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Falcons Game Preview: Springfield Vs. Connecticut, Game #29

December 29, 2012 - American Hockey League (AHL) - Springfield Falcons News Release


Springfield Falcons (16-7-2-3) vs. Connecticut Whale (12-16-2-0)

Saturday, December 29, 2012

7:00 p.m.

MassMutual Center

TICKETS: (413) 739-GOAL/MassMutual Center Box Office/Ticketmaster.com

RADIO: WHYN NewsTalk 560 AM/WHYN.com

WEBCAST: AHLLive.com/BlueJackets.com (Free Stream)

IN JUST A FEW HOURS...

The Springfield Falcons host the rival Connecticut Whale at the MassMutual Center, with the opening face-off set for 7:00 p.m. Springfield dropped the opening contest of a four-game home stand on Thursday night, scoring two late goals and hitting the crossbar in the contest's final moments before falling to the Albany Devils, 4-3. The Falcons lead the Bridgeport Sound Tigers by four points for first place in the Northeast Division entering Saturday's action. Springfield is five points back of the Syracuse Crunch for the Eastern Conference's top spot.

Tonight's game is presented by Roncari Express Valet Parking at Bradley Airport (RoncariValet.com). Fans can also win a free bicycle courtesy of Gus Coelho Auto Repair at 442 Holyoke St. in Ludlow as part of "Cycle Saturday" at the MassMutual Center (GusAutoRepair.net).

On Sunday, the Falcons will hold a white sock drive at the MassMutual Center to benefit Friends of the Homeless when they play host to the Admirals at 5:00 p.m. Springfield will attempt to sweep the season series against Norfolk, having won each of the first three meetings.

Fans are asked to bring new and packaged white socks to this event to donate to the male guests of Friends of the Homeless, the largest adult emergency shelter in Western Mass. Friends of the Homeless will accept the donations at a table in the concourse behind section 1 during the game. Started in 1988, Friends of the Homeless provides shelter for approximately 1,200 non-violent people annually and works to find permanent housing solutions for its guests. For more information visit FOHSpringfield.org.

Single-game tickets to see the Falcons in 2012-2013 can be purchased at the MassMutual Center Box Office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. through game time on Saturday home dates, and starting four hours prior to Sunday home contests. Fans can also purchase tickets by logging onto Ticketmaster.com. For information about discounted group packages to Falcons home games, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625).

RIVALRY RENEWED

The Falcons and the Whale will battle tonight for the fifth of 12 times in 2012-2013. Springfield is 3-1-0-0 against Connecticut this season and earned a 5-0 win in the last meeting at the XL Center on Dec. 2. The Falcons have outscored the Whale 19-5 this year, also posting a 10-2 victory in Connecticut on Nov. 4 while shutting out the Whale at home on Nov. 9, 2-0.

SEARCHING FOR POWER

Springfield scored power-play goals in 18 of its first 22 games, but has just one conversion in its last six contests. The Falcons are 1/30 on the man advantage during this stretch and have gone 19-consecutive power plays without a goal. Springfield's power play has dipped from 21.9% to 18.1% over the last six games.

FIVE IN A ROW

Since defeating Norfolk at the MassMutual Center on Nov. 11, the Falcons have dropped five-consecutive home games, going 0-3-1-1 during this stretch. Springfield has had limited opportunities to develop a rhythm on home ice as of late, with just five of its last 17 games taking place at The Nest. The Falcons' record has fallen from 6-1-0-2 to 6-4-1-3 at the MassMutual Center since their last home victory.

KEEPING IT CLOSE

Springfield has lost just two games this season by more than a goal, with both defeats coming to the Providence Bruins (3-1, Oct. 20, 6-3, Dec. 14). The Falcons have had difficulties in one-goal games, with a 5-5-2-3 record in contests determined by one score.

EVERYBODY'S WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND

The Falcons are 16-4-2-3 in Friday, Saturday, and Sunday games but are 0-3-0-0 in contests played midweek.

OBEYING THE LAW

Springfield is the only team in the AHL without a 10-minute misconduct and is one of just five clubs without a game misconduct.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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