Falcons Point Streak Halted in Loss at Albany
December 4, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Albany, New York - The Springfield Falcons (14-4-1-1) had their eight-game point streak snapped Wednesday night in Albany, as the team fell by the final score of 6-4 to the Devils in a game that featured three separate three-goal runs. Before Wednesday, the team had won seven of its last eight games, with the only loss coming in overtime.
The Falcons held a 4-3 lead after 40 minutes of play, but a three-goal third period lifted the Devils to victory. Artem Demkov scored the equalizer just 1:00 into the final frame, tying the score at 4-4. Chris McKelvie notched the go-ahead tally and eventual game-winning goal at 6:25, and Mike Sislo added an empty-netter with 23 seconds remaining in regulation.
Ryan Craig scored twice in the contest - once on the power play and once at even strength. The captain's first power-play goal of the season and 30th of his Falcons career is now the most in franchise history, surpassing the 29 scored by Daniel Briere and Jean-Guy Trudel. With two points Wednesday night, Craig also matched Rob Schremp for ninth on the team's all-time points list at 118.
Michael Chaput returned to the club Wednesday morning after playing the last 17 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team's NHL affiliate. The Montreal, Quebec native made an instant impact, assisting on Craig's second tally of the night and scoring a goal of his own to give the Falcons a 4-3 lead at 19:15 of the second period. Chaput now has six points (three goals, three assists) in seven games with Springfield this season.
Tim Erixon and Jonathan Marchessault also notched multi-point games Wednesday, each chipping in with two assists. Erixon leads the team with 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in only 12 games this season.
Raman Hrabarenka, Rod Pelley and Stefan Matteau scored the first three goals for Albany.
Goaltender Jeremy Smith made 31 saves on 36 shots in net for Springfield, falling to 8-3-1 this season. Keith Kinkaid stopped 30 of 34 between the posts for Albany, improving to 8-3-1 in 2013-14.
The Falcons continued its recent success on the power play, going 2-for-3 with the man advantage. The Devils scored once on six power-play opportunities.
Albany outshot Springfield 37-34, including a 22-7 shot advantage in the third period. The 22 shots is the most the Falcons have allowed in a single period this season.
Springfield remains atop the Northeast Division, two points ahead of Albany with two games in hand.
The Falcons are back in action at the MassMutual Center Saturday, December 7, hosting the Hartford Wolf Pack at 8:00 p.m. The game will feature a free thunderstick giveaway, an appearance by Santa Claus and a toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots. All fans who donate a toy will receive a free ticket voucher to the team's home game versus the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Saturday, December 28. This offer is limited to one ticket per donor.
Fans are invited to the MassMutual Center in 2013-14 to watch the reigning Northeast Division-champion Falcons compete in their 20th anniversary season. Adult season-ticket packages start as low as $13 per game. To reserve your seats for the 2013-14 season, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit the team office inside the MassMutual Center from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Support the Falcons throughout the 2013-14 season by wearing red, white and blue at all the home games.
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