Saturday Night Wrap-up

AHL
The Monarchs played amazing the final 20 games of the season but have not been able to catch a break in the playoffs. After a couple of goals were questionably disallowed, Manchester lost in overtime again tonight to the Providence Bruins 3-2. The goalies are keeping the scores low enough, but the goal scoring has dried up. The inexperienced Monarchs have scored only 4 goals in three playoff games so far. The top 5 scorers in the regular season, that are currently playing, were a combined –12 tonight. Another sign of an inexperienced team is 2 losses in overtime. The more experienced Bruin players have found ways to win the games in the clutch. This may not be the Monarchs year but this is the type of experience they need to become successful professionals.

On the player front, Jonathan Bernier stopped 31 of 34 shots for the loss. Teddy Purcell had 2 assists but was –3 in the game. Matt Moulson scored a goal but was also –3 tonight. Peter Harrold got his first assist since his return to the AHL but was –2. One bright spot was the professional debut of Oscar Moller. He was held off the score sheet but was in the game, gaining the experience he needs this time of year! Congrats Oscar!

Game #4 will be Monday night in Manchester. Let’s keep our chin’s up boys and take it to them!

ECHL
Huge overtime win in Elmira tonight as the Reading Royals beat the Elmira Jackals 2-1. Dany Roussin, Ned Lukacevic and Patrik Hersley were all held off the score sheet. Vladimir Dravecky had no shots and was –1 in the game. Danny Taylor stopped 27 of 28 shots in over 71 minutes for the win. He was voted the games #3 star for his efforts. The Royals now lead the first round series 3-2. The Royals will travel home with a chance to close out the series on Sunday.

OHL
The Belleville Bulls took a commanding 3-0 lead in their semifinal series against the Oshawa Generals. The Bulls won game #3 tonight by a score of 5-2. Bryan Cameron’s powerplay goal in the first period proved to be the game winner. He also got a 2-minute penalty for “checking to the head”. Game #4 will be played Monday in Oshawa.

Michael Del Zotto of the Oshawa Generals is a draft eligible defenseman this year and is projected to be available around the time we have our Dallas 1st round pick. I hope to goodness we DO NOT draft this guy. His game is solely offense and nothing else. In 13 playoff games so far, he has 2 goals, 6 assists and is –2… nothing spectacular. During the regular season he padded his stats playing the lower level teams. In 19 games against the top 7 teams in the OHL, he has 2 goals (1 PP) 7 assists, and is a –9 with 22 PIM. Ugh!

QMJHL
The semifinal series finally got underway in the “Q” tonight. The Gatineau Olympiques took an early series lead, beating the Halifax Mooseheads 2-1 in overtime. Joey Ryan was held scoreless but had 2 shots and was +1 in the game. He also dished out 2 hits which is one of Ryan’s strengths. Game #2 will be played on Sunday in Halifax.