Falcons Host Monarchs Today
Published on March 25, 2007 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
The Springfield Falcons and Manchester Monarchs meet for the 8th time this season when they face-off at the MassMutual Center on Sunday night presented by the Air Force Reserve. Sunday's contest was originally scheduled for Friday, March 16, but the game was postponed due to inclement weather. Tonight will be Manchester's fourth visit to "The Nest" this season and their first visit to Springfield since January 15. Springfield has gone 1-6 against Manchester this season, including 0-3 on home ice. The Falcons' lone win against the Monarchs this year occurred back on December 1 when Springfield captain Norm Milley's goal in overtime proved to be the game-winner. The Falcons and Monarchs haven't played each other since Sunday, February 11 when Manchester's Kevin Dallman added a pair of third period goals in leading the Monarchs to a 3-2 victory. These two Atlantic Division rivals will conclude their season series playing twice during the final week of the regular season with Springfield heading to Manchester on Wednesday, April 11, followed by the Monarchs returning to the MassMutual Center on Friday, April 13.
Falcons captain Norm Milley leads the Birds in scoring against the Monarchs this year with three goals and four assists for seven points in six games. Goaltender Jonathan Boutin has played in four of the seven contests against Manchester this season posting a mark of 1-2 with a 2.45 goals against average and .912 save percentage.
Manchester left wing Matt Moulson leads the Monarchs in scoring against the Falcons this season with three goals and four assists for seven points in seven games played. Monarchs defenseman T.J. Kemp has recorded six assists in seven games against the Birds this season, while netminder Jason LaBarbera has posted a mark of 5-1 with a 1.82 goals against average and .940 save percentage against Springfield during the 2006-07 campaign.
The Falcons return home tonight after concluding a two-game road trip through Pennsylvania this past week ending with a 6-4 loss against the Philadelphia Phantoms on Friday evening. David Spina (two goals and one assist), Kyle Wanvig (one goal and two assists) and Eric Healey (three assists) all had three-point efforts on Friday night. Two days prior, Springfield suffered a 4-2 setback against the Hershey Bears on Wednesday night. The last time the Falcons skated on home ice was on Saturday, March 17 when they defeated the Hartford Wolf Pack 5-2. Healey and Spina led the offensive attack on that night each scoring a pair of goals in the win.
Manchester arrives in Springfield having blanked the Lowell Devils last night, 4-0, at the Paul Tsongas Arena. Goaltender Barry Brust posted the shutout stopping all 41 shots, while Matt Moulson added a pair of goals earning the game's first star in the victory. Marty Murray and Tim Jackman also tallied for the Monarchs, while center Gabe Gauthier added two assists. Manchester has extended their Atlantic Division lead to six points over the second place Hartford Wolf Pack. The Monarchs have a record of 41-19-6-1 and they have given up the least amount of goals in the American Hockey League this year only allowing 154 goals through 67 games.
FALCONS PLAYER TRANSACTION: On Saturday, the Springfield Falcons announced they have signed defenseman Justin Fletcher to an Amateur Tryout Agreement. Fletcher is expected to join the Falcons on Sunday and wear #43. Fletcher recently completed his collegiate career with St. Cloud State on Friday when they were defeated by the Maine Blackbears in the NCAA Division I Hockey Tournament. Fletcher finished sixth on the Huskies in scoring this season with 6-18-24 totals, including a team-leading +21 rating.
MONARCHS TEAM NOTES: Manchester rookie Matt Moulson is currently 13th in the league in rookie scoring with 20 goals and 25 assists for 45 points in 66 games played. Teammate Marty Murray has averaged a-point-a-game since joining the Monarchs on January 19, 2007. Murray has nine goals and 15 assists for 24 points in 24 games with Manchester. The Debraine, Manitoba native was claimed off waivers by the L.A. Kings from the Philadelphia Flyers on November 11, 2006. Goaltender Jason LaBarbera is having an MVP-type season as the Burnaby, British Columbia native has posted a record of 34-19-1 this season with a 2.24 goals against average and .932 save percentage. LaBarbera is currently fourth in the league in goals against average, first in save percentage, and tied for the AHL lead in wins. LaBarbera also leads the league with seven shutouts this season.
American Hockey League Stories from March 25, 2007
- Rampage spoiled again - San Antonio Rampage
- Knights Hold Off Rampage, 2-1 - Abbotsford Heat
- Penguins trip up Phantoms - Adirondack Phantoms
- Manchester escapes Springfield comeback - Manchester Monarchs
- Marlies edge Griffins in special teams battle, 5-3 - Grand Rapids Griffins
- P-Bruins blanked by Wolf Pack 1-0 - Providence Bruins
- Bears down Binghamton for 44th win - Hershey Bears
- Rivermen dropped in Chicago 6-1 - Peoria Rivermen
- Pirates Beat Sound Tigers - Bridgeport Islanders
- Falcons Host Monarchs Today - Springfield Falcons
- Knights Set Record, Blast Aeros 10-2 - Abbotsford Heat
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