Falcons Blank Devils, Snap Winless Skid
February 4, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Springfield, Mass. - The Springfield Falcons (29-12-1-4) defeated the Albany Devils by the final score of 4-0 at the MassMutual Center Tuesday night, snapping the team's season-long winless streak at five games.
Mike McKenna made 25 saves en route to his 11th win and third shutout of the season. The St. Louis native leads all American Hockey League goaltenders in goals-against average (1.78) and save percentage (.937), and ranks tied for third in shutouts.
Alex Aleardi gave Springfield an early 1-0 lead, stealing the puck in the offensive zone and firing a wrist shot from the slot past Albany netminder Scott Wedgewood at the 4:55 mark of the opening frame. For Aleardi, the goal was his fifth of the season and first since December 14 at the Norfolk Admirals. It was also the first game-winning goal of his professional career.
Springfield extended its lead with three goals in the second period. Spencer Machacek and Frederic St. Denis notched power-play tallies at 3:36 and 11:16, respectively, and Jonathan Marchessault netted an even-strength score at 19:51. For Marchessault, who had not found the back of the net since December 31 versus the St. John's IceCaps, the goal was his team-leading 13th of the season. The Quebec City native also added an assist in the contest, upping his point total this season to 32.
Forward Jack Skille and defenseman Patrick McNeill chipped in with two assists each.
The Falcons scored twice on seven power-play opportunities. The team had gone 1-for-24 in its previous four games. The Devils went 0-for-4 with the man advantage Tuesday night.
With the win, the Falcons extended its lead in the Northeast Division to eight points over second-place Albany. The victory also snapped a season-long, five-game winless streak, which dated back to January 24.
The Falcons maintain the best points percentage in the AHL at .685.
The team is back in action at the MassMutual Center Friday, February 7, hosting the Syracuse Crunch at 7:00 p.m. New England linebacker Jerod Mayo will be in attendance to sign autographs for fans on the concourse.
Fans are invited to the MassMutual Center in 2013-14 to watch the reigning Northeast Division-champion Falcons compete in their 20th anniversary season. Adult season-ticket packages start as low as $13 per game. To purchase tickets or to get more information, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit the team office inside the MassMutual Center from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Support the Falcons throughout the 2013-14 season by wearing red, white and blue at all the home games.
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