Brian Eklund deserved better:
BNG-1
SPR-0
Eklund named the second star in a strong 31 save on 32 shot performance, his best in a couple of weeks. It's important for Eks to round back into form if Springfield is going to be successful in their run for the playoffs.
Game sheet from TheAHL.com.
Johan Hagglund had Oskarshamn's lone goal today in a 3-1 defeat against Malmo. Since the Karjala break Hagglund has been moved up from second line left wing to first line center for his club. Through 14 games he has 3 goals, 4 points, a +7 rating and 28 penalty minutes. Oskarsham currently sits 8th in the 15 team Allsvenskan with a 5-4-5 record.
Highlighting Lightning CHL/NCAA prospects on Saturday night was Stan Lascek - again - with a four point night - again. Lascek had a goal and three assists as Chicoutimi got revenge for a recent loss to Halifax by beating the Mooseheads 6-3. With the goal, Lascek's 19th on the year, he surprasses his goal total for last year in just his 27th game. Last season, Lascek had 18 goals in 53 games. The Slovakian winger is averaging more than two points a game and is among the early candidates for QMJHL MVP.
In other action Saturday night, Vladimir Mihalik notched his second goal of the year for Red Deer, but the Rebels lost 3-2 to Lethbridge. The Rebels broke their 11 game losing streak the night before with a shootout win against Andy Rogers and Prince George. Also getting his second goal of the year Saturday night was Chris Lawrence as Sault Ste. Marie lost in Bellville, 4-1. In other OHL action, Marek Bartanus was scratched for the second straight game by Owen Sound. The Attack lost 7-1 at home to Peterborough.
There's a war machine rolling into your city, and it's called the Johnstown Chiefs.
JHN-5
TOL-2
It's a shame Justin Kelly missed so much time early this season because he is a dominant player at this level of hockey. Tonight he dropped 2G 1A on Toledo while his partner in crime Adam Henrich added 1G 1A. Brady Greco added two assists and Gerard Dicaire got a power play assist on the game's opening goal. Johnstown's power play has been unstoppable this weekend and they look ready to embark on an extended roll. Morgan Cey stopped 29 of 31 for the victory.
Game sheet from ECHL.com.
And we're rolling...
SPR-4
BRG-3
Ryan Vesce is making a serious run for the AHL's rookie of the year title with 2G 1A in this game. Big Mitch Fritz came back from a scratch last night to tie the game at 3 before Vesce potted the GWG. Ryan Craig, who doesn't get enough credit in these capsules I write because he is so quietly consistent game to game, notched his 7th goal of the season. And, true to his word, Graham is riding Coleman. Tonight Gerald stopped 28 of 31 for the win.
Apologies for the lateness of tonight's reports. We had technical issues. And, considering I can't get the game sheet off TheAHL.com right now, my guess is we're not the only ones.