Devils Streak Ends with Loss to Sharks

Published on December 16, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


ALBANY, N.Y. - The Albany Devils had their 10-game home point streak snapped with a 5-1 loss to the Worcester Sharks Friday at the Times Union Center. Albany ran into a Worcester team that has now won six of its last seven games.

"It's an individual thing and it's a team thing," said head coach Rick Kowalsky. "We need to find a way to bounce back tomorrow and it starts with being a hard hockey team. We've slowly have been taking shortcuts at times."

The Devils run ends after a 7-0-2-1 record at home, starting with a 5-2 win against Adirondack on Oct. 22. The team is now 12-11-3-1 overall, while Worcester improves to 12-6-3-3.

"From start to finish, I didn't think we executed at all," said assistant captain Jay Leach. Obviously we got the 1-0 lead, but they come right back within five seconds. That's usually a tell-tale sign that we aren't sharp or ready."

Steve Zalewski was the goal scorer for the Devils. He netted his team-leading eighth goal and 17th point of the season.

Albany was challenged with the task of facing NHL-regular Antero Niittymaki, who guarded Worcester's net. Niittymaki, who was assigned on a conditioning loan on Dec. 12, made 26 saves in his first AHL game since the 2004-05 season.

The Sharks received a pair of goals from Jack Combs and Tommy Wingles; Marek Viedensky had the other goal.

The team's wasted no time getting on the board. Zalewski scored into a wide-open net after Joe Whitney controlled his own rebound behind the goal and fed to Zalewski alone in front 1:16 into the game. Stephen Gionta was credited with the second assist.

Albany's lead lasted only 13 seconds because Jack Combs deked around Keith Kinkaid at 1:29. Combs struck again before the period was over at 15:10 to give Worcester a 2-1 advantage.

From there it was downhill for the Devils. Wingels scored at 11:22 of the second followed by Viedensky's goal at 14:45. In the third, Wingels scored again at 3:39.

Kinkaid finished the game with 33 saves in his 14th appearance.

The Devils return to the Times Union Center ice Saturday for a 7 p.m. matchup against divisional opponent, the Springfield Falcons. Fans who can't attend the game can follow the action on ahllive.com.

*****

Notes: Steve Zalewski's goal at 1:16 was the fastest goal by Albany to start a game this season. The goal was his team-leading eighth of the season. He now has 40 points (19g-21a) in 58 games since being acquired by the Devils on Feb. 9, 2011 ... Joe Whitney earned his 14th point of the season with an assist. He ranks third on the team and leads all Albany rookies ... Harry Young, who was reassigned by New Jersey from Kalamazoo (ECHL) earlier in the day, did not dress ... Steve Zalewski and Stephen Gionta both extended their scoring streak to two games. Zalewski has scored in back-to-back games, while Gionta has two assists ... Three Stars: 1. Jack Combs (WOR), 2. Tommy Wingels (WOR), 3. Antero Nittymaki (WOR).

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American Hockey League Stories from December 16, 2011


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