Devils Come out Flying, But Can't Find the Net
February 13, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release
ALBANY, NY -- Despite outshooting the Hershey Bears, 35-27, the Albany Devils lost, 1-0, Friday at Times Union Center. Scott Wedgewood made 26 saves, but was slightly edged by Philipp Grubauer's shutout effort. The Hershey netminder made 35 saves.
"We were good in all areas tonight," said Head Coach Rick Kowalsky. "Grubauer had a great game and they do a pretty good job in front of him. You pump 30 something shots; the chances were there. We just couldn't find it."
Stanislav Galiev netted the lone goal, helping Hershey extend its unbeaten streak to 11 games.
The Devils, who are now 0-2-1-0 against the Bears this season, move to 22-18-4-5 overall. Hershey improves to 28-13-5-2.
Energized From The Start
With the benefit of having seven days between games, the Devils returned four players from injury, including centers Graham Black, Rod Pelley, Kelly Zajac and defenseman Raman Hrabarenka. The extended break also seemed to energize the Devils.
Albany owned a 19-11 shot advantage after the first 30 minutes of play. However, they failed to find the back of the net and had their best opportunity during a full two minute five-on-three early in the second period.
"We crashed and we threw pucks at the net," said Darcy Zajac. "It just didn't work out for us tonight. If we keep doing that on a weekly basis then I think we will be fine in the long run."
Wedgewood was leaned on more as the game progressed. His save total included eight saves in the first, 11 in the second and seven in the third. Despite allowing two or fewer goals for the 10th time this season, he moved to 7-10-5.
"I felt dialed in all week and, obviously, moving forward in my last couple of games, I have been feeling confident in myself and in the guys," Wedgewood said. "I am looking for some more wins and it will come if we keep playing like this."
Galiev And Conner Hurt The Devils Again
Galiev and Chris Conner have hurt the Devils in their three meetings this season and connected for the game's lone goal, which came at 13:14 of the second period.
"Wedgewood did everything to keep us in the game, even the one that got by him," Kowalsky said. "Helgeson actually breaks the play up, spins and makes a good play. It went off his helmet and down his back and found a way in."
Galiev has four goals against Albany this season, while Conner leads the team with a goal and six helpers.
The Bears are now 9-0-1-1 in their last 11 games and sit atop the East Division.
Notables
Four different Devils returned from injury to skate against the Bears: Graham Black (Jan. 4, 14 games), Raman Hrabarenka (Nov. 29, 27 games), Rod Pelley (Jan. 31, 2 games) and Kelly Zajac (Jan. 29, 4 games) ... Earlier in the day, New Jersey reassigned goaltender Maxime Clermont from Albany to Orlando (ECHL) ... Paul Thompson missed the game because of the birth of his first child.
Next Up
The Devils travel to face the Hartford Wolf Pack at 7:30 pm Saturday at XL Center. The game is the first of a home-and-home series between the two teams and will be the sixth meeting this season. Fans can follow the action online or on mobile devices at ahllive.com. Additionally, the game can be heard on 104.5 "The Team" ESPN Radio.
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