Falcons Come up Short against Lowell, 3-1
Published on November 30, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Springfield, MA â The Springfield Falcons completed a busy span of four games in five days with a 3-1 loss to the Lowell Lock Monsters before a crowd of 3,792 at the Springfield Civic Center on Sunday. Falcons goaltender Jean-Marc Pelletier made a season-high 36 saves while facing 38 shots in the game. Springfield rookie Martin Podlesak scored his first professional goal in the second period to make the score 2-1. However, Lowell sealed the game with an empty net goal by Matt Davidson with 17 seconds left to play. Former Springfield netminder Patrick DesRochers stopped 30 of 31 shots to earn the win.
The Lock Monsters took a 1-0 lead 5:57 into the game when Falcons left wing Matt Zultek attempted to gain a whistle by stuffing the puck under Pelletier. However, the puck slid past the Springfield netminder and crossed the goal line. Sonnenberg was credited with his Lock Monsters-leading 11th goal of the season.
Former Falcon Josh Green doubled the Lowell lead with a backhand goal from the top of the crease at 4:28 of the second period. The forward nearly fanned on his attempt to lift the puck, but the close-range shot had a change-up effect and trickled off the post and in.
Podlesak pulled Springfield back to within a goal 8:58 later by flinging a wrist shot from the left wing half-boards that handcuffed and got through DesRochers.
Podlesak had the Falcons best chance to tie the game in the third period after receiving a pass in the low slot from Jason Jaspers, but DesRochers made a stick save on the rookie's shot.
The Falcons pulled Pelletier for an extra skater with a little over a minute left in regulation. Davidson buried the empty-net goal after receiving a centering pass from Green in the Falcons' zone.
Green registered two points in the game with a goal and an assist, while another ex-Falcon, Jason Morgan, recorded two assists.
Springfield was scoreless in three power-play chances in the game, while the Lock Monsters did not score on their one opportunity with the man advantage.
"It feels good to finally get the first goal, especially after having to take last year off. Sometimes you just have to be patient. Hopefully, there will be a lot more to come," said Podlesak after the game. The Czech Republic native missed all but three games last season with an injury.
The Falcons will return to action on Friday night against the division-rival Worcester IceCats at the Springfield Civic Center. Game time is 7:35 p.m. Present your Big Y Express Savings Card to the Civic Center Box Office before 5 p.m. on Friday and receive a $3.00 discount on an adult ticket. For information on tickets or group discounts, please call the Falcons' team office at (413) 739-3344.
American Hockey League Stories from November 30, 2003
- Kings Acquire Straka From Penguins - Manchester Monarchs
- Falcons Come up Short against Lowell, 3-1 - Springfield Falcons
- Griffins Down Ducks, 2-0 - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Smith Rallies Bears to 3-3 Deadlock with Penguins - Hershey Bears
- IceCats Outlast Monarchs, Win Third Straight - Worcester IceCats
- P-Bruins fall to Albany - Providence Bruins
- IceCats Hold Off Monarchs In 5-3 Victory - Manchester Monarchs
- Cincinnati Mighty Ducks Preview - Cincinnati RailRaiders
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