By PATRICK KING
sportsnet.ca
Taylor Hall took over the OHL's scoring race as he continued terrorizing goaltenders last week. The Spitfires forward is making his case for the first overall draft position in this summer's National Hockey League draft. Meanwhile, Tigres goaltender Kevin Poulin continues enjoying his renaissance season in Victoriaville.
Québec Major Junior Hockey League
Hot team: Saint John Sea Dogs
The Sea Dogs took care of their Atlantic Division rivals with three wins, beating Halifax once and Acadie-Bathurst twice. Saint John extended their winning streak to five games and is seeing solid contributions from every line. First overall import draft pick, Stanislav Galiev, is becoming a regular contributor, as he assisted on four goals in a win over the Titan.
Hot player: Kevin Poulin, Victoriaville Tigres
The veteran goaltender is having a bounce-back campaign after injuries derailed his third season a year ago. Poulin was nearly unbeatable through two games against Lewiston and Baie-Comeau, stopping 49 of 50 shots for a .980 save percentage. The Tigres outscored the competition 15-1 last week.
Cold team: Halifax Mooseheads
The losses continued to mount for the rebuilding Mooseheads, who have yet to win since Oct. 3 in a 6-1 rout over Val-d'Or. Halifax has lost their last nine consecutive games, acquiring just one point in a shootout loss over that stretch in a loss to Rouyn-Noranda on Oct. 9. Halifax has a dismal 1-15-0-1 record this season.
Cold player: Gabriel Bourque, Baie-Comeau Drakkar
Although the Drakkar captain can hardly take the blame for his team's inconsistent week, he was one of many struggling players in Baie-Comeau. Bourque had two assists but was a minus-3 on the week. The veteran forward could become a hot commodity on the trade market if his team's struggles continue.
Game of the week: Québec Remparts vs. Moncton Wildcats, Thursday
It's a rematch of the 2006 Memorial Cup final where the Remparts avenged their league championship series loss to the Wildcats, taking the coveted Memorial Cup in Moncton. Both teams are contenders for the league crown once again this season. The Wildcats trail the Sea Dogs by three points in the Atlantic Division standings while the Remparts hold a six-point lead in the Telus Eastern Division standings.
Ontario Hockey League
Hot team: Windsor Spitfires
The defending Memorial Cup champions are beginning to hit full stride. Windsor increased their winning streak to six straight, outscoring the opposition by a combined 19-7 margin. The Spitfires saw their offensive depth increase last week with the addition of Toronto Maple Leafs second round pick, Kenny Ryan, who registered three assists in his first three games.
Hot player: Taylor Hall, Windsor Spitfires
Hall overtook Plymouth forward Tyler Seguin for the league point-race with a red-hot performance. In three games, Hall scored six goals and four assists for 10 points with a plus-7 rating. The Spitfires forward, and potential first overall pick in this summer's NHL draft, is averaging more than two points per game this season.
Cold team: Owen Sound Attack
It has been a disappointing start for the Attack this season. Owen Sound appeared poised for a big season but has had difficulty defensively as they were outscored 17-9 through three losses. Newly acquired defenceman Jesse Blacker scored once in three games but was a minus-7. Owen Sound is quickly falling out of contention in the Western Conference.
Cold player: Steven Shipley, Owen Sound Attack
The sophomore forward had three assists but was a minus-9 through three games last week. Shipley will be counted on to produce more offensively with the loss of Joey Hishon due to injury. The third overall pick in the 2008 OHL priority selection, Shipley could help raise his draft stock if he can step up in Hishon's absence.
Game of the week: Barrie Colts vs. Guelph Storm, Friday
It's the second and final meeting between the Colts and Storm this season. Barrie won the first game in a highly-entertaining offensive showcase by a 6-4 final. The Colts begin the week a point behind the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors in the Central Division while the Storm is just four points back of Kitchener in the Midwest Division. Both teams appear poised for big seasons and will need to perform well against non-conference opponents to gain ground in their respective races.
Western Hockey League
Hot team: Tri-City Americans
The Americans have hardly missed a beat despite major changes in the off-season. Tri-City has reeled off nine consecutive wins and is tied with Portland atop the U.S. Division standings. The most impressive aspect of their winning streak is the teams they're beating with wins over Brandon, Kelowna and Spokane last week.
Hot player: Brandon Kozun, Calgary Hitmen
The veteran forward took over the scoring lead with an impressive week. Kozun scored three times and added six assists for nine points in four games. He was a plus-4 and scored two game-winners in wins over Red Deer and Edmonton. Kozun's 27 points this season is three more than the rest of the pack, which includes Regina forward Jordan Eberle.
Cold team: Kamloops Blazers
Home ice will be a welcome sign for the Kamloops Blazers this week after they won just one of their six games on their East Division road swing. Kamloops lost all five of their final games of the trip after beating Regina in their first outing. The team's scoring dried up on the road swing and will need more from some of their veterans to remain in contention.
Cold player: Darcy Kuemper, Red Deer Rebels
The second-year starter had a rough week, allowing five goals on 20 shots in each loss to Calgary and Medicine Hat. Kuemper was red-hot the previous week but failed to last past the second period in both outings this week. The Rebels will need more consistency from their goaltender as they remain in the middle of the pack in the Central Division.
Game of the week: Brandon Wheat Kings vs. Spokane Chiefs, Wednesday
The Memorial Cup host Brandon Wheat Kings haven't gotten off to the start many thought they would this season. Although the wins have been hard to come by, the Wheat Kings will need a big effort as they conclude their U.S. Division road swing. The Chiefs have a solid nucleus but like their counterparts, there is still room for improvement. Since these two teams meet just once this season, they would like to send a message should they meet again in the league championship series.
