Commesso preps for WJCs; A 3-Dog Night in Anaheim

Drew Commesso and his U.S. Junior National Team teammates are in Alberta preparing for the 2022 World Junior Championships that begin on Dec. 26. The sophomore goalie from Norwell, Mass., is expected to be the top goalie for the defending gold medalist Team  USA. A year ago, the U.S. claimed its fifth WJC gold medal in a 2-0 win over Canada behind goals from Trevor Zegras and Alex Turcotte and the goaltending of Spencer Knight.

The 2020 Blackhawks second-round draft pick told NHL.com's Mike Morreale:

"I remember last year I was getting my bags packed and got the call that I was in close contact and had to head into quarantine instead. It was one of the most devastating times of my life. But I knew that everything happens for a reason and there was a bigger plan for me.

"I've been looking forward to this chance since last season."

"I wouldn't say [being with the United States] is a great escape away from BU because I love BU," he added. "Over the last month we've been playing a lot of real good hockey, but things didn't go our way at the beginning of the season. Our coaches kept preaching that it'd get better but now I'm playing for Team USA and I'm not thinking about BU at all.

"I'm thinking about winning games for Team USA and making this team better."

● NHL.com Commesso appreciating second chance at WJCs

● PrimeSportsTalk.com Team USA preview

 

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1976-77 co-captains Rick Meagher and Mike Eruzione spearheaded a late comeback win the 1977 ECAC semifinal.

Looking back

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KELLER. THE OT WINNER!! pic.twitter.com/4okXhRxMdP

— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) December 18, 2021

 A trio of Terriers produced four goals in Friday's 6-5 Coyotes overtime win against Anaheim. Clayton Keller's second goal of the game--and ninth of the season--came at 2:09 of overtime. Trevor Zegras (8th goal) and Kevin Shattenkirk (6th) scored for the Ducks.

● Video highlights   

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Last game, Evan Rodrigues tallied one goal and two assists. He also tied his career-high in goals (9), set a new career-high in power-play goals (3), and reached the 20-point plateau for the third time in his career.

...And now he has yet another power-play goal. pic.twitter.com/HJ0ZTPgKqP

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 18, 2021

Evan Rodrigues continues to wield a hot stick, scoring his career-best 10th goal in the Penguins' 3-2 win against Buffalo. He took a team-high nine shots in the win and now has 23 points in 29 games.

Looking ahead

2022 recruit Ryan Greene (photo) scored a shorthanded goal and assisted on two others in Green Bay's 6-3 win against Muskegon on Friday. Greene, who centers the Gamblers' top line, has 17 points in 22 games. 2023 recruit Gavin McCarthy had two helpers for the Lumberjacks, while 2022 recruit Quinn Hutson added an assist. 

On Saturday, Hutson helped Muskegon gain a weekend split, scoring his 12th goal in 3-2 win over the Gamblers. The right wing who suited up with the NTDP U18s for two games last weekend and scoring the game-winner against the Terriers, has 27 points in 24 USHL games.

2022 recruit Lane Hutson, Quinn's younger brother, assisted on both NTDP U18 goals in a 3-2 loss to Youngstown. 2022 recruit Devin Kaplan also had an assist for Team USA. 

2022 recruit Charles-Alexis Legault scored a goal and added an assist in BCHL West Kelowna's 5-2 win against Penticton.