4/26 Scoreboard & Playoff Update

The National Hockey League saw 3 Game 6's last night as we saw the Boston Bruins & Chicago Blackhawks are moving on to the 2nd Round.While Montreal's Halak made an amazing 53 of 54 saves to force a Game 7 in Washington D.C. as the Capitals & Canadiens will be playing on Wednesday Night.

Nashville & Chicago had a crazy first period where the Blackhawks were leading 4-3 after 20 minutes. All 5 goals from the Blackhawks came from different players as Patrick Kane & Jonathan Towes both scoring pretty early, other players including Duncan Keith & Patrick Sharp also scored to make it 4-3 Blackhawks as the 1st period continued to go back-and-fourth as the 1st period ended 4-3.

Then the 2nd & 3rd periods turned into both teams getting desperate. The 2nd period saw the Blackhawks looking to pull away, but Predators goalie Patrick Rinne kept the Preds in the Game as the Blackhawks out-shot Nashville 16-4.

The 3rd period saw the tides turn as the Predators were looking to at least force OT or even comeback to win and save the Predators season as the SOG were 15-3 in favor of NSH, but Chicago Goalie Antti Nemi kept the Blackhawks up and John Madden put the game away with an empty net goal to win Game 6 & the Series 4-2.

As the Blackhawks put the Predators away in the first round away, it will be Chicago & Vancouver in the Western Conference Semifinals as we have the first confirmed 2nd Round Series. As for the other Western Conference Semifinals, it will be the San Jose Sharks against the winner of tonight's Game 7 between Phoenix & Detroit.

Boston ended what was a very physical series against the Buffalo Sabres as David Krejci scored twice in the game to win Game 6 to clinch the Series in 6 Games. With the Top Seeds in the East being in big trouble, it's defiantly possible that the Bruins could be getting home ice advantage for the 2nd Round with the 2nd seeded New Jersey Devils and 3rd seeded Buffalo Sabres out of the playoffs, also with the Capitals VS. Canadians going to Game 7 which will be played on Wednesday Night.

It was the first of 2 Game 7's in the AHL as the Chicago Wolves finally saw off the Milwaukee Admirals with a 2-1 win where the Wolves had to fight off after scoring twice in basically a minute-and-a-half. After the Wolves made it 2-0, Admirals goalie Mark Dekanich hang tough to keep the Admirals in the game despite getting out-shot 36-16 in the game.

Even though an Admirals goal by Marty Murray made it 2-1, the Admirals were able to hold on 2-1 to win the series in 7 games. It will be the Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves in the West Division Final with the Best-of-7 Series getting ready on Friday Night.

We made some history in the QMJHL as the St. John Seadogs ended the Series in 6 as the Seadogs used 3 & 4 goal periods to advance to the Championship Series against New Brunswick Arch rival Moncton Wildcats. This is the first time in QMJHL History that we are going to see an all Maritime Region Championship Series. No Schedule has been released yet for the QMJHL Final which will begin St. John later this week.

In the very tough NAHL South Division, the Bandits used a 4 goal 2nd period to end the Roadrunners season to win 5-0 as the Bandits will look to win the NAHL Robertson Cup for a 4th straight time.

The Tournament begins on May 4 as the Wenatchee Wild will be hosting this year and won the West Division as well. Bismarck, Traverse City & Fairbanks have also advanced to this year's Robertson Cup Championship.


Also tonight is a big night as we have Game 7 in Arizona as the Coyotes & Red Wings will determine who will play the San Jose Sharks. Also Rochester & Abbotsford have a Game 7 of their own with the winner playing the Hamilton Bulldogs in the AHL North Division Final.

The first of the Major Junior Championships gets underway with the OHL. It's the top Conference Seeds as the Barrie Colts will take on the Windsor Spitfires for the OHL Championship & a Memorial Cup Spot.

Professional Scores

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Washington Capitals 1 Montreal Canadians 4 (0-2, 0-0, 1-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030116

Series Tied 3-3, Game 7 is on Wednesday Night


Buffalo Sabres 3 Boston Bruins 4 (0-1, 1-1, 2-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030136

Boston Wins Series 4-2, The Bruins will await they Eastern Conference Semifinals Opponent.


Chicago Blackhawks 5 Nashville Predators 3 (4-3, 0-0, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009030166

Chicago Wins Series 4-2, It will be the Chicago Blackhawks VS. Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference Semifinals.


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Milwaukee Admirals 1 Chicago Wolves 2 (0-2, 1-0, 0-0)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007275

Chicago Wins Series 4-3, It will be the Texas Stars VS. Chicago Wolves in the West Division Final.


CHL Presidents Cup Playoffs

No Games on Monday Night, the Series resumes on Wednesday Night in Allen as the Allen Americans & Rapid City Rush are tied 1-1 in the Championship.


Major Junior Memorial Cup Playoffs

Western Hockey League

No Games on Monday Night. The WHL Championship Series will begin on Friday Night between the Tri-City Americans VS. Calgary Hitmen


Ontario Hockey League

No Games on Monday Night. The OHL Championship Series will begin on Tuesday Night as the Windsor Spitfires VS. Barrie Colts will play for the OHL Title.


Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Victoriaville Tigers 1 St. John Seadogs 7 (0-3, 0-1, 1-3)
www.lhjmq.qc.ca/lang_en/index.php?page=342374&id_partie=20988

St. John Wins Series 4-2, It will be the St. John Seadogs VS. Moncton Wildcats in the QMJHL Championship.


U.S.A. Junior Scores

USHL Clark Cup Playoffs

No Games on Monday Night. The USHL Clark Cup Championship Series between the Green Bay Gamblers VS. Fargo Force will start on Friday Night.


NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs

St. Louis Bandits 5 Topeka Roadrunners 0 (1-0, 4-0, 0-0)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1260871

St. Louis Bandits win Series 3-2, The Bandits have advanced to the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament Which Begins on May 4 with the Bismarck Bobcats, Traverse City North Stars, Wenatchee Wild & Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Ryan Daugherty & C.J. Ludwig Suspended in USHL West Division Final

Both Southwest Based Players for the Omaha Lancers have been issued suspensions following an incident in the final 30 seconds of Game 2 of the USHL West Division Championship against the Fargo Force.

For Ludwig, he was involved in an attempt to Injury when he delivered a bone crushing hit to Fargo Force Player Corey Leivermann in the game that ended in a 2-0 win for the Fargo Force to tie the Best-Of-5 series at a game a piece with Games 3 & 4 in Fargo scheduled for April 21 and 22.

Ludwig got the worst as an attempt to Injury Penalty as he is out for the rest of the series and wouldn't be available to return till Game 3 of the USHL Clark Cup Championship Series if the team would reach the Title Series. Ryan Daugherty will be able to return to for Game 4 back on 4/22.

In addition to the 2 Southwest Players from Omaha, Fargo Player Matt Leitner will also be out for Game 3 of the West Division Final as well.

From the United States Hockey League Website: www.ushl.com

The United States Hockey League today announced disciplinary action as a result of incidents occurring on Saturday April, 17th in Game 2 of the West Division Final between the Omaha Lancers and Fargo Force.

Omaha Lancers defensemen C.J. Ludwig has been suspended 5 games pursuant to USA Hockey Official Rules, Rule 603 (Attempt to Injury/Deliberate injury of opponents), subsection (a), and Rule 410 (Supplementary Discipline) subsection (a). The ruling was based upon the illegal hit delivered to Fargo Force Player Corey Leivermann at 19:28 of the 3rd period, as well as the player's action subsequent to the hit.

Omaha Lancers forward Ryan Daugherty has been suspended one game pursuant to Rule 634 (Spearing), subsection (a) as a result of his hit conduct at the 18:51 mark of the 3rd period.

Fargo Force forward Matt Leitner has been suspended one game pursuant to Rule 634 (Spearing), subsection (a) as a result of the player's action following the Fargo Goal scored at the 18:51 mark of the 3rd period.

Both Teams were also issued unannounced fines.

USHL Divisional Finals Schedule & Preview

We are down to 4 in the United States Hockey League as the Divisional Semifinals ended last night as the Indiana Ice came back from a 2-0 series deficit to comeback to win 3-2 against the Cedar Rapids Roughriders.

Next up for Fallon, Coleman and the rest of the 3rd seeded Ice will be the Top Overall seed Green Bay Gamblers who have been off since April 10. The Green Bay Gamblers are hoping to use their size as the Gamblers are hoping to ride their regular season best 95 points all the way to the USHL Clark Cup Championship this year.

In the playoffs, you need to spread the scoring and 10 players have scored at least 1 goal so far in the 3 games they played against the Waterloo Blackhawks Leading the way on offense is Anders Lee who was a goal and 4 assists while Ryan Furne and Reed Seckel who each have 4 points in the post-season. Indiana is hoping to use their momentum with players like Max Cook has really picked up the pace since losing the first 2 against Cedar Rapids.

The West Division Final will have the Omaha Lancers & Fargo Force which are both coming off Division Semifinal Sweeps over the Tri-City Storm & Sioux Falls Stampede in the 1st Round.

Omaha is looking to a strong offense that has the likes of Seth Ambroz & Nick Oddo who's leading the playoffs with 4 goals. In all 17 goals were scored in the 3 game series against the Tri-City Storm as the Lancers are looking to continue their offensive fire power in the 2nd Round against Fargo. With the expectation of a 7-6 win in Game 2, the Force have given up just 2 goals in the rest of the series.

Ryan Massa has the good in net as he has an unbelievable 2.24 GAA and a strong .923 SV% in the games where he started. They now not to put in Dylan Belfour who's only game was the 7-6 game that the Force has to comeback to win in Game 2 against the Cedar Rapids Roughriders.

Expect the goaltender battle to be between Fargo's Ryan Massa and Jeff Teglia who's played in every minute of the playoffs so far and during the regular season. Teglia played 3/4 of the games during the regular season where he won an impressive 30 games. Just one back of Steve Summerhays who ended up 31 during the season with the Green Bay Gamblers. If both Green Bay & Omaha play for the Clark Cup Championship, that could be the marquee matchup to determine who wins the championship this year.

As for Southwest Based Talent, all the main players are still in the playoffs. Chase Grant had the best 1st Round as he had 5 points in the 3 games for Fargo with 3 Goals and 2 assists. He had 3 of his 5 points in Game 2 where he had 3 of those 5 points including the Winner with just 1:20 left which was part of a 4 goal 3rd period to complete a major comeback.


East Division Final

#1 Green Bay Gamblers VS. #3 Indiana Ice

Green Bay Gamblers Road to the Clark Cup

Regular Season Record: 45-10-5 95 PTS, 212 GF 140 GA

East DIV. Semifinals VS. Waterloo: Game 1 2-1 W, Game 2 5-1 W, Game 3 5-2 W


Green Bay Scoring Leaders
Anders Lee 3 GP 5 PTS (1G 4A, +2)
Ryan Furne 3 GP 4 PTS (2G 2A, +2)
Reed Seckel 3 GP 4 PTS (1G 3A, +3)

Green Bay Goaltending
Steve Summerhays 3-0 1.33 GAA .949 SV%


Indiana Ice Road to the Clark Cup

Regular Season Record: 33-24-3 69 PTS, 199 GF 187 GA

DIV. Semifinals VS. Cedar Rapids: Game 1 0-6 L, Game 2 3-5 L, Game 3 3-1 W, Game 4 6-1 W, Game 5 3-2 OTW

Indiana Scoring Leaders
Max Cook 5 GP 5 PTS (4G 1A, -3)
Shane Bershbach 5 GP 5 PTS (3G 2A, +3)
Anthony Bitetto 5 GP 5 PTS (2G 3A, +3)

Indiana Southwest Players
Jacob Fallon 5 GP 1 PTS (1G 0A, -3)
Blake Coleman 5 GP 1 PTS (0G 1A, +1)


Indiana Goaltending
Casey Desmith 4 GP 3-0 1.43 GAA .957 SV%
Cab Morris 2 GP 0-2 6.73 GAA .818 SV%


All Green Bay Gamblers Home Games are @ Green Bay Resech Center

All Indiana Ice Home Games are @ Pepsi Coliseum

Game 1, 4/16: @ Green Bay 7:05 PM

Game 2, 4/18: @ Green Bay 3:05 PM

Game 3, 4/23: @ Indiana 6:05 PM

Game 4, 4/24: @ Indiana 6:05 PM*

Game 5, 4/27: @ Green Bay 7:05 PM*

*If Necessary


West Division Final

#1 Omaha Lancers VS. #2 Fargo Force

Omaha Lancers Road to the Clark Cup

Regular Season Record: 42-12-6 90 PTS, 238 GF 146 GA

DIV Semifinals VS. Tri-City: Game 1 7-1 W, Game 2 5-4 OTW, Game 3 5-2 W


Omaha Scoring Leaders
Matt White 3 GP 6 PTS (2G 4A, -1)
Erik Haula 3 GP 6 PTS (0G 6A, 0)
Dennis Brown 3 GP 5 PTS (2G 3A, +4)

Omaha Southwest Players
Ryan Daugherty 3 GP 3 PTS (0G 3A, +1)
C.J. Ludwig 3 GP 2 PTS (0G 2A, +4)

Omaha Goaltending
Jeff Teglia 3 GP 3-0 2.30 GAA .881 SV%


Fargo Force Road to the Clark Cup

Regular Season Record: 37-17-6 80 PTS, 227 GF 214 GA

DIV. Semifinals VS. Sioux Falls: Game 1 5-1 W, Game 2 7-6 W, Game 3 3-1 W


Fargo Scoring Leaders
Matt Leitner 3 GP 6 PTS (3G 3A, +7)
Corey Leivermann 3 GP 5 PTS (3G 2A, +1)
Chase Grant 3 GP 5 PTS (3G 2A, +5)

Fargo Southwest Players
Johnnie Searfoss 3 GP 0 PTS (0G 0A, -1)

Fargo Goaltending
Ryan Massa 3 GP 3-0 2.24 GAA .923 SV%
Dayn Belfour 1 GP 0-0 6.23 GAA .846 SV%

All Omaha Lancers Home Games are @ Omaha Civic Center

All Fargo Force Home Games are @ Urban Plans Center

Game 1, 4/16: @ Omaha 7:05 PM

Game 2, 4/17: @ Omaha 7:05 PM

Game 3, 4/21: @ Fargo 7:05 PM

Game 4, 4/22: @ Fargo 7:05 PM*

Game 5, 4/24: @ Omaha 7:05 PM*

*If Necessary

4/8 Scoreboard and Playoff Update

In addition to the Last Night's Scores and Playoff Updates. I will be showing the final weekend of the regular season of the NHL & AHL Seasons as both leagues finish up their regular seasons this weekend.

Professional Scores

National Hockey League

Buffalo Sabres 1 Boston Bruins 3 (1-0, 0-1, 0-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009021198

Montreal Canadiens 2 Carolina Hurricanes 5 (0-0, 1-2, 1-3)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009021199

NY Islanders 3 Pittsburgh Penguins 7 (2-4, 1-2, 0-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009021200

Pittsburgh is now tied with the New Jersey Devils for the Atlantic Division Lead with 2 games left.

Ottawa Senators 3 Tampa Bay Lighting 4 (SO) (0-2, 2-1, 1-0, 0-0, 0-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009021201

New Jersey Devils 2 Florida Panthers 3 (0-0, 1-1, 1-2)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009021202

Anaheim Ducks 2 Dallas Stars 3 (SO) (0-0, 1-1, 1-1, 0-0, 0-1)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009021203

Dallas Game Story: http://stars.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2009021203

Minnesota Wild 2 Calgary Flames 1 (SO) (1-0, 0-1, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009021204

Phoenix Coyotes 3 Los Angeles Kings 2 (SO) (0-0, 0-1, 2-1, 0-0, 1-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009021205

Vancouver Canucks 2 San Josee Sharks 4 (0-1, 0-3, 2-0)
www.nhl.com/ice/gamecenter.htm?id=2009021206


American Hockey League

Houston Aeros 5 San Antonio Rampage 3 (1-1, 0-0, 4-2)
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1007181

Houston Game Story: www.aeros.com/news/news/index.html?article_id=2579

San Antonio Game Story: www.sarampage.com/news/index.html?article_id=889



Central Hockey League Playoffs

No Games on Thrusday Night. the Conference Finals begin tonight.



Major Junior Playoffs


Western Hockey League


No Games on Thrusday Night, here's an update on how the Conference Semifinals are going. All 4 series' are in action tonight.

Saskatoon Blades VS. Brandon Wheat Kings: Brandon Leads Series 2-1

Medicine Hat Tigers VS. Calgary Hitmen: Calgary Leads Series 3-1

Kelowna Rockets VS. Tri-City Americans: Tri-City Leads Series 3-1

Portland Winterhawks VS. Vancouver Giants: Vancouver Leads Series 2-1


Ontario Hockey League

Mississauga St. Michael's Majors 3 Ottawa 67s 6 (3-2, 0-1, 0-3)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16718

Ottawa Leads Series 3-2

Kitchener Rangers 8 London Knights 4 (4-1, 2-1, 2-2)
www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=16731

Kitchener Leads Series 3-2

OHL Thrusday Wrap Up: www.ontariohockeyleague.com/ohl-playoff-roundup-thursday-p141965

Kitchener Leads Series 3-2


Quebec Major Junior Hockey League


No Games on Thrusday Night. Both Series' are in action tonight.

Drummondville Voltigeurs VS. Rimouski Oceanic: Drummondville Leads Series 3-1

Rouyn-Nornda Huskies VS. Moncton Wildcats: Moncton Leads Series 3-0


NCAA Frozen Four

Look for the Game Summaries and the Matchup for the NCAA National Hockey Championship on Saturday Night.


U.S.A. Junior Scores

No Games on Thrusday Night. Here's a look at the 4 Divisional Semifinal Series.

Omaha Lancers VS. Tri-City Storm: Omaha Leads Series 1-0

Fargo Force VS. Sioux Falls Stampede: Fargo Leads Series 1-0

Green Bay Gamblers VS. Waterloo Blackhawks: Green Bay Leads Series 1-0

Cedar Rapids Roughriders VS. Indiana Ice: Cedar Rapids Leads Series 1-0


North American Hockey League

Look for the Texas Tornado VS. St. Louis Bandits Series Update.

Marquette Rangers 3 Motor City Metal Jackets 4 (3OT) (0-0, 1-1, 2-2, 0-0, 0-0, 0-1)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249678

Motor Wins Series 3-0, The Metal Jackets will either play the Traverse City North Stars or the Janesville Jets in the North Division Final.

Southwest Players in the USHL Playoffs

Here's a look at Southwest based players that will be playing the United States Hockey League Playoffs which begin tomorrow night. I will provide a short showing of what the different players and showing their chances of skating with the USHL Clark Cup Championship this year. The Playoffs will begin tomorrow night.



This year, the Southwest has 6 prominent players that are teammates on the Omaha Lancers, Fargo Force and the Indiana Ice for this year's post-season and they is high hopes that we have players on the top 2 seeds in the West Division plus the defending champion Indiana Ice.



Here's the first Round Matchups



East Division



#1 Green Bay Gamblers VS. #4 Waterloo Blackhawks



#2 Cedar Rapids Roughriders VS. #3 Indiana Ice





West Division



#1 Omaha Lancers VS. #4 Tri-City Storm



#2 Fargo Force VS. #3 Sioux Falls Stampede





Omaha Lancers



F: Ryan Daugherty: http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/playerpage.html?playerid=2288314&seasonid=4429


Hometown: Allen, Texas


2009-2010 Season Stats: 52 GP 33 PTS (18G 15A)


College/Pro Path: Northern Michigan University



Ryan is a physical forward with an increasing scoring threat during his 2 seasons with the Omaha Lancers. From just 6 goals last year, he's been able to increase has goal scoring ability to 17 this season. He's also been fantastic at getting the tough goals right in front of the net in front of traffic and, being able to clear pathways for his teammates to help out players like Seth Ambroz and Matt White who just missed winning the scoring title by one point over Tri-City's Jaden Schwartz.



Last year he had to take a much bigger load defensively as this turned out to be a bit of a weaker spot in his game. But he has shown that he can be a strong defense, however, he increased the number in penalty minutes from 52 last year to 111 this year. He's also been able increase his ability on the power play where he had no points with the man advantage last year, this year the Lancers forward was able to get 14 of his 33 points (9G 5A) on the power play. He also notched 4 game winners.



He does have a tendency to be a bit streaky this season. Going into the playoffs where he has 6 points in his final 7 games, including a 2 goal game against Fargo back on March 17. Unfortunately, earlier this season he had a 7 game scoreless streak around Thanksgiving and shortly their after. Also a minor knee injury where he missed 7 games in early and mid Feb also affected his pace for most of Feb. and in early March.



After St. Patricks Day though he was able to get back up to his normal pace and if he can keep this point streak going into the playoffs, he may be able to have a big playoff run to help the Lancers and to show the coaching staff at Northern Michigan that he deserves to play a big role with NMU when he starts up their next year.







D: C.J. Ludwig: www.pointstreak.com/prostats/playerpage.html?playerid=2288310&seasonid=4429



Hometown: Little Elm, Texas

Season Stats: 58 GP 24 PTS (7G 17A)


College/Pro Path: Northern Michigan University



C.J. Ludwig has become a double threat at his time with the Omaha Lancers. In his 2 seasons, he was known for delivering the hits as he has racked up triple digit penalty minute totals in both season in Omaha (130 in 2008-09, 152 in 2009-10). He's not afraid to fight either as he has racked up 8 fighting majors this season, including games against the Green Bay Gamblers and Sioux Falls Stampede with 21 & 32 penalty minutes in different performances this season.



He's also been able to increase his scoring ability. He was 2nd in defensive scoring on the team with 24 points, only behind Dennis Brown with 31 points. However, he did have more goals with 7 while Brown only had 4. Because of his combo of being both a physical presence and bringing a scoring punch, he was named to the USHL West Division All Star Game for the Event that was played in Indiana back in January.


Helping to get involved with the scoring, not giving up goals has also improved greatly as well as he went from a +7 last season to +15 this season. His ability to help improve his puck moving abilities to help set up the teams top forwards like Erik Haula and Matt White who both finished in the top in league scoring this season.


He's also going to be able to tune up his team game with teammate and fellow D/FW Native Ryan Daugherty who will continue to be teammates at Northern Michigan University after their junior career ends this season.



Omaha's Playoff Hopes: The Lancers have loads of playoff experience with the leadership and guidance of Omaha Lancers Head Coach Bliss Littler. Also with Seth Ambroz who has been improving rapidly during his first two seasons and is expected to be a highly converted pick when he is up for the 2011 NHL Draft next year.



Omaha is looking for their 2nd championship in 3 years after beating Sioux City, Lincoln and Waterloo for the Championship back in 2008. Their chances of getting back to the Championship are great and this team maybe one of the few will be able to challenge Green Bay's size with their speed.


Fargo Force


F: Chase Grant: www.pointstreak.com/prostats/playerpage.html?playerid=2288285&seasonid=5158


Home Town: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma


2009-2010 Stats: 59 GP 50 PTS (28G 22A)


College/Pro Path: Minnesota State University


Chase Grant leads a well balanced offense attack which has 8 players with double digit goals, 6 of which had 20 or more. Grant lead the team with 28 goals and when he gets going, he's very hard to stop, he had a steady hand as he had numerous point scoring streaks which included his best hockey of the season where he had a point in 12 of 13 games which started in late January through Early March as he scored goals in 10 of that time span.


Like Ryan Daugherty, he's had a strong power play, but he was able to increase has ability on the power play like a bullet from 3 power play points last year to 11 this season. However in his last 9 games since his points in 12 of 13 ended. He's scoring abilities have dried up as he has just 4 points (1G 3A) which dates back to March 12 against the Lincoln Stars, and in his last 4 games, he has 0 points and a minus 7 which is a string as the Force were going toe-to-toe with the Lancers for the top spot in the West Division Playoffs, but losses in 5 of the final 7 games ended those hopes.


He may be just 175 pounds, but hes been working on his hitting ability as he gets ready to head off to Minnesota State University to play in the WCHA. He should be a part of a balanced scoring attack to help his team get back to the Clark Cup Championship before losing to Indiana last year. However, if he can't get out of this slump his team is on, it could be a 1 and done to the Sioux Falls Stampede in the Division Semifinals.


F; Johnnie Searfoss: www.pointstreak.com/prostats/playerpage.html?playerid=2330628&seasonid=4429


Home Town: Colleyville, Texas

2009-2010 Player Stats: 60 GP 40 PTS (21G 19A)


College/Pro Path: University of Nebraska-Omaha


Johnnie Searfoss's job on the team has changed greatly this season. Last season despite getting 34 points last year, he was used mostly as a defensive minded forward. This season, he's been giving the green light to attack a lot more, even though his plus/minus ranking has fallen from +12 to -15 this season, his goal numbers are up to 21 and he's been able to be in his more natural role as a physical forward.



The Penalty Minute numbers were way up to 90 this season, but he's not much of a fighter. Most of the nights were he had the major penalty minute numbers were from nights when he something like a Checking from Behind Misconduct in a game against the Youngstown Phantoms back in January.



For the Force to be successful this year in the playoffs, the Force will need to be able to get out of this funk the team has been in that cost them a shot at the Top Seed. The team needs to allow Searfoss to have his combination of his scoring and hitting ability and being able to avoid the penalty box in the playoffs. Especially against a team like Sioux Falls who has fewest penalty minutes of the West Division Teams that are in the playoffs.



Fargo's Playoff Hopes: Fargo needs to have the ability to pull off another run like they did last year in the team's first year. The Force will need to be able to play a disciplined game against the Stampede and improve the team defense, the team has given up 4 or more goals in 8 of the teams 11 games of the regular season. Reports of internal fighting within the org might have been reported as well and could affect the team's performance as the playoffs get underway.


Also, some secondary scoring needs to start showing up. After the main scoring guys, no one has more then 6 goals during the season, so will fatigue be a growing concern going into the post-season.



Indiana Ice

Both of the Indiana Ice players came-over from different teams this season. First the Tri-City Storm traded Blake Coleman from the Tri-City Storm to the Indiana Ice back midway through the season. Then later in the season, Jacob Fallon left the USNTDP under mysterious circumstances who played just 6 games went to the Indiana Ice.





Blake Coleman: www.pointstreak.com/prostats/playerpage.html?playerid=3200319&seasonid=4429


2009-2010 Stats: 58 GP 28 PTS (10G 18A)

Home Town: Plano, Texas


College/Pro Path: Miami of Ohio University



After a slow start for the Tri-City Storm, he was traded to the Indiana Ice back in December and it has helped him out as he was able to help increase his goal scoring output as he had a 2 goal game in just his 3rd game against the Chicago Steel on New Year's Eve just after the Holiday Break ended. I also think being out of the lime light of being in Jaden Schwartz shadow who won the league scoring title this season with 83 points.



His strength though is a speed game where he can help set up breakaways and set up some of the teams goal scorers like Bryon Paulazzo and Max Cook. If Coleman is going to play a big role in the Ice's playoff hopes, his physical presence has been down played a little bit and be very discplined at the same time as the Ice will be probably be in some close games as 4 of the 5 games ended in 1 goal games.


Jacob Fallon: www.pointstreak.com/prostats/playerpage.html?playerid=3213748&seasonid=4429

2009-2010 Stats: 32 GP 11 PTS (2G 9A)

Home Town: Southlake, Texas

College/Pro Path: Michigan University

Jacob Fallon almost never had a shot at a great season as he played in just 6 games during his time in the USNTDP with very little results as he didn't make his season debut till December. After his 6 games in December where he got just 2 points in his time.

He left under pretty mysterious circumstance's and was out of the league for a few weeks while pondering his future. He decided to go to the Indiana Ice where he made his debut back on 1/22 against the Tri-City Storm. He still had some issues taking over the game where had just 1 goal in his time with the Ice.

For him to help the team in the playoffs, he needs to basically put the regular season behind him and clear his mind to have a strong playoff run this year. He needs to use his speed to join the attack where he's not much of a defensive presence for the Ice. If he can't do those things, it may be a quick ouster for the Ice for the playoffs.

Indiana's Hopes: The Ice have the ability to match up well against Cedar Rapids as 4 of the 5 matchups ended up being one goal games. However, they must keep the scores low as the Roughriders won the only high scoring game. Expect to be a very close series and just like last year, don't be surprised to see this series go the full 5 games in this series.

USHL Divisional Semifinals Schedule & Preview

The United States Hockey League playoffs get underway on Wednesday night as all 4 series' will get underway as the East Division 1st Round Series' were set up back on March 31. One of the great things about the United States Hockey League is that this league gets it right when it comes down on how many teams make the playoffs. Unlike the Canadian Jr. A, Major Junior or the NAHL which basically allows nearly all the teams make it in.

This makes the 1st Round more exciting and more unpredictable more often and you see what happens. Last year we saw both of the #3 seeds in the Indiana Ice & Fargo Force make it to the Championship. With the talent gaps being a lot bigger then last year, I don't expect any thing like that to happen this year, but expect some great series' from a 1st round rematch as the Indiana Ice and Cedar Rapids Roughriders as both teams will be facing off for the 2nd straight year.

Also the Tri-City Storm will be looking to use their momentum who won the last 3 against the Lincoln Stars, Des Moines Buccaneers and Sioux Falls Stampede to hold off a hard charging Sioux City Musketeers team in the final weekend of the season. Even though the Storm are the #4 Seed, the Storm do have the league's scoring champion in Jaden Schwartz who had 83 points (33G 50A) during the regular season.

Fargo may have some problems looking to get back to the Clark Cup Championship as the Force are ending the regular season as the Force have lost 4 in a row and some reports of some internal fighting within the team may be distracting them. Sioux Falls may have a great shot as the Stampede are going into the playoffs by getting points in 6 of their final 7 (5-1-1). The Stampede almost took over the Force in the last couple of days of the season to take over home ice in the opening round of the playoffs. Expect this series to be the best of 4 Divisional Semifinal Series'.


Here's a look at the 1st Round Series' which all begin on Wednesday Night.


East Division Semifinals


#1 Green Bay Gamblers VS. #4 Waterloo Blackhawks

Green Bay Gamblers Regular Season Record: 45-10-5 95 PTS, 212 GF 140 GA

Green Bay Scoring Leaders
Anders Lee 59 GP 66 PTS (35G 31A)
Reed Seckel 54 GP 58 PTS (24G 34A)
Ryan Furne 60 GP 45 PTS (19G 26A)


Green Bay Goaltending
Steve Summerhays 39 GP 31-2-3 2.17 GAA .914 SV%
Ryan Mckay 24 GP 14-8-2 2.20 GAA .909 SV%


Waterloo Blackhawks Regular Season Record: 31-27-2 64 PTS, 227 GF 221 GA


Waterloo Scoring Leaders
J.T. Brown 60 GP 77 PTS (34G 43A)
Brock Montpetit 55 GP 69 PTS (28G 41A)
Tyler Barnes 60 GP 68 PTS (35G 33A)

Waterloo Goaltending
C.J. Motte 42 GP 21-15-0 3.28 GAA .897 SV%
Willie Yanakeff 22 GP 10-9-0 3.31 GAA .880 SV%


All Green Bay Gamblers Home Games are @ Green Bay Resech Center

All Waterloo Blackhawks Home Games are @ Waterloo Young Arena


Game 1, 4/7: @ Green Bay 7:05 PM

Game 2, 4/9: @ Green Bay 7:05 PM

Game 3, 4/10: @ Waterloo 7:05 PM

Game 4, 4/12: @ Waterloo 7:05 PM*

Game 5, 4/14: @ Green Bay 7:05 PM*

*If Necessary



#2 Cedar Rapids Roughriders VS. #3 Indiana Ice

Cedar Rapids Roughriders Regular Season Record: 38-19-3 79 PTS, 214 GF 154 GA

Cedar Rapids Scoring Leaders
Zach Lehrke 58 GP 58 PTS (25G 33A)
Bryce Aneloski 60 GP 54 PTS (15G 39A)
Jeff Costello 54 GP 48 PTS (29G 19A)

Cedar Rapids Goaltending
Troy Grosenick 44 GP 26-14-2 2.63 GAA .902 SV%
Cody Campbell 29 GP 17-8-1 2.40 GAA .905 SV%


Indiana Ice Regular Season Record: 33-24-3 69 PTS, 199 GF 187 GA

Indiana Scoring Leaders
Bryon Paulazzo 59 GP 54 PTS (21G 33A)
Max Cook 57 GP 49 PTS (23G 26A)
Antti Roppo 59 GP 45 PTS (27G 18A)


Indiana Goaltending
Cab Morris 38 GP 21-13-2 2.57 GAA .913 SV%
Casey Desmith 27 GP 11-11-1 3.18 GAA .897 SV%

All Cedar Rapids Roughriders Home Games are @ Cedar Rapids Ice Arena

All Indiana Ice Home Games are @ Pan American Plaza

Game 1, 4/7: @ Cedar Rapids 7:05 PM

Game 2, 4/9: @ Cedar Rapids 7:05 PM

Game 3, 4/10: @ Indiana 6:05 PM

Game 4, 4/12: @ Indiana 6:05 PM*

Game 5, 4/14: @ Cedar Rapids 7:05 PM*

*If Necessary



West Division Semifinals

#1 Omaha Lancers VS. #4 Tri-City Storm

Omaha Lancers Regular Season Record: 42-12-6 90 PTS, 238 GF 146 GA

Omaha Scoring Leaders
Matt White 57 GP 82 PTS (35G 47A)
Erik Haula 56 GP 72 PTS (28G 44A)
Dakota Eveland 59 GP 59 PTS (20G 39A)

Omaha Goaltending
Jeff Teglia 45 GP 30-10-5 2.27 GAA .921 SV%
John Keeney 13 GP 8-1-1 1.98 GAA .916 SV%


Tri-City Storm Regular Season Record: 29-25-6 64 PTS, 172 GF 189 GA

Tri-City Scoring Leaders
Jaden Schwartz 60 GP 83 PTS (33G 50A)
Brett Mohler 60 GP 45 PTS (13G 32A)
Radoslav Illo 50 GP 43 PTS (24G 19A)


Tri-City Goaltending
Carsen Chubak 50 GP 21-19-6 2.98 GAA .903 SV%
Steven Bolton 20 GP 8-6-0 3.10 GAA .899 SV%


All Omaha Lancers Home Games are @ Omaha Civic Center

All Tri-City Storm Home Games are @ Viaero Event Center

Game 1, 4/7: @ Omaha 7:05 PM

Game 2, 4/9: @ Tri-City 7:05 PM

Game 3, 4/10: @ Omaha 7:05 PM

Game 4, 4/12: @ Tri-City 7:05 PM*

Game 5, 4/14: @ Omaha 7:05 PM*

*If Necessary


#2 Fargo Force VS. #3 Sioux Falls Stampede

Fargo Force Regular Season Record: 37-17-6 80 PTS, 227 GF 214 GA


Fargo Scoring Leaders
Matt Leitner 54 GP 66 PTS (25G 41A)
Corey Leivermann 59 GP 55 PTS (20G 35A)
Nate Condon 60 GP 51 PTS (23G 28A)

Fargo Goaltending
Ryan Massa 33 GP 19-7-2 3.18 GAA .896 SV%
Dayn Belfour 19 GP 8-3-4 3.41 GAA .881 SV%


Sioux Falls Stampede Regular Season Record: 33-15-12 78 PTS, 223 GF 182 GA


Sioux Falls Scoring Leaders
Michael Voran 60 GP 74 PTS (23G 51A)
Matt Lindblad 57 GP 70 PTS (24G 46A)
Mark Antoine 60 GP 52 PTS (27G 25A)

Sioux Falls Goaltending
Clay Witt 44 GP 24-12-7 2.66 GAA .906 SV%
Lino Chimienti 19 GP 8-3-5 3.10 GAA .879 SV%


All Fargo Force Home Games are @ Urban Plains Center

All Sioux Falls Stampede Home Games are @ Sioux Falls Arena

Game 1, 4/7: @ Sioux Falls 7:05 PM

Game 2, 4/9: @ Fargo 7:35 PM

Game 3, 4/10: @ Fargo 7:05 PM

Game 4, 4/13: @ Sioux Falls 7:05 PM*

Game 5, 4/14: @ Fargo 7:05 PM*

*If Necessary

U.S.A. Junior Scores and Playoff Updates

Here's a look at the final weekend of the USHL Regular Season, and the opening weekend of the North American Hockey League Playoffs.

The United States Hockey League Regular Season came to an end last night and the main battle was for the 4th and Final Spot in the West Division. Going into the final weekend, Tri-City was a point ahead of the surging Sioux Falls Stampede as both teams went 2-0 on the final weekend, but since the Storm were able to win out, Tri-City has edged out the Sioux City Musketeers for the league's final playoff spot.

Tri-City knocked off Des Moines in a 1-0 grind it out win, then on Saturday it was a 5-2 win over Sioux Falls who was getting ready to play the Fargo Force in the Division Semifinals.

Sioux City used an offensive explosion over the final weekend outscoring both the Waterloo Blackhawks and the Lincoln Stars by a combined score of 17-5 in the two games. But since Tri-City won out, the Musketeers were edged out by a single point 64 to 63 in the standings. Tri-City has earned a tough opponent as they get an interstate matchup against the Omaha Lancers in the West Division Semifinals, while the Fargo Force who finished 2nd will get the Sioux Falls Stampede.

As the East Division was already set in stone as the Green Bay Gamblers will get the Waterloo Blackhawks while Cedar Rapids & Indiana will face off in the East Division Semifinals for the 2nd straight year. Last year Indiana bet the Roughriders in 5 games in route to the USHL Clark Cup Championship where they went on to beat the Green Bay Gamblers in the Division Final and the Fargo Force for the League Championship.

While the West Division schedule is being worked out, the East Division Semifinals will get underway on Wednesday Night with both series' getting underway that night. Can Indiana pull off another upset and win the title as a #3 seed again this year? If not, who can knock them off, if last year was any indication, it went the distance as the series went the full 5 games and it was very close throughout.

The NAHL had the opening weekend of the playoffs with some interesting results and a few surprises so far. The biggest so far were the Motor City Metal Jackets & Texas Tornado as both teams won both games on the road and are one win away from pulling off big upsets.

Among the teams that looked the most impressive were the Traverse City North Stars who were expecting a tough series against Janesville just smoked them with a 4 goal 2nd period that blew away the Jets in a 7-1 win. Then the next night saw Janesville just locked out of all aspects of the game, in addition to getting out-shot 37-18, the North Stars got 2 first period goals from Garrett Thompson and never looked back as the team won 4-0.

In all just 2 series' ended the weekend tied at 1-1 as the Owatonna Express VS. Alexandria Blizzard as both games ended in one goal results, including a 7-6 OT Win for Owatonna in Game 1. The South Division saw the Topeka Roadrunners comeback after losing 4-1 in Game 1, Topeka where the 7 goals come from 7 different players in a 7-2 win in Game 2 to tie the series.

A majority of the series will continue on April 9 for games 3-5 for most series as the 1st Round Winners are known and we will get an idea who will play for the Division Championships and advance to this year's NAHL Robertson Cup Championship in Wenatchee, Washington.


Here's this weekends Scores, Look for the Texas Tornado Game Stories and Boxscores up soon.

United States Hockey League


4/2

Cedar Rapids Roughriders 1 Youngstown Phantoms 4 (1-1, 0-3, 0-0)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1049175

Waterloo Blackhawks 2 Sioux City Musketeers 7 (1-2, 1-5, 0-0)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1049169

Indiana Ice 1 Green Bay Gamblers 4 (1-1, 0-1, 0-2)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1049170

USNTDP 0 Omaha Lancers 3 (0-1, 0-1, 0-1)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1049171

Lincoln Stars 2 Sioux Falls Stampede 4 (0-0, 2-2, 0-2)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1049172

Des Moines Buccaneers 0 Tri-City Storm 1 (0-1, 0-0, 0-0)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1049173

Fargo Force 4 Chicago Steel 6 (2-0, 1-3, 1-3)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1049174


USHL Friday Wrap Up: www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=3159


4/3

Cedar Rapids Roughriders 4 Youngstown Phantoms 1 (0-0, 3-1, 1-0)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1049182

Lincoln Stars 3 Sioux City Musketeers 10 (2-3, 1-2, 0-5)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1049176

Fargo Force 1 Green Bay Gamblers 5 (0-0, 1-1, 0-4)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1049177

Des Moines Buccaneers 4 Omaha Lancers 5 (2-2, 1-2, 1-1)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1049178

Sioux Falls Stampede 2 Tri-City Storm 5 (0-3, 1-1, 1-1)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1049179

USNTDP 1 Waterloo Blackhawks 7 (0-3, 0-2, 1-2)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1049180

Indiana Ice 3 Chicago Steel 2 (1-0, 2-0, 0-2)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1049181


USHL Saturday Wrap Up: www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=3160


USHL Division Semifinal Series' (All Series' are best of 5)

East Division

#1 Green Bay Gamblers VS. #4 Waterloo Blackhawks

#2 Cedar Rapids Roughriders VS. #3 Indiana Ice


West Division

#1 Omaha Lancers VS. #4 Tri-City Storm

#2 Fargo Force VS. #3 Sioux Falls Stampede


North American Hockey League Playoffs


4/2

Janesville Jets 1 Traverse City North Stars 7 (1-1, 0-4, 0-2)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249681

Motor City Metal Jackets 5 Marquette Rangers 2 (2-1, 2-0, 1-1)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249676

Alexandria Blizzard 6 Owatonna Express 7 (OT) (2-3, 2-2, 2-1, 0-1)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249671

Springfield Jr. Blues 4 Topeka Roadrunners 1 (1-0, 1-1, 2-0)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249686

Texas Tornado 3 St. Louis Bandits 2 (1-2, 2-0, 0-0)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249691

Albert Lea Thunder 2 Bismarck Bobcats 4 (2-1, 0-1, 0-2)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249666

Kenai River Brown Bears 2 Wenatchee Wild 5 (0-2, 1-1, 1-2)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249696

Fairbanks Ice Dogs 2 Alaska Avalanche 1 (OT) (0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 1-0)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249701


4/3

Janesville Jets 0 Traverse City North Stars 4 (0-2, 0-0, 0-2)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249682

Motor City Metal Jackets 2 Marquette Rangers 1 (0-0, 0-1, 2-0)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249677

Alexandria Blizzard 3 Owatonna Express 2 (1-0, 1-2, 1-0)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249672

Springfield Jr. Blues 2 Topeka Roadrunners 7 (1-3, 1-3, 0-1)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249687

Texas Tornado 3 St. Louis Bandits 2 (0-0, 2-0, 1-1)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249692

Albert Lea Thunder 2 Bismarck Bobcats 8 (1-2, 0-4, 1-2)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249667

Kenai River Brown Bears 2 Wenatchee Wild 5 (1-1, 1-2, 0-2)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249697

Fairbanks Ice Dogs 6 Alaska Avalanche 4 (1-0, 4-1, 1-3)
http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1249702


Here's a look at the Series' update as all 8 of the matchups have played 2 games.


Central Division

#1 Bismarck Bobcats VS. #4 Albert Lea Thunder: Bismarck Leads Series 2-0

#2 Owatonna Express VS. #3 Alexandria Blizzard: Series tied 1-1


North Division

#1 Marquette Rangers VS. #4 Motor City Metal Jackets: Motor City Leads Series 2-0

#2 Traverse City North Stars VS. #3 Janesville Jets: Traverse City Leads Series 2-0


South Division

#1 Topeka Roadrunners VS. #4 Springfield Jr. Blues: Series Tied 1-1

#2 St. Louis Bandits VS. #3 Texas Tornado: Texas Leads Series 2-0


West Division

#1 Wenatchee Wild VS. #4 Kenai River Brown Bears: Wenatchee Leads Series 2-0

#2 Alaska Avalanche VS. #3 Fairbanks Ice Dogs: Fairbanks Leads Series 2-0