Devils Downed by Crunch

Published on February 15, 2012 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


ALBANY, N.Y. -- In search of their fourth-straight victory, the Albany Devils were halted by the Syracuse Crunch, 7-1, Wednesday at the Times Union Center. The Devils, who returned home for the first time after a five-game road trip, go to 22-19-5-3, while the Crunch improves to 20-22-4-3.

"I would be very concerned with it if it was repetitive, but we were great during the weekend," said head coach Rick Kowalsky. "We have to just put this one behind us and bounce back."

Darcy Zajac was the goal scorer for Albany. He netted his seventh goal of the season and first since Dec. 17. His goal came at 11:00 of the first after Mike Hoeffel found Zajac from behind the net. Kory Nagy, who won a battle on the half wall, had the second assist.

The goal erased a 1-0 Syracuse advantage, but failed to ignite the Devils, who allowed three second-period tallies.

"You worry about a letdown, like I said, in these situations," Kowalsky said. "You get behind in the score and we didn't forecheck, we didn't execute, we didn't move the puck well. We just have to put this one to bed and move on."

Bryan Rodney scored at 3:13 and Patrick Maroon followed with a power-play tally at 8:54. Syracuse's fourth goal was the result of a seeing-eye bounce that trickled through the legs of a screened Keith Kinkaid. Matt Smaby was credited with the goal at 11:01.

The fourth goal ended Kinkaid's night; he finished with 15 saves. Jeff Frazee supplied 28:59 in relief and turned away seven shots.

Kyle Palmieri and Maroon and both solved Frazee in the third. Palmieri scored on the power play at 8:17 and again at 13:46. Maroon's goal came at 12:04.

On loan from the San Jose Sharks to the Anaheim Ducks affiliate, Antero Nittymaki earned the win with 30 saves. He is now 2-0-0 against Albany with a win while with Worcester on Dec. 17.

Next up, the Devils welcome the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to the Times Union Center Saturday at 7 p.m. As part of "Time Warner Cable Night" the Devils are offering $5 and $10 tickets to all Time Warner Cable customers who present their bill at the box office. Additionally, the first 2,000 fans will receive a Stephen Gionta bobblehead and everyone will be in the drawing for a autographed Gionta game-issued jersey or a signed stick.

*****

Notes: Darcy Zajac netted his seventh goal of the season and first since Dec. 17. Zajac, along with Eric Gelinas, have appeared in a team-high 48 games ... Three Stars: 1. Patrick Maroon (SYR), 2. Kyle Palmieri (SYR), 3. Antero Nittymaki (SYR).

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American Hockey League Stories from February 15, 2012


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