Falcons Edged by Portland in Shootout, 2-1
October 29, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Springfield, Mass. â After being unable to resolve the contest through 65 minutes of hockey, the Springfield Falcons and Portland Pirates took to a shootout to settle the contest at the Springfield Civic Center on Friday night. The Pirates converted three of four shootout attempts en route to capturing a 2-1 win over Springfield. Center Ryan Craig scored for the Falcons in the final minute of the second period while right wing Graham Mink notched Portland's tally midway through the first.
The Falcons pressured early in the contest, but were held off the scoreboard for the opening 39 minutes by Quinnipiac College alumnus Justin Eddy, who was making his professional debut.
The Pirates connected for the game's opening goal just as their second power play of the game expired in the first frame. Right wing Graham Mink knocked in a centering feed from behind the net by Tomas Fleischmann at 10:05 to provide Portland a 1-0 lead.
The Falcons answered with 45 seconds left in the middle period. Craig buried a rebound of a Craig Darby shot after the veteran one-timed a feed from Shane Willis. The goal was Craig's second of the season.
Willis nearly put the Falcons in front on a breakaway while the club was shorthanded with 12:47 left in regulation. The right wing raced to a loose puck in the neutral zone and attempted to slide the puck under the pads of Eddy, but the rookie was able to keep it out of the net.
Following a scoreless third period and overtime session, the Pirates claimed the extra point with three goals in the shootout while Springfield was not able to put the puck past Eddy. Brooks Laich, Tomas Fleischmann, and Trent Whitfield each tallied for Portland. Darby clanged a shot off the post in the Falcons' first shootout attempt and Willis and Paul Ranger were also not able to convert. The Falcons collected one point in the standing with the shootout loss.
Springfield netminder Jamie Storr turned in his second consecutive standout performance in stopping 31 of 32 Portland shots in regulation and overtime. Eddy made 13 saves to register his first pro win.
Meeting for the second straight Friday, the Atlantic Division rivals combined to accumulate 98 penalty minutes in a contentious affair. Falcons rookie Nick Tarnasky fared well during a pair of altercations.
The Falcons finished the game scoreless in five power-play opportunities. Portland did not score on seven chances with the man advantage. Springfield has successfully killed off the team's last 16 shorthanded situations.
The Stanley Cup was in attendance at the Civic Center prior to and during the game. Hundreds of fans poised for photos with the renowned trophy during the evening.
The Falcons return to the home ice of the Springfield Civic Center to face the Manchester Monarchs. Game time is 4:05 p.m. Tickets to the game are available through the Springfield Civic Center box office. To order by phone, please call (413) 787-6600 or (800) 639-8602.
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