Devils Set Franchise Record in Victory against Crunch

Published on December 11, 2015 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


ALBANY, NY - Backed by a pair of Jim O'Brien goals and three Corey Tropp assists, the Albany Devils set a franchise record with their seventh consecutive victory, defeating the Syracuse Crunch, 3-1, Friday at Times Union Center.

In his season debut, Scott Wedgewood made 17 saves on 18 shots.

Offensively, Brandon Burlon joined O'Brien in the goal column and Reid Boucher registered a pair of assists.

Box Score | Highlights & Postgame Reaction

HIGHLIGHTS & GAME NOTES

- The Devils passed the 2013-14 squad for the longest winning streak in franchise history. That team won six straight between Nov. 30 and Dec. 14 of that season. During Albany's current stretch, it has outscored opponents, 22-7. Additionally, the power play has gone 8-27 (29.6 percent), while the penalty kill has been near perfect, 24-26 (92.3 percent).

- Tropp had a season-high three assists bringing his season total to 11 assists and 16 points. He has six points (2g-5a) in the last six outings.

- Playing in his first game since Oct. 31, O'Brien scored his third and fourth goals of the season during the second period. In nine contests this season, he has six points, backed by four goals and two assists.

- Wedgewood, who has been out since the start of the season with an ankle injury, made 17 saves for his 32nd career victory. It was the 23-year-old's first game since he made 26 saves in a 3-2 victory at the Worcester Sharks on Apr. 12.

- Burlon's second goal of the season was his second point in as many games. The Devils defenseman has (2g-4a) in the last eight contests.

- Boucher, who is two points away from 100 career professional points, registered his seventh multi-point game of the season with two assists. He is third on the team with 17 points (10g-7a). Additionally, he has three points (1g-2a) in the last three games and nine points (4g-5a) in his last eight games.

TURNING POINT

O'Brien connected with his linemates twice in a span of 28 seconds to establish the Devils lead. His first tally came at 14:36 and the second followed at 15:04.

HOW IT PLAYED OUT

O'Brien got the scoring started at 14:36 of the second period with a top shelf shot after a beautiful pass from Tropp in front of the net. The play started thanks to a strong zone entry engineered by Boucher along the wall.

Just twenty eight seconds later the trio combined for another O'Brien goal from the slot to give the Devils a 2-0 edge. Before that offensive outburst the Devils had been pouring shots on net, but were unable to beat Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Jeff Tambelleni responded at 17:24 of the same frame for the Crunch on the power-play. His shot from the top of the circle beat Wedgewood top corner above the shoulder. Matt Taormina and Tanner Richard had the assists.

Burlon put the game out of reach on a one-timer from Tropp in the third period at 7:38. Tropp won a battle behind the net beating the defenseman for control and then made a perfect pass to Burlon in the slot, who was crashing the net from his position on the point.

In the third period the Devils took over the game allowing just three shots to the trailing Crunch. The defense was relentless in challenging Syracuse shooters and keeping shots down while the offense kept the pressure up in the Syracuse end.

Wedgewood maintained solid positioning all night, allowing him to deny several strong chances. He routinely sent rebounds to the corners. In the closing minutes of the game, Wedgewood stopped a one-timer from just outside the crease to secure the victory.

THE ESSENTIALS

Shots: Albany 27 , Syracuse 18

Power Play: Albany 0-3, Syracuse 1-3

Three Stars: 1.Corey Tropp(ALB), 2.Jim O'Brien (ALB), 3.Scott Wedgewood (ALB)

NEXT UP

The Devils begin a four game road trip when they travel to face the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at 7:05 pm Saturday at Mohegan Sun Arena. Fans can follow the action online at ahllive.com or over the air waves at 104.5 "The Team" ESPN Radio.

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American Hockey League Stories from December 11, 2015


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