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Devils Prepare for Three-game Homestand

January 7, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


Rewind:

Wednesday, Falcons 4 vs. DEVILS 3 (SO)

Down 3-0 heading into the third period, the Devils came storming back to tie the game, but eventually fell in the shootout to the Falcons, 4-3. Ivan Khomutov started the comeback at 9:10 of the third before Petr Vrana pulled Lowell within a goal more than four mintes later. Trevor Kell's marker with 4:37 remaining tied the contest and sent it through a scoreless overtime. In the shootout, Rob Schremp clinched the win on his goal in the bottom half of round six.

Friday, PHANTOMS 3 vs. Devils 2

Peter Zingoni's two-goal game led the Phantoms' offense in a 3-2 win over the Devils. Despite outshooting Philadelphia 37-24, Lowell could not notch the game-tying goal thanks in part to a 35-save performance by goalie Brian Boucher. Ryan Murphy got the Devils on the board at 7:44 of the middle frame, while Noah Clarke completed the scoring with a power play goal midway through the third.

Saturday, Devils 3 vs. WOLF PACK 2

Lowell received a stellar performance from their penalty kill unit to skate away with a 3-2 victory over the Wolf Pack. The Devils allowed only one goal over seven power play opportunities that totaled 17 minutes for Hartford. Joe Rooney's first AHL goal opened the scoring at 6:36 of their first and Ivan Khomutov put Lowell up 2-0 just 2:07 into the second. Nicklas Bergfors provided the game-winner with 8:51 left in the game, while Jordan Parise made sure the lead held with 29 saves.

Contributions from the kids

Recalled from the ECHL's Trenton Devils on New Year's Day, rookies Trevor Kell and Joe Rooney have already made their presence felt over their first three games with Lowell. Kell has begun his AHL career with a three-game point streak (1g, 3a), including the game-tying tally in Wednesday's shootout loss to the Springfield Falcons. A factor every time he's on the ice, Rooney officially contributed to the stat sheet with his first AHL goal on Saturday versus the Wolf Pack.

In the standings

After the week of play, the Devils remain in seventh place in the Atlantic Division, four points behind the Manchester Monarchs. The Monarchs trail Worcester by only a point, while five points separate the Sharks and the fourth-place Springfield Falcons. Only four points ahead in a tie for second place are the Portland Pirates and the Hartford Wolf Pack. The top team in the division, the Providence Bruins, has widened its lead to fifteen points.

Coming Up

The Lowell Devils open a three-game homestand this week, beginning with a rematch against the Philadelphia Phantoms on Wednesday, January 9 at 7:05 p.m. The Phantoms began their current three-game winning streak with their 3-2 triumph over the Devils on Friday. Goaltenders Brian Boucher and Scott Munroe have combined for the lowest goals against average in the AHL at 2.22. The Devils are 0-1-1-0 in the season series.

The Springfield Falcons come into town on Friday, January 11 at 7:05 p.m. for the seventh contest in the ten-game season series. The Falcons are 2-6-2-0 in their last ten matches, but were able to eke out a 4-3 shootout win over the Devils on January 2. Center Marc Pouliot has six points (3g, 3a) in his last four games.

The Devils finish their weekend on Sunday afternoon at 4:05 p.m. against the Portland Pirates. Pirate defenseman Brian Salcido ranks second among blueliners in assists (23), third in points (31) and fourth in power play points (17). Portland's road penalty kill unit currently ranks 26th in the AHL at 77.5% (69-for-89). With a victory, Lowell can tie the season series at three wins a piece.

Promotions/In the Community

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

- Devil Dawg will be making a lunchtime visit to St. Margaret's School in Lowell, MA.

Wednesday, January 9

- It's Dollar Dawg Night when the Devils take on the Philadelphia Phantoms at 7:05 p.m. All hot dogs are just $1 for all fans in attendance.

Friday, January 11

- The Devils will be holding Scout Night and hosting a sleepover for Boy Scout troops from the Greater Lowell Area.

- SodaPop the Clown will be on hand to create balloon characters for all children who visit the Kid's Corner, located behind Section T.

- The Dracut Lions Club will be collecting new and used eyeglasses for charity prior to the game

Sunday, January 11

- SodaPop the Clown will be on hand to create balloon characters for all children who visit the Kid's Corner, located behind Section T.

- Meet your favorite Devils players at a post-game team autograph session.

- Skate on the Tsongas Arena ice during a post-game skate sponsored by Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union.

Around the Horns

Five of the last seven games for Lowell have been decided by one goal. They are 3-1-0-1 in those contests.

Noah Clarke recorded his 100th career goal when he scored for the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night.

The Devils have held their opponents to three goals or less in seven of their last eight games. They are 7-2-0-0 overall when doing so.

Ryan Murphy is on a three-game point streak (1g, 3a).

Leaders for Lowell:

Goals: Clarke (13)

Assists: Vrana (26)

Points: Vrana (34)

PIM: Fraser (59)

Plus/Minus: Bergfors (+6)

Wins: Doyle (9)

G.A.A: Doyle (2.94)

Save %: Doyle (.910)

Last Week:

Wed 1/2 Springfield Falcons 4 vs. DEVILS 3 (SO)

Fri 1/4 PHILADELPHIA PHANTOMS 3 vs. Devils 2

Sat 1/5 Devils 3 vs. HARTFORD WOLF PACK 2

This Week:

Wed 1/9 DEVILS vs. Philadelphia Phantoms (25-10-1-0), 7:05 p.m.

Fri 1/11 DEVILS vs. Springfield Falcons (18-15-3-3), 7:05 p.m.

Sun 1/13 DEVILS vs. Portland Pirates (21-13-2-2), 4:05 p.m.

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