The Sound Tigers factor somehow remains in effect in the Calder Cup Final, but tonight was all about Michael Hutchinson, who sounded unconscious in the third period in the IceCaps’ series-evening, 2-1 win at Texas. Hutchinson stopped, by period, 16, 13 and 20 shots to limit the Stars to one. The St. John’s goals were by Kael Mouillierat and Blair Riley, so that’s four out of five Caps goals in two games scored by guys who’ve played in Bridgeport. They’ll play Wednesday in St. John’s, then take a four-day break (scheduling issues) before Games 4 and 5 next Monday and Tuesday.
The ECHL season is over: New Canaan’s Drew MacKenzie had a power-play goal in the second period to help Alaska to a series-clinching win tonight in Game 6 of the Kelly Cup Final. It’s the Aces’ second championship in four years (Brent Thompson coached them to a title in 2011) and their third in nine years. Among the other local ties: former Sound Tigers forward Tyler Mosienko, onetime Sound Tigers property Corey Syvret and former Quinnipiac defenseman Zach Davies. Cincinnati goalie Rob Madore was named playoff MVP.
A few interesting suggestions by the NHL’s competition committee, including changing ends and a dry scrape for regular-season overtime.
And a reunion in Croatia: Jason Krog and Darren Haydar join an assortment of locals in Zagreb.