Devils Weekly

Published on April 6, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release


The Lowell Devils (37-30-4-6) were able to inch closer to a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs, despite only snagging one win in three games this week. The Devils were defeated by the Monarchs for the second straight Wednesday, 4-3, and were handed another loss on Friday, 5-2, against the Hartford Wolf Pack. Lowell was able to salvage the week by virtue of a 3-2 overtime win on Saturday over the first-place Worcester Sharks. The victory, coupled with two Norfolk losses over the weekend, lowered the Devils' magic number to three.

The Devils finish their 2009-10 regular season schedule with three games in three days over the weekend. Lowell hosts the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Friday as the two teams battle for the final postseason berth in the Atlantic Division. The Devils travel to Portland on Saturday before returning home to battle Providence on Sunday. Lowell is currently alone in fourth place in the division with 84 points, two ahead of Bridgeport.

Rewind:

Wednesday, DEVILS 3 vs. Monarchs 4

Manchester goaltender Matt Lopes made his professional debut in relief of injured starter Jeff Zatkoff and made 42 saves as the Monarchs rallied for a 4-3 win over the Devils at the Tsongas Center. Brad Mills put Lowell up, 1-0, just 49 seconds into contest and Patrick Davis added one for the Devils less than five minutes later. The Monarchs would go on to take the lead on the strength of four unanswered goals, led by Jonathan Zeiler's pair of markers. Lopes, who came into the game after Davis' tally, would allow only a breakaway goal by Matt Halischuk midway through the third en route to his first pro win.

Friday, Devils 2 vs. WOLF PACK 5

Lowell was almost able to erase a three-goal deficit against Hartford, but ultimately fell, 5-2, at the XL Center. Ryan Garlock and Dale Weise each scored over a span of 1:14 early in the second to help the Wolf Pack establish a 3-0 cushion. The Devils would respond in the opening minutes of the third and get within one as Olivier Magnan and David McIntyre found the back of the net 49 seconds apart. Hartford would pull away again for good on markers by Paul Crowder and Bobby Sanguinetti. Jeff Frazee took the loss with 24 saves on 29 shots.

Saturday, DEVILS 3 vs. Sharks 2 (OT)

Cory Murphy's game-winner at 3:48 of overtime allowed Lowell to fend off Worcester, 3-2, at the Tsongas Center. Brad Mills once again broke a scoreless tie, scoring 9:29 into the first. David McIntyre potted his second goal in as many games to make it 2-0 for the Devils ten minutes into the second frame. Worcester battled back late in the period on Dennis McCauley's goal and knotted the score in the third on a power play tally by Derek Joslin. Lowell was outshot 19-3 in the final period of regulation. Mike McKenna stopped 40-of-42 shots for his 23rd win of the season.

Around the Horns

Lowell has a 35.3% conversion rate (6-for-17) on the power play at home against Providence. This marks the Devils' best percentage against any Eastern Conference opponent...The Devils have allowed power play goals in nine straight games...Nathan Perkovich's team-leading nine power play goals this season ties him for third among AHL rookies...Devils rookie David McIntyre registered his second multi-point contest in his last five games with a goal and an assist (1g-1a) on Saturday...Cory Murphy scored his second consecutive overtime game-winner on Saturday versus Worcester. Murphy also gave his team a win in the extra session on Mar. 20 against Portland...Brad Mills has three goals in four games since missing 14 due to injury...Lowell is undefeated (15-0-0-0) when leading after two periods at the Tsongas Center...Ben Walter leads the team in points on the road with 24 (9g-15a).

Coming Up

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers (36-31-4-6) visit the Tsongas Center for the final time this season on Friday night. After going 8-0-1-0 to open the month of March, Bridgeport has come back down to earth, winning one of its last five games (1-4-0-0). The lone win came against the Devils on March 28th . Bridgeport has scored just six goals over their last four losses. Lowell is 3-2-1-1 against the Sound Tigers this season. Mike McKenna has a 3-1-1 record against Bridgeport with a 1.77 GAA and a .947 save percentage.

Lowell heads up to the Cumberland County Civic Center on Saturday night to take on the Pirates. Since Mar. 16, the Pirates have not lost in regulation (8-0-2-0). One of those overtime losses was against the Lowell Devils on Mar. 20 at the Tsongas Center. Portland has already clinched a playoff spot and currently stands in second place in the division with a record of 44-22-7-4 and 99 points. Pirates goaltender J.P. Lamoreaux is 2-1-0 against the Devils this season with both wins coming via the shootout.

The Devils wrap up the regular season on Sunday afternoon against the Providence Bruins. The Bruins are mathematically still alive in the playoff hunt, despite sitting in seventh place with 76 points (35-36-5- 1) and three games to play. Providence halted a four-game losing streak to Lowell with a 4-2 win on Mar. 19 at the Tsongas Center. Despite taking the loss, Jeff Frazee is still 4-2-0 this season against the Bruins with a 1.50 GAA and a .952 save percentage.

Upcoming Promotions/In the Community

- Sunday, April 11 - Devils vs. Providence Bruins - Fan Appreciation Day!!!

o The first 2,000 fans will receive a David Clarkson Bobblehead, courtesy of Comcast Business Class.

o Dozens of prize giveaways through the game.

o Free post-game skate.

Leaders for Lowell

- Goals:

Nick Palmieri, Michael Swift (21)

- Assists:

Cory Murphy, Matt Taormina (36)

- Points:

Ben Walter (53)

- PIM:

Louis Robitaille (276)

- Plus/Minus:

Rob Davison (+12)

- Wins:

Mike McKenna (23)

- GAA:

Mike McKenna (2.42)

- Save %:

Mike McKenna (.923)

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American Hockey League Stories from April 6, 2010


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