Devils Powered Down By Monarchs, 7-3

Published on April 4, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


LOWELL, Mass. - Lowell saw Manchester get the last laugh in the season series, as the Devils were defeated by a score of 7-3 on Friday at the Tsongas Arena. The Monarchs were helped along by five special teams goals, including a 4-for-4 effort on the power play.

Tied 1-1 after one, the Monarchs began to pull away with three goals in the second frame. Brian Boyle notched his first of the evening with Manchester on the man-advantage, taking a cross-zone feed to the far post from Teddy Purcell and rocketing a one-timer into the corner at 5:22.

Lowell tied the game for a second time thanks to a power play goal at 11:14 by the newest Devils forward, Tyler Burton. Grant Marshall fired a slapshot from the point that popped up on goaltender Jonathan Quick. Burton - making his debut out of Colgate University - batted the rebound out of mid-air and into the back of the net for his first pro goal.

Boyle gave Manchester the lead for good just 54 seconds later with his second of the night, putting back the rebound from Joe Piskula's initial wrist shot to make the score 3-2.

The Monarchs continued to add to their lead with the help of their special teams play. With Lowell skating 5-on-4, a turnover at the Monarchs bluleline led to a 2-on-1 going the other way for Manchester. Bryan Murray kept the puck himself and roofed it over the shoulder of Dave Caruso at 14:24 to make it 4-2.

Manchester would register another three-spot in the final frame to put the game firmly out of reach. Trevor Lewis lit the lamp at 2:24 for the Monarchs' third power play goal, a one-timer from the near circle that snuck through the five-hole of Caruso.

Petr Vrana's tally on the man-advantage at 10:12 gave the Devils a brief glimmer of hope, as his 19th goal of the season pulled Lowell back within two with the score, 5-3. Three minutes later, however, Teddy Purcell topped off a perfect night for the Manchester power play unit, while Lauri Tukonen also notched an even-strength marker 43 seconds later to complete the scoring.

Skating on the power play in the first, Troy Milam gave Manchester a 1-0 lead at 14:48 when his wrister shot from the center point streaked by a screened Caruso.

Lowell needed only 1:24 to knot the contest as Ivan Khomutov came crashing toward the crease and was able to sweep a loose puck under Quick's leg pad. Nicklas Bergfors gathered an assist on the goal, as did Burton for a two-point night (1g, 1a) in his first AHL game.

Saturday, April 5 is Fan Appreciation Night when the Providence Bruins visit at 7:05 p.m. The first 1,000 fans through the door will receive a Stephen Gionta bobblehead courtesy of Trinity EMS. There will be over 50 giveaways during the game including a full-size Lowell Devils Pepsi Machine, a Jeep Wrangler courtesy of 1400 Motors and Lowell and New Jersey Devils memorabilia. Tickets start at just $10; Call the Devils office at (978) 458-PUCK for more information or visit www.lowelldevilshockey.com. You can also listen to all of the ! action live on 980AM-WCAP as Ryan Johnston brings you all of t! he play- by-play action.

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American Hockey League Stories from April 4, 2008


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