from a lengthy shoulder injury. Gregg Sutch earned an assist as Barrie doubled Guelph, 4-2. The game marked Sutch's return to the Colts lineup after missing eight games with an upper body injury. Alex Lepkowski finished -1 on the Barrie blueline. Steven Shipley assisted on the first Niagara goal as the IceDogs lost to Sudbury, 4-3. The point was Shipley's first in five games. Justin Jokinen (+2) contributed three shots on goal as Minnesota State defeated Nebraska-Omaha 5-4 in overtime. Jokinen was on the ice as the Mavericks' third line clicked for the OT winner. Brad Navin finished even as Wisconsin edged Alaska-Anchorage, 3-2. The freshman third-liner has two goals and two assists through his first 23 NCAA games. Brad Eidsness served as backup in North Dakota's 3-2 win over St. Cloud State. Christian Isackson was a healthy scratch as Minnesota defeated Colorado College, 2-1. Mark Adams was a scratch as Providence was embarrassed by Boston University, 8-0. *** On Sunday, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc logged a -2 as Rimouski was shut out by Baie-Comeau. The offensive-minded defender has just two goals and two assists in 10 game since returning from the Christmas break. Cedrick Henley did not play for the second straight game as Val-d'Or was stomped by Rouyn-Noranda, 9-3. Jacobs was kept off the scoresheet as Seattle was nipped by Vancouver, 3-2. Shipley finished +2 with an assist in Niagara's 9-0 blowout of Peterborough. Lepkowski (-1) and Sutch (2PIM) did not factor in Barrie's 3-0 loss to Oshawa.

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:35:00 PST

Thanks for standing by during our outage. We'll have stats update a weekend round-up later this evening (including new Armia videos).

1/20 Recap: A first for Pysyk as Oil Kings stay hot

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:34:00 PST

Mark Pysyk recorded the first two-goal game of his WHL career Friday to lead Edmonton to a 6-1 win over Swift Current. The OKs captain, who also added an assist for his second three-point night of the year, now has four goals and 14 points in 12 games since returning from injury on 11/19. The Oil Kings, ranked #1 in the WHL's Western Conference with 67 points, are 7-2-0-1 in their last 10 games. In NCAA play, Drew MacKenzie extended his point streak to nine games with a third period assist as Vermont lost to Massachusetts, 4-3. The senior defenseman, who also added six shots on goal, now has six goals and 16 points in 21 games. His nine-game streak is the most for a Sabres defensive prospect since Brayden McNabb's 11-gamer a season ago. Connor Knapp made 26 saves for his fifth consecutive victory as Miami downed Western Michigan, 3-1. Knapp has stopped 101 of 104 shots faced in the month of January, dropping his season goals against average to 1.94 through 11 games heading into Saturday's rematch. With Knapp hot, perhaps coach Enrico Blasi will take corrective action from last weekend when Knapp's Friday win was washed out by a Cody Reichard loss on Saturday. Kevin Sundher posted an assist as Brandon lost to Saskatoon, 3-2. The six-foot center carried the puck from the right corner and set-up a Mark Stone one-timer from the left circle to even the score 1-1 just 15-seconds after the Blades first struck. Sundher has four assists in six games as a Wheat King, and zero goals in nine January outings - tying the longest goalless stretch of his 261-game WHL career. Elsewhere, Brad Eidsness made 27 saves in his first start since December 2nd as North Dakota lost to St. Cloud State, 3-1. The senior held firm with 15 stops in the first period before allowing two goals in the middle frame. An empty netter closed things out, giving UND their 12th straight Friday night loss when visiting St. Cloud. Nathan Lieuwen made 30 saves as Kootenay lost in overtime to Moose Jaw, 6-5. The six goals against is the most allowed by Lieuwen this season. He allowed six on three occasions in 2010-11. The ICE are tied with Medicine Hat for #3 in the Eastern Conference with 58 points. Colin Jacobs notched an assist as Seattle lost to Kamloops. 5-3. Jacobs helped get the T-Birds on the board when he found Chance Lund in the slot to cut the Blazers lead to 3-1 late in the opening period. Brad Navin led all Badger forwards with four shots on goal as Wisconsin pitched a 4-0 shut out of Alaska-Anchorage. The freshman has continued to build momentum on the team's third line despite going without a point in five January games. Steven Shipley finished -1 in Niagara's 3-2 win over Erie. The 6'3 forward has gone without a point in four straight games. Dan Catenacci did not score as Owen Sound was shut out by London, 3-0. The 5'10 speedster has zero goals in seven January games. Jerome Gauthier-Leduc punched three shots on goal as Rimouski defeated Chicoutimi, 3-1. The mobile righty has one goal and one assist in six January contests. Christian Isackson skated even as Minnesota lost to Colorado College, 2-1. The freshman, who has floated between center and wing during his first eight NCAA contests, should see more time moving forward with Nick Larson out over a month with a broken wrist. Justin Jokinen contributed three shots on goal as Minnesota State dropped a 2-1 decision to Nebraska-Omaha. In 25 games, the 6'3 senior has three goals and nine points. He posted nine goals and 17 points in 38 games as a junior. Mark Adams was -2 as Providence got throttled by Boston University, 6-1. The sophomore defender has an assist and a -7 rating through 13 games. Cedrick Henley sat out of Val d'Or's 3-2 overtime win over Rouyn-Noranda.

1/18-19 Recap: Lieuwen gets 20th win

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:21:00 PST

Nathan Lieuwen made 21 saves Wednesday to earn his 20th win of the year as Kootenay earned a 3-2 overtime win over Regina. The 6'5 netminder, who is one game off his 33-win pace from a season ago (he won his 21st game of 2010-11 a year ago to the day), could get a shot to continue his roll on Friday when the ICE travels to Moose Jaw. Kevin Sundher finished -1 as Brandon downed Saskatoon, 6-4. Sundher has three assists in five games with Wheat Kings, and zero goals in eight January games. The Wheat Kings and Blades will play it back Friday in Saskatoon. Mark Pysyk was +1 as Edmonton blanked Prince George, 5-0. The Oil Kings are at Swift Current on Friday. In OHL play, Dan Catenacci did not factor into the scoring as Owen Sound held on for a 5-4 win over Plymouth. The Attack return to action Friday at London. On Thursday, Alex Lepkowski finished +1 as Barrie defeated Saginaw 4-3 in a shootout. Gregg Sutch missed his eighth game with an upper body injury. The Colts host Guelph on Saturday.

1/17 Recap: Armia assists in Assat win

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:36:00 PST

Joel Armia recorded an assist Tuesday to extend his point streak to five games as Assat edged Ilves, 2-1. After a scoreless first period, Armia opened up for a one-timer during a second period power play that rebounded to a waiting Tomas Zaborsky. The 6'3 wing now has eight goals and 14 points in his last 15 games. In WHL action, Colin Jacobs finished -2 as Seattle was shut out by Tri-City, 4-0. The 6'1 center has three goals and two assists through his first 15 games. On Monday, Jacobs didn't factor into the scoring as Seattle defeated Spokane, 3-2. The victory ended the T-Birds' six game skid.

1/15 Recap: MacKenzie continues roll

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:38:00 PST

Drew MacKenzie recorded an assist Sunday to extend his point streak to eight games as Vermont lost to Providence, 5-2. Tied for second in team scoring this season with 15 points (6+9), the senior defender has 10 goals and 25 points in his last 31 NCAA games going back to last February. Friars defenseman Mark Adams skated even in the win. In 12 games, the sophomore has one assist, two shots on goal, and a -5 rating. To best appreciate MacKenzie's point streak, see how it rates against others produced by NCAA prospects of recent memory: 12 - Nathan Gerbe, Boston College (2/12/07-3/24/07) 9 - Nathan Gerbe, Boston College (2 x 2007-08) 8 - Drew MacKenzie, Vermont (12/7/11-present) 8 - Corey Tropp, Michigan State (12/4/09-1/9/10) 6 - Thomas Vanek, Minnesota (4 x 2002-03, 1 x 2003-04) 6 - Drew Stafford, North Dakota (2/17/06-3/4/06) 6 - Corey Tropp, Michigan State (10/9/09-10/24/09) *** In the WHL, Kevin Sundher picked up an assist as Brandon was throttled by Moose Jaw, 8-2. The Wheat Kings are winless in four games since acquiring Sundher. The six-foot center himself has cooled with zero goals in seven January games, his longest drought since last March. Sundher and the Wheat Kings will look to right the ship Wednesday at Saskatoon. Mark Pysyk finished even as Edmonton suffered a 4-3 loss at Calgary. The Edmonton native, who has collected three goals and 23 points at the 30-game mark, has played 15 straight without a minus rating (since 10/28). The clear frontrunner in the WHL's Eastern Conference, the Oil Kings will next host Prince George on Wednesday. In the QMJHL, Cedrick Henley logged a +1 as Val-d'Or defeated Blainville-Boisbriand, 1-0. The Foreurs are off until Friday when they host Rouyn-Noranda.

Foligno, Leggio stifle Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Baker) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:03:00 PST

In Saturday AHL action, Marcus Foligno recorded his first two-goal game as a pro to help the Rochester Americans to a 3-1 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs. Williamsville native David Leggio was excellent for a second straight night, finishing with 35 saves to earn the game's #1 star. The Amerks had previously lost six of seven games to their North Division rival. Foligno, who scored the game winner just 17-seconds into the middle frame and added an empty-netter in the final minute, now has 12 goals through his first 36 games. Given his projection as a checker, that number rates well compared to some other recent AHL graduates through their first 36 games: Nathan Gerbe (21), Luke Adam (17), Tyler Ennis (11). Leggio impressed with several big stops in the third as the Amerks were forced to kill a Jonathan Parker boarding penalty with three minutes to play. Corey Tropp did not dress for a second straight night, while Drew Schiestel was made a healthy scratch (EDIT - there seems to be conjecture over the Schiestel scratch; will wait for statements regarding lingering knee soreness). The Rundown: Foligno: 2G, +1, 3 SOG Parker: A, +2 Lagace: A Crawford: A, +1 Szydlowski: A, +1 Biega: +1 Brennan: 2 SOG Fienhage: 2 PIM Persson: even Boychuk: 1 SOG Kassian: -1, 3 SOG The Amerks (17-13-5-3, 42 points, 2nd in North Division) will now prepare for a Thursday/Friday series with Olkahoma City.