News

Lulea spanked Linkopings 5-2 today to knot the two team's opening round playoff series at 2 games each. Linkopings outshot Lulea a remarkable 48-18 but were unable to capitalize on their opportunity to seize a near insurmountable series lead. Goaltender Fredrik Norrena allowed 4 goals on just 17 shots faced before Lulea's Lubos Bartecko scored an empty net shorthanded goal to seal the game. Andreas Holmqvist and Shane Willis were held scoreless in the game. Holmqvist has been playing on the first pair with Mikko Luoma while Willis is playing on Linkopings' second line with Fredrik Emwall and Jussi Tarvainen.

Mike Lundin will make his return tonight to the Maine Black Bears lineup after missing two weeks with a lacerated finger. According to a report today from the Bangor Daily News, Lundin's right pinky finger was slashed after making a pass in a game vs. Merrimack. The cut was so bad doctors had to actually re-attach the finger after the game. Lundin also suffered a fractured bone. He will wear a soft-cast on his hand tonight in the Hockey East semifnal vs. Boston College.

Lundin is Maine's second-leading scorer among defensemen with two goals and 12 assists in 32 games.

"Mike is a difference-maker for us," Maine coach Tim Whitehead told the Daily News. "He logs more ice time than any other defenseman.

QMJHL

There were no games scheduled in the QMJHL tonight.

OHL

Radek Smolenak had an assist in Kingston's 6-2 loss to Brampton. He was even in the contest.

WHL

There were no games scheduled in the WHL tonight.

Goaltender Morgan Cey was named ECHL goaltender of the week. He stopped 88 of 89 shots faced last week helping the Chiefs to clinch a playoff spot.

In addition, due to Sean Burke's injury at the NHL level, Cey has been recalled to Springfield of the AHL. Right wing Andre Deveaux was also sent down to Johnstown of the ECHL in the transaction.

According to TSN.ca the Lightning have recalled goaltender Gerald Coleman to serve as John Grahame's backup due to Sean Burke's indefinite absence due to a broken finger. The move will likely necessitate Morgan Cey's recall to Springfield leaving Johnstown with Mike Betz between the pipes for a crucial portion of the stretch run.