Loke Johansson
The QMJHL semi-finals commenced on Thursday, with the Moncton Wildcats hosting the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. The Wildcats secured a 5-3 victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series despite being outshot 39-24. Moncton’s strong goaltending performance was pivotal to their win. Johansson contributed significantly, scoring his first goal of the playoffs to give Moncton a 3-2 lead early in the third period—a lead they would not relinquish. He concluded the game with a plus-2 rating, one shot on goal, one hit, and two blocked shots. Over the course of 10 playoff games, Johansson has amassed one goal and five assists. For those keeping track of Caleb Desnoyers also delivered a noteworthy performance, recording both a goal and an assist.
Game two of the series occurred on Friday in Moncton, where the Wildcats secured a 2-1 victory to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. The Huskies opened the scoring with 1:09 remaining in the second period, but Moncton responded with two decisive goals within a span of 40 seconds during the first six minutes of the third period, ultimately claiming the win. Johansson did not contribute offensively in this matchup but recorded two shots on goal, two hits, and two blocked shots. For those tracking Desnoyers’ performance, he also remained off the scoresheet. The series now moves to Rouyn-Noranda for games three and four, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Kristian Kostadinski, Jonathan Morello, Cole Spicer
After dropping the opening game of the best-of-five second-round series against the Madison Capitols, the Dubuque Fighting Saints responded with resilience, securing victories in the next two games. This included a 4-2 win on Monday night, giving Dubuque a 2-1 series advantage. Trailing 2-0 early in the second period, the Fighting Saints quickly regained momentum, scoring their first goal just 1:20 after Madison’s second tally. A pivotal moment came three and a half minutes later when Morello netted his first USHL playoff goal to tie the game. In the third period, Cole Spicer delivered two crucial assists: one on the game-winning goal and another on an empty-net goal that solidified the win. Kostadinski maintained an even plus/minus rating and registered two shots on goal, while Morello achieved a plus-1 rating with three shots on goal. Spicer finished with a plus-2 rating, though he did not record any shots on goal.
Dubuque secured a commanding 6-1 victory over Madison in Game Four, clinching the series with a 3-1 record. After dropping the opening game, Dubuque dominated Madison, outscoring them 16-4 across the final 3 games. This victory propels Dubuque into the Eastern Conference Finals. Spicer contributed a goal on two shots and finished with a plus-1 rating, while Morello provided the assist on the game-winning goal, registered one shot on net, and also achieved a plus-1 rating. Kostadinski, though he didn’t record any points, displayed defensive strength with a plus-2 rating. Spicer’s consistent efforts throughout the series place him second on the team’s scoring leaderboard, with two goals and five points.
Game one of the Eastern Conference Finals was held on Friday night, featuring a matchup between Dubuque and the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Muskegon emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, securing a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. For Dubuque, Kostadinski, Morello, and Spicer were held without points in the game. Each recorded one shot on goal and concluded the contest with an even plus/minus rating.
Game two of the series took place on Saturday night, with Muskegon securing a decisive 7-4 victory to establish a commanding 2-0 lead. Both wins were achieved on the road in Dubuque. Kostadinski contributed an assist but did not register a shot on goal and concluded the game with a minus-1 rating. Morello recorded a goal and two shots on net, also finishing with a minus-1 rating. Spicer was not in the lineup for this matchup. Dubuque opened the scoring before the midway point of the first period. However, Muskegon responded with six consecutive goals, entering the second intermission with a dominant 6-1 advantage. Dubuque made an effort to rally in the third period, scoring three goals before the halfway mark, but they were unable to close the gap further. Muskegon sealed the win with an empty-net goal. The best-of-five series now moves to Muskegon on Tuesday for game three. If required, game four will take place on Wednesday.
Providence Bruins
The AHL playoffs commenced on Thursday, featuring the third-seed Providence Bruins facing off against the sixth-seed Springfield Thunderbirds. Providence encountered challenges early in the game, as turnovers in the opening period proved costly. Additionally, AHL Goaltender of the Year Michael DiPietro conceded a goal that he would undoubtedly want back. Springfield capitalized on these opportunities, taking a 2-0 lead into the first intermission. Providence managed to narrow the deficit early in the second period when Oliver Wahlstrom scored at the 3:44 mark, assisted by Fabian Lysell and Riley Tufte. Despite this momentum, it was not enough, as Springfield secured a 2-1 victory in the opening game of the best-of-three series. Providence demonstrated tremendous effort, dominating the final two periods with a 30-9 shot advantage. However, they were unable to find the equalizer.
Game two of the series unfolded on Friday, with Providence securing a 1-0 overtime victory and forcing a decisive game on Sunday. Both teams recorded 24 shots on goal during regulation, but Providence capitalized in the extra frame with a single shot to clinch the win just 1:14 into overtime. The game-winning play began with Michael Callahan delivering a pass to Tufte, who fired a shot from the slot. The rebound landed with Vinni Lettieri, who executed a backhand finish to seal the victory. DiPietro delivered an impressive performance in net, earning the shutout. Notably, Ty Gallagher made his series debut, replacing Mason Millman after sitting out game one.
The decisive third game of the series took place on Sunday in Providence, where the home team secured a 5-1 victory to claim the series 2-1. Despite the final score line, the game was fiercely contested through the first two periods. Springfield struck early, taking a 1-0 lead just 4:01 into the game on a goal that DiPietro might wish he could have back. However, less than three minutes into the second period, Matt Poitras equalized with his first professional playoff goal on the power play, with assists from Dans Locmelis and Ian Mitchell. By the end of the second period, Providence held a slight edge in shots, 19-13. The Bruins dominated the third period, outshooting Springfield 20-3 and adding four goals to their tally. Mitchell started the scoring surge, followed by a pair of goals from Riley Tufte, and another from Poitras to seal the win. Providence’s commanding third-period performance ensured their progression in the series.
Providence will now face the Charlotte Checkers in a best of five second round series. Games one and two are in Providence Friday and Sunday. The final three games will be in Charlotte with game 3 on Wednesday May 7 and games four and five, if necessary, on Friday May 9 and Sunday May 11.
Coming up this week:
Dom - Hockey 