Devils Down Sound Tigers

Published on December 2, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


ALBANY, N.Y. - Brad Mills netted the game-winning goal and Steve Zalewski had two goals and an assist in the Albany Devils, 4-3, win against Bridgeport Sound Tigers Friday at the Times Union Center. The Devils have now earned at least one point in eight-straight home games and improve their record to 11-7-2-1 overall.

Albany now has 25 points towards the standings, jumping the Sound Tigers, who have 24, in the Northeast Division. These two teams will meet again Saturday at Bridgeport at 7 p.m.

In his AHL season debut, Mills redirected a shot by Matt Taormina at 6:23 of the third period. Mills was loaned by the New Jersey Devils to Albany Wednesday.

"You go to the net and that's the type of goal you score," Mills said. "Taormina made an unbelievable slap/pass and I barely had to move my stick and it ended up going five-hole."

Steve Zalewski led the Devils offensive efforts with his multi-point performance. He netted two goals for the sixth time in his four-year career. He has produced eight points (3g-5a) in his last six outings.

"He almost plays better when he is involved physically and it's not about hits," said head coach Rick Kowalsky. "When there is traffic in front and hacking and whacking, he's good in tight and he has quick hands. He sees things."

Zalewski netted a power-play goal at 8:45 of the first from Nick Palmieri and Chad Wiseman and scored again at 15:06 from Taormina and Joe Whitney. His first goal tied the score, 1-1, and his second tally moved the game to 3-2.

The Devils were handicapped early allowing three goals during the first 11:03 with goals by Bridgeport's Steve Howes (3:45), Jeremy Colliton (9:48) and Sean Backman.

"It was kind of a tough start," Zalewski said. "Then to get it to 3-2 after the first period, we were feeling pretty good. We didn't think we were out of the game by any means and we were playing pretty well. We just had to maintain that and keep going along. Obviously it paid off in the long run; we were able to wear them down."

Jeff Frazee stepped in at goal and competed in 48 minutes and 57 seconds of action. He made all 13 saves in his 10th appearance.

"Sometimes that just shakes your bench up a bit," Kowalsky said regarding making a goalie change. "Whether that was it or not, we definitely turned things around after that."

At the other end, Anders Nilsson, who has seen action in two NHL games this season, made 32 saves on 36 shots.

Joining Mills and Zalewski with a goal was Mike Sislo, who made the score 3-3, at 2:07 of the third. He was setup by Zalewski and Wiseman.

After tomorrow's outing at Bridgeport, the Devils return to the Times Union Center Sunday at 4 p.m. Fans are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal for the annual "Teddy Bear Toss." Donations will go to the Albany Boys & Girls Club and the Albany Police Athletic League (P.A.L.).

*****

Notes: Brad Mills centered a line that included Nick Palmieri and Vladimir Zharkov. The three have combined for 44 NHL games this season ... Steve Zalewski's multi-goal game was his first since netting two at Binghamton on Feb. 19. The performance was his sixth career two-goal game ... Mike Sislo netted his fifth goal of the season and first since Nov. 5 against Connecticut ... Albany's 20 shots during the first period were the most in a single period at the Times Union Center this year ... Three Stars: 1. Steve Zalewski (ALB), 2. Brad Mills (ALB), 3. Matt Taormina (ALB).

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