Falcons Weekly Notes
April 28, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Springfield, Mass. - The Springfield Falcons began their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series versus the Providence Bruins last week and won two of the first three games, now needing just one more victory to eliminate the Bruins and advance to the next round.
Tuesday's Game 4 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence is the first chance Springfield has to close out the best-of-five series. If necessary, Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday, May 3 at the MassMutual Center.
Playoff flex packs are available by calling a Falcons sale representative at (413) 739-GOAL (4625), and single-game tickets are on sale now at the MassMutual Center box office and online at Ticketmaster.com. Support the Falcons throughout the 2014 Calder Cup Playoffs by wearing red, white and blue at all home games.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Game 1:
Springfield 3, Providence 2 (OT)
Wednesday, April 23
Dunkin' Donuts Center
The Falcons defeated the Providence Bruins by the final score of 3-2 in overtime Wednesday night, taking a 1-0 series lead behind Andrew Joudrey's game-winning goal in the extra frame. Joudrey ripped a wrist shot from the right-wing circle past Bruins netminder Niklas Svedberg to give Springfield a 3-2 lead and the victory. Mike McKenna made 35 saves on 37 shots faced to earn the win in net for the Falcons.
Game 2:
Springfield 1, Providence 2 (OT)
Friday, April 25
MassMutual Center
The Bruins evened the series at one win apiece Friday, defeating the Falcons in overtime by the final score of 2-1. Matt Fraser scored the decisive goal 3:54 into the extra frame, sneaking a wrist shot by Springfield netminder Mike McKenna. Michael Chaput scored the Falcons' only goal of the game, finishing a feed from the point by defenseman Tim Erixon at 4:43 of the second period.
Game 3:
Springfield 3, Providence 2
Saturday, April 26
MassMutual Center
The Falcons took a 2-1 series lead, winning the pivotal Game 3 Saturday night by the final score of 3-2. Dana Tyrell's unassisted, shorthanded goal with 2:35 remaining in the third period proved to be the difference, holding up as the game-winner. Mike McKenna made 42 saves between the pipes for the Falcons, one shy of the team's postseason record, set by Manny Legace May 18, 1997 against the Hershey Bears. Carter Camper scored Springfield's first power-play goal of the series, beating his former teammate and Providence netminder Niklas Svedberg at 15:23 of the second period to even the score at 1-1.
WEEK AHEAD
Tuesday, April 29 - Game 4: Springfield at Providence, Dunkin' Donuts Center, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, May 3 - Game 5 (if necessary): Springfield vs. Providence, MassMutual Center, 7:00 p.m.
ONE WIN FROM ADVANCING
Leading the best-of-five series, two games to one, heading into Game 4, the Falcons need just one more victory to eliminate the Providence Bruins and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Springfield maintains home-ice advantage in the series, with a potential Game 5 scheduled for Saturday, May 3 at the MassMutual Center.
McKENNA STINGY BETWEEN THE POSTS
Springfield goaltender Mike McKenna has started each of the team's three playoff games so far, posting a 2-1 record with a 1.93 goals-against average. The St. Louis native has a save percentage of .949, turning away 111 of the 117 shots he has faced. McKenna made 42 saves in the Falcons' Game 3 victory Saturday, one stop shy of matching the franchise record for most saves in a single postseason game. The record was set almost 17 years ago by Manny Legace May 18, 1997 against the Hershey Bears.
SPECIAL TEAMS
After failing to score a power-play goal in six chances through the first two games of the series, the Falcons notched their first in Game 3 Saturday. Carter Camper picked up a rebound in front of the Providence net and slid the puck past Niklas Svedberg to even the score at 1-1 late in the second period. Camper excelled on the power play during the regular season, registering 12 points (one goal, 11 assists) on the man advantage in 19 games with Springfield. The Falcons have allowed two power-play tallies on 11 chances for Providence through the first three games of the series, with one of the two scores coming with the extra attacker on the ice for a 6-on-4 man advantage.
SHORTHANDED GAME-WINNER
Falcons forward Dana Tyrell scored an unassisted, shorthanded goal with only 2:35 remaining in regulation of Game 3, extending the team's lead to 3-1. The Bruins later pulled their goaltender in favor of the extra attacker combined with a power play and scored before the end of regulation, making it a one-goal game once again. Tyrell's crucial goal, the first postseason goal of his career, served as the game-winner and helped the Falcons grasp a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
PLAYOFF FLEX PACKS AVAILABLE
The "10-Flex Playoff Pack" allows fans to purchase 10 vouchers, which are redeemable at any home game during the postseason. Fans can begin reserving ticket packages to watch the Falcons compete in the postseason by calling (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or by visiting the team's front office at 45 Falcons Way in downtown Springfield during regular business hours, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Unused vouchers can be returned to the Falcons' front office until June 30 for a credit towards any 2014-15 ticket package.
PLAYOFF MERCHANDISE ON SALE NOW
The Falcons Nest Pro Shop is currently featuring playoff t-shirts and pucks. T-shirts are on sale for only $20 for adults and $16 for youths, while the limited-edition pucks are on sale for only $8. Pick up Springfield Falcons playoff merchandise by visiting the Falcons Nest Pro Shop, located inside the team office at 45 Falcons Way during normal business hours (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday) or by visiting the online store by clicking here.
POTENTIAL GAME 5 AT THE MASSMUTUAL CENTER
If necessary, the Falcons would host Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Saturday, May 3 at 7:00 p.m. at the MassMutual Center. Single-game tickets are on sale now at the MassMutual Center box office and online at Ticketmaster.com.
FALCONS NEST PRO SHOP
Fans can purchase their favorite team gear and apparel at the Falcons Nest Pro Shop, located inside the team office at 45 Falcons Way during normal business hours (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday) or online by clicking here. The shop is stocked with brand new merchandise for the 2013-14 season, including limited-edition apparel and novelty items featuring the new 20th anniversary logo. The Falcons Nest Pro Shop moves to the MassMutual Center concourse behind section 27 during all home games.
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