Falcons One Short Against Monarchs
Published on December 10, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
The Springfield Falcons lost to the Manchester Monarchs on Saturday night by a score of 3-2 at the MassMutual Center. The effort was there as the Falcons outshot the Monarchs 35-23, but the birds were unable to overcome a deflected Manchester goal in the third period. Cam Atkinson posted a goal and an assist for Springfield.
Atkinson says the game could have went either way. "That's what it comes down to - a couple of bounces. I think we played well but we need to capitalize on our opportunities," said Atkinson.
In the first period of play, the Falcons put nine shots on goal but were unable to build a lead on the Monarchs. The Falcons' Cody Bass jumped on a loose puck for a breakaway at 14:29, but the puck got caught up in Manchester goaltender Jeff Zatkoff's padding to keep the Falcons off the board. The Monarchs struck first shortly after at 14:47 when Jake Muzzin connected with Richard Clune to give the Falcons a 1-0 deficit after the first period.
The second period began with a Falcons' power play. Atkinson sent a wrist shot from the slot that caught iron at 1:59 to keep the Falcons from tying the game. With the power play ready to expire, the Monarchs doubled their lead with Patrick Mullen sending a puck top shelf past Manny Legace's blocker for a shorthanded goal at 2:51.
The Falcons gained momentum halfway through the second period. On the power play, Ryan Russell sent a puck whistling through traffic that came to a stop in the crease. Atkinson dove and extended his stick to push the puck home at 10:45, cutting the Falcons' deficit to 2-1. The Falcons outshot the Monarchs 15-10 in the second frame.
Falcons head coach Rob Riley says the second period was a strong effort. "The puck was in their end the whole period but that is hockey. You just have to recover from that and I think our guys played really hard," said Riley.
At 3:53 of the third period, the Monarchs managed to regain a two-goal lead. Rob Mignardi slapped a puck home to put Manchester up 3-1. The Falcons came up with the answer at 7:23 with Atkinson finding Martin St. Pierre in the slot, bringing the birds within one goal at 3-2. The Falcons were unable to tally one more and dropped the game by a 3-2 decision.
"This is the third game in a row that the puck has deflected off someone for a goal. Manny had no chance at the save," said Coach Riley.
The Falcons are back at it tomorrow afternoon for a 3 pm puck drop with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Atkinson says his team needs to focus on tomorrow's game. "Tomorrow is a very important game for us; it's a huge two points," said Atkinson. "Every game seems to be a one or two goal difference so we just need to come prepared tomorrow."
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