Falcons Nipped by Albany, 1-0
March 26, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Albany, NY. â Brian Eklund turned aside 35 of 36 shots, but for the second straight meeting with the Albany River Rats, the Springfield Falcons were edged by a score of 1-0. Albany goaltender Ari Ahonen made 25 saves to record the shutout at Pepsi Arena on Saturday. River Rats left wing Ilkka Pikkarainen scored the only goal of the game.
The Falcons had the first period's best chance for either team when defenseman Andreas Holmqvist put himself in good scoring position while Ahonen was down. However, the blueliner's shot clanged off the post.
Springfield outshot the River Rats, 9-8, during the opening frame.
The Rats controlled play for much of the second period, but Eklund kept it a scoreless game till late in the stanza.
Finally, Pikkarainen netted the lone goal of the game with 1:03 left in the second period. The left wing wheeled into the slot after receiving a drop pass from defenseman Matt DeMarchi and lifted a shot under the cross bar for his ninth goal of the season.
Back-to-back penalties to the River Rats midway through the third period appeared like it would set up the Falcons with a two-man advantage for as long as 1:05. However, Springfield center Nick Tarnasky was whistled for interference seven seconds into the five-on-three power play to hinder the opportunity.
Eklund left the Falcons' net for an extra attacker with a minute left in regulation. The Falcons pressured hard for the equalizer as Craig Darby and Shane Willis worked for chances, but Ahonen stonewalled the club to hold onto the win.
Albany posted a 36-25 shot advantage for the game. Both teams were scoreless on four power-play opportunities.
It was the second straight time the Falcons have been shutout by Ahonen. The goaltender made 27 saves when Albany edged Springfield, 1-0, last Saturday at the Nest. Ahonen stopped 76 of the 77 shots (98.7%) he faced in three games against the Falcons this season. Both his shutouts this season have come versus Springfield.
The game marked the 15th consecutive road loss for the Falcons.
The Falcons finish their season series with the River Rats with a record of 2-4-0-0.
After three straight road games, the Falcons return to the Civic Center to meet the Portland Pirates on March 30. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free with an accompanying adult. For tickets, visit the Springfield Civic Center box office or call (413) 787-6600 or (800) 639-8602.
For a complete box score of Saturday's game, please click on the following link:http://www.theahl.com/AHLBoxscores0405/140186.html
Three Stars of the Game:
1. Ari Ahonen â Albany
2. Ilkka Pikkarainen â Albany
3. Brian Eklund - Springfield
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