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Devils Claw Back, But Fall in Shootout

November 26, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


ALBANY, NY -- Joe Whitney scored two goals during the last six minutes to secure a point, but the Albany Devils lost, 4-3, in a shootout against the Hartford Wolf Pack Wednesday at Times Union Center.

Albany trailed 3-1 late in the game until Whitney picked the upper-right corner at 14:40 while on a power play. Minutes later, Whitney netted the equalizer on a falling down, turnaround attempt off a Raman Hrabarenka rebound at 18:02.

"We've been working on that on the power play; getting the puck with a little bit of pace and trying to get some pucks to the net," Whitney said. "I was just trying to get it by that guy coming out to block it. Scott Timmins did a great job in front with a great screen, so a lot of credit goes to him for that goal.

"The second one, we had some [offensive] zone time, and I just tried to get to the net, cause a screen. Raman did a great job of getting the puck through, low, so the rebound came out and I just tried to bang it in."

After an overtime period, which included a Mike Sislo penalty shot attempt and Keith Kinkaid denying former NHL regular Ryan Malone on a breakaway, the Wolf Pack prevailed 1-0 in the skills competition. Danny Kristo scored the lone shootout goal in the third round.

Kinkaid, who has just one regulation loss this season (5-1-3), finished with 29 saves on 32 shots. At the other end, Mackenzie Skapski earned the win with 36 saves on 39 attempts.

Offensively, Whitney registered his sixth and seventh goals of the season. Darcy Zajac netted his second of the year and Hrabarenka contributed two assists.

Hartford received goals from Kristo, Justin Vaive and Joey Crabb.

"I thought we did it for sixty minutes on Sunday and we didn't do it for a full sixty tonight," Whitney said. "That's what we're striving for and it was gutsy to come out and get a point at least in the third, but we've got to do it with a more consistent effort throughout the night."

To start, the teams exchanged goals before the midway point of the first period. Vaive batted the puck out of midair and a mass of humanity carried the puck over the goal line at 5:48.

Albany answered when Graham Black setup Zajac alone in front for a one-timer at 9:51. Ben Thomson, who was hard on the forecheck, was credited with the second assist.

"I thought that the fourth line did a good job," said Head Coach Rick Kowalsky. "Thomson goes in and finishes his check. I thought David Wohlberg skated well tonight and so did Darcy. I really thought all four lines contributed to the effort tonight, and that's what we need."

Hartford grabbed the lead before the end of the period. Steve Spinell's point shot was deflected off a stick and ended up on Kristo's stick in front of a wide-open net at 18:20.

In the second, the puck worked its way to the point and to Michael Kostka, whose shot deflected off Kinkaid's glove. Crabb was parked in front for the rebound goal at 6:12.

"Funny thing I said in between periods, I said 'we need to get an ugly one and we need to get one on a power play,'" Kowalsky said. "That's exactly what we did. I give the guys credit for sticking with it. Certainly had opportunities, out chanced them in all three periods, and had opportunities to win the game -- even in regulation. It's a big point to battle back and get to that point, and it's just unfortunate we don't get two."

The Devils continued their dominance in the third period with back-to-back goals. The team has outscored opponents 23-15 this season.

Game Notes

Joe Whitney increased his franchise record with his 64th and 65th career goals. He has four points in the last five games (3g-1a) ... Darcy Zajac registered his second goal of the season and 23rd of his career ... Mike Sislo played in his 200th career AHL game and Raman Hrabarenka appeared in his 100th career AHL contest ... Mark Fraser returned to the lineup after serving a three game suspension ... The Devils are 2-1-0-1 against the Wolf Pack this season and 30-19-2-5 all-time ... Scott Timmins returned to the lineup after missing Sunday's game.

Next Up

The Devils host the Lehigh Valley Phantoms Friday at 7 pm at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall. The game is the first of four meetings between the two teams. Fans can follow the action online or on mobile devices at ahllive.com.



American Hockey League Stories from November 26, 2014


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