Mr. Hobbs Goes To The Net

We call him the forgotten prospect as New York Ranger 2007 7th round pick Danny Hobbs has not really done enough at UMass/Amherst to merit serious consideration as an NHL prospect. When the Rangers selected Hobbs, Gordie Clark said at the time that "Hobbs played up to the level of competition".

Sadly that has not happened in the 3 seasons that Hobbs has been at UMass so it was a nice surprise to see Hobbs earn himself a first star in leading UMass/Amherst to a 5-2 win over rival UMass/Lowell on Saturday afternoon.

Hobbs had 2 goals in the win as UMass/Amherst extended their unbeaten streak to 4 games to improve on the season to 3-6-3. Earth shattering no but this is about being fair to someone who realistically is not going to make the Rangers but still tries.

Ryan Bourque also had 2 goals on Saturday as the hottest Ranger prospect continued his torrid streak. His story along with the rest of the Ranger prospect report is right here.

The New York Islander report highlights begin and end with Nino Niederreiter (2010 1st) as "El Nino" had a goal and assist in a losing effort as his Portland Winterhawks lost to the Spokane Chiefs 4-3.

It is something about playing the Spokane Chiefs that creates a hump that the Winterhawks have trouble overcoming. For the 2nd straight meeting, the Winterhawks lost to the Chiefs by digging themselves a hole they could not come out of.

The other 7 Islander prospects who were dress for Saturday night combined for a total of 1 assist which makes the Islander report really easy to write and found here.

(Images: Danny Hobbs/Dennis Pause, Nino Niederreiter/Portland Winterhawks)