Bernier Gift Wraps Shutout
Published on December 19, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manchester Monarchs News Release
MANCHESTER, NH - Goaltender Jonathan Bernier picked up his fourth shutout of the season stopping all 34 shots he faced in the Manchester Monarchs 2-0 blanking of the Lowell Devils at the Verizon Wireless Arena on Saturday night.
Manchester (21-9-1-2) extended their lead in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference to eight points with the victory, bringing them to 45 points on the season. Lowell (17-12-3-0) is tied for second place with 37 points.
"It was a real solid win," said Monarchs Head Coach Mark Morris. "Our guys competed hard and beat a good hockey team tonight. Our defense did a real good job cleaning up our end and Bernier was excellent in net.
"Moller plucked one out of the air and we rode on that goal for the win. Getting four players back (from Los Angeles) gave us a boost and their playmaking skills have benefited by playing for the Kings."
The game-winning goal came 22 seconds into the second period on a redirection by center Oscar Moller. Center Corey Elkins carried the puck into the zone and dished it to the point where defenseman Alec Martinez fired a one-timer on net. Moller cut across the crease and, with a horizontal stick, bunted the puck past Devils netminder Mike McKenna. The goal, assisted by both Elkins and Martinez, was Moller's ninth of the season and his first since his recall from the Los Angeles Kings on Friday.
Right wing Scott Parse scored an empty-net goal at 19:55 of the third period to end any chance of a Lowell comeback. The puck was turned over in the neutral zone by Lowell defenseman Greg Flynn. Parse, along the right wing boards, picked Flynn's pocket and fired home an insurance goal for the Monarchs, making the score 2-0.
Bernier (15-8-2) secured his 15th win of the season by stopping all 34 shots he faced for his fourth shutout of the year. McKenna (11-7-0) dropped his seventh game of the season, making 29 saves on 30 shots.
Manchester was 0-for-1 on the power play. Lowell went 0-for-2 with the man advantage.
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