Bridgeport/Islanders Prospect Roundup, March 25th

Almost exactly a month ago Casey Cizikas (Feb 23rd) and David Ullstrom (Feb 25th) were recalled from Bridgeport. In the 12 games since both were recalled, the Sound Tigers have 3 wins. Fortunately the division leading Whale only have a 3 point advantage while BP has a game in hand. BP is currently 6th in the conference, with a 5 point lead over 9th and a lot of teams tied 6 points away. SportsClubStats basically has them as a lock to make the AHL playoffs.

Sunday March 18th Vs Worcester (Sharks)

Matt Donovan opened up the scoring in the 1st with assists to Tony Romano and Ethan Cox. BP was lucky to leave the 1st with a 1-0 lead despite being outshot 17-10. They weren't so lucky in the 2nd as they were outshot 18-6, with Worcester getting 4 second period goals. Kevin Poulin faced 38 shots and allowed 3 goals. Anders Nilsson also played, allowing 1 goals on 6 shots. Sean Backman (Trevor Frischmon) got a shorthanded goal to get it within 2 with 10 minutes left in the 3rd, but an empty netter sealed the win for Worcester.

Wednesday March 21st Vs Binghamton (Senators)

On Sunday it was not enough offense, and on Wednesday they were done in by superb goaltending and special teams. Robin Lehner turned away all 41 shots he faced from BP. Meanwhile Binghamton convered a PP in the 1st and a Penalty Shot in the 2nd before getting an EN in the 3rd to put things away. Poulin had 24 saves on 26 shots for the night.

Friday March 23rd Vs Springfield (Bluejackets)

Another tough loss for BP, as they fought back from a 1 goal deficit twice, only to go down in the shootout. John Persson (Justin DiBenedetto, Romano) got his first pro goal to open the scoring for BP. Rhett Rakhashani (Tyler McNeely, Romano) tied it in the 3rd with his 14th goal of the year. BP though dropped the shootout 3-2, despite conversions from 2nd star of the night Rakhashani and Romano. Poulin had 25 saves on 27 shots.

Natural Born Kirills

Traktor, in the KHL playoffs for the first time in their history, finished off Kirill Petrov's Ak Bar Kazans last night with a 4-1 win. Traktor wins the conference semi-final series 4-2. In 12 games Kirill Petrov had 3 goals and 2 assists.

It's playoff time for Shawinigan, and it's time for Kirill Kabanov to shine again. They routed Rouyn 7-1 and 6-3 in the first two games, with Kabanov being named 2nd star in game 1. In game 2 he had a goal and assist as he looks to repeat his 20 goal in 15 game performance from last years playoffs. Also I just noticed that Kabanov's current number is 77, a personal favorite of mine.

CHL

Niagra is dominating Oshawa, up 2-0 already. Ryan Strome has a goal and 3 assists in those two games.

Andrei Pedan is up to his usual goodness, posting a goal in Guelph's first playoff game (a win) while also racking up 6 PIM.

After notching an assist in Spokane's first playoff game, Brenden Kichton missed last nights 7-3 rout of Spokane by Vancouver. He left the first game after taking a puck to the jaw, his current status for the rest of the series is unknown.

NCAA

Gritz 101 is Popular

Following a 3-1 win against Western Michigan, North Dakota prepares to play Minnesota in St Paul Mn in the West Region finals. That Brock Nelson kid? He might be good, as he racked up a goal and an assist and was named 1st star of the night in the game against WM.