Falcons Weekly Notes
March 17, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Springfield, Mass. - The Springfield Falcons (38-18-1-5) earned all four possible points last week, defeating the division-rival Albany Devils Friday night and the Providence Bruins Saturday night.
Through 62 games, the Falcons currently rank second in the Eastern Conference in wins (38), point total (82) and points percentage (.661), and remain atop the Northeast Division, leading the second-place Devils by eight points.
The Falcons play three games in three days this weekend, beginning with a Friday-night road tilt versus the Worcester Sharks. The team then hosts back-to-back home games at the MassMutual Center, Saturday versus the Manchester Monarchs and Sunday versus the St. John's IceCaps.
Single-game tickets throughout the 2013-14 season can be purchased at the MassMutual Center box office from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to game time on Saturday home dates, and four hours prior to any Sunday home contests. Fans can also purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com. For information about discounted group packages, call a Falcons' sales representative at (413) 739-GOAL (4625).
WEEK IN REVIEW
Springfield 6, Albany 4
Friday, March 14
MassMutual Center
The Falcons defeated the Albany Devils by the final score of 6-4 Friday night, netting four unanswered goals in the third period to dissolve a two-goal deficit and come away with the win. Patrick McNeill, Trent Vogelhuber, Jean-Francois Jacques and Ryan Craig each found the back of the net in the final frame. Jacques scored twice in the contest and his third-period tally served as the game-winner, his team-leading fifth of the season.
Springfield 4, Providence 2
Saturday, March 15
MassMutual Center
The Falcons won their fourth straight game Saturday, beating the Providence Bruins by the final score of 4-2. Newly-acquired forward Dana Tyrell notched the game-winning goal at 4:34 of the third period, his second goal and fourth point in a Springfield uniform. Captain Ryan Craig extended his current point streak to seven games with an insurance goal late in the third period. Craig has nine points (six goals, three assists) over that span. Springfield goaltender Mike McKenna made 31 saves on 33 shots en route to his team-leading 19th victory of the season.
WEEK AHEAD
Friday, March 21 - Springfield at Worcester, DCU Center, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 22 - Springfield vs. Manchester, MassMutual Center, 7:00 p.m.
Appearance by Olympic Gold Medalist Heather O'Reilly, presented by MassMutual Center
Sunday, March 23 - Springfield vs. St. John's, MassMutual Center, 3:00 p.m.
Post-Game Skate
OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION
Over the team's current four-game winning streak, the Falcons have scored 24 goals including a season-high nine in a victory over the Portland Pirates Sunday, March 9. Springfield has scored a goal in each of the 12 periods over the four-game span, while getting increased production from forwards Ryan Craig, Sean Collins and Michael Chaput. Craig has notched five points (three goals, two assists) and a +2 rating in the team's last four games, while Chaput and Collins have each registered six points (two goals, four assists). Collins has netted a +5 rating over that span, while Chaput has posted a +2.
POWER PLAY PRODUCTION
The Falcons have scored seven power-play goals in their last three games, including a season-best stretch of seven consecutive conversions with the man advantage. Springfield now holds the 13th best power play in the AHL this season, converting at a 17.8-percent rate.
ATOP THE NORTHEAST DIVISION
At 38-18-1-5, the Falcons lead the Northeast Division by eight points over the second-place Albany Devils. Springfield's .661 points percentage, 38 wins and 82 points are all good for second-best in the American Hockey League's Eastern Conference.
DALLAS JACKSON ACQUIRED FROM BRIDGEPORT
The Falcons acquired defenseman Dallas Jackson from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Wednesday, March 12 in exchange for rookie forward Jeremy Langlois. A native of Edson, Alberta, Jackson totaled 24 points (three goals, 21 assists) in 53 games with the Sound Tigers this season. Langlois appeared in five games with the Falcons this season, recording four shots and a -4 rating. The product of Quinnipiac University did, however, post 52 points (16 goals, 36 assists) in 49 games with the ECHL's Evansville IceMen.
McKENNA AMONG THE LEADERS
Mike McKenna ranks among the AHL leaders in a number of major goaltending statistical categories. The St. Louis native currently holds the fifth-best goals-against average (2.25) and the eight-best save percentage (.921). In addition, he also has the second-most shootout wins (5) in the AHL this season.
HEATHER O'REILLY APPEARANCE
Heather O'Reilly, a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist with the United States Women's National soccer team, will sign autographs at the Falcons game March 22 versus the Manchester Monarchs. In addition to her Olympic success, O'Reilly also won two NCAA National Championships at the University of North Carolina, a WPS championship with SKY Blue FC, and a Bronze (2007) and Silver Medal (2011) at the World Cup. For tickets to the game, visit the MassMutual Center box office or click here to purchase tickets online. For a discounted group rate, please contact a Falcons sales representative at (413) 739-GOAL (4625).
FALCONS POLOS ON SALE
With the warm weather approaching, don't forget that Falcons polos are on sale now! Ranging from $40-$45, the Antigua brand golf shirts come in one-color and two-color varieties. Visit 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 shop online by clicking here.
COME TO A FALCONS GAME
For information about available ticket packages or single-game tickets, fans can contact a Falcons' sale representative at (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit the team website by clicking here. All the information is also available at Ticket Headquarters, located on the MassMutual Center concourse behind section 31 at all Falcons' home games.
The Falcons offer a number of affordable ticket packages to allow fans to enjoy the family entertainment for a low price. In addition to season-ticket plans, the team also offers flex packages for those who want to choose what games they want to attend and how many people they want to bring to each game. Flex packages are broken down into 44, 20 and 12-voucher plans, and the customer can use any number of those vouchers to any game, based on seat availability.
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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