Johnny on the Spot
March 6, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
St. John's IceCaps News Release
John Albert was the hero in overtime as the St. John's IceCaps picked up an important two points over the visiting Albany Devils with a 2-1 win at Mile One Centre on Friday night.
Chase Balisy scored his 15th goal of the season to open the scoring and the Devils' Stefan Matteau replied for Albany. Connor Hellebuyck didn't have his busiest night between the pipes but still earned the win with 28 saves.
Albert and rookie Scott Kosmachuk broke in on a two-on-one in the first two minutes of the extra frame to set up the game-winner.
Kosmachuk carried the puck into the zone and fired a quick shot toward Devils starter Scott Clemmensen. Before the goaltender was able to smother the puck, Albert attacked the net with speed and swatted the puck along the ice and into the net just 1:42 into overtime.
The IceCaps earned just one power play opportunity in the game but they made the most of it in the opening frame. Brenden Kichton gained control of a rebound in the slot and instead of firing the puck on net, slid a perfect tape-to-tape pass to a waiting Balisy, who tapped it in at 7:08.
After a scoreless second period, the Devils finally struck back in the third. Will O'Neill had a shot attempt bounce off his stick and Albany's Matteau was able to pick up the loose puck and cut in alone on Hellebuyck before firing a perfect shot low to the blocker side to tie the game just 1:29 into the third.
The teams traded chances throughout the remainder of the third period, but neither team was able to capitalize.
The IceCaps and Devils square off again Saturday night at Mile One (7:30 p.m. NST). Tickets are available at the Mile One Centre Box Office, by phone at 576-7657 or online at www.mileonecentre.com. Catch all the action with broadcaster Brian Rogers at www.stjohnsicecaps.com, 930AM, Rogers TV and www.ahllive.com.
Notes | Not dressed: Eric O'Dell, Kyle MacKinnon, Ben Walker, Ben Walker, Ryan Parent, Patrick Holland... Eric O'Dell was recalled by the parent Winnipeg Jets prior to the game... St. John's went 1-for-1 on the power play and did not allow a power play opportunity against... St. John's was outshot 29-23... John Albert extended his point streak to six games and has collected three goals and four assists in that span... Molson Canadian Three Stars: 1. John Albert 2. Brenden Kichton 3. Stefan Matteau... IceCaps Hardest Working Player: Julien Brouillette.
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