Falcons Weekly Notes

Published on February 14, 2007 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release


THIS WEEK'S GAME PREVIEWS

--FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2007 at Providence Bruins --

The Falcons head to Providence looking to gain two points from a fellow Atlantic Division team. The Bruins have been hot as of late putting together a three-game winning streak that puts them at 8-2-0-0 in their last ten games. In their most recent meeting, the Falcons were able to overcome two first period goals and beat the Bruins in a shootout 3-2 back on January 19. Eric Healey scored the game-tying goal early in the second period and went on to score the game-winner in the shootout. Of the four meetings between the two teams this season the series is tied at two. Both Falcons wins came as a result of the shootout.

After trading away top scorer, rookie Kris Versteeg, the Bruins have not let up offensively. Players like Ben Walter, 19-28-47, and David Krejci, 18-30-48, have stepped up to make up for the loss of Versteeg. Krejci has been particularly hot as of late and is currently on a 13-game scoring streak, which he started against Springfield back on 1/7/07. During the streak Krejci has scored 11 goals and has 10 assists, good for 21 points. The Bruins defense has been very stingy as of late. In their previous two games they have held their opponents to less than 20 shots.

--SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2007 vs Worcester Sharks--

The Worcester Sharks travel to Springfield for the fifth time this season. This will be the eighth meeting between the teams; the season series is 4-3-0-0 in favor of the Falcons. In their most recent meeting on January 20, the Birds were able to fend off the Sharks late third period goal from Josh Prudden and hang on to a 2-1 win. Both Thomas Greiss and Jonathan Boutin stood strong in that game with neither allowing a goal until the third period. Rookie Blair Jones and Eric Healey both found the back of the net for the Falcons.

The Falcons will come out hungry for a win in this game as the Sharks currently sit in the fourth and final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. At 24-18-3-6, the Sharks are nine points ahead of the Falcons. The Birds will turn to the line of Healey, Daniel Corso, and captain Norm Milley to continue their offensive dominance against the Sharks. In seven games against Worcester this season, Healey has racked up 10 points, four goals and six assists. In six games, Corso has eight points, two goals and six assists, and Milley has six points, three goals and three assists. All-Star Mathieu Darche continues to lead the Sharks in scoring with 25-28-53 totals in 51 games.

Jonathan Boutin has appeared in three games against the Sharks this season and has only surrendered one goal. He is 2-0 against the Sharks and earned his first and only shutout on the year on 12/9/06.

--SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2007 vs Lowell Devils --

The Falcons and Devils continue to battle for playoff positioning as the Devils return to the MassMutual Center for an afternoon affair. The last time the Falcons entertained the Devils at home, the Birds gave up a 3-0 lead allowing the Devils five unanswered goals to skate away with the win. The Falcons looked for redemption traveling to Lowell last week, but fell short in the effort when Grant Marshall beat goaltender Karri Ramo with the eventual game-winner just six minuets into the third period.

The Devils hold the advantage in the season series taking four of seven from the Falcons. The Devils have won the last three games in the season series. The Devils currently sit five points ahead of the Falcons in the standings with 53 points.

LAST WEEK'S GAME RECAPS

--WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2007 AT Lowell Devils L - 2-1 -

Grant Marshall scored his fifth goal of the season to give the Devils a 2-1 win. Looking to bounce back from their loss in their previous game against the Devils, the Falcons couldn't muster up enough offense to get the win. Karri Ramo stood strong in net stopping 28 of the 30 shots he faced. The Falcons finished with 20 shots. Adam Henrich scored the lone goal for the Falcons.

--FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2007 VS Hartford Wolf Pack L - 2-1--

The Falcons entered the game hoping to end their eight-game losing streak. The Falcons looked poised to do so as newcomer Kyle Wanvig and Justin Keller found David Spina in the slot to take an early 1-0 lead. Brandon Dubinsky tied the game at 1-1 later in the period. Early in the second, Dane Byers put the Wolf Pack up 2-1, and they never looked back. Karri Ramo again was strong for the Birds giving them every chance to win. Ramo stopped 39 of 41 shots earning second star honors. The loss dropped the Falcons to 0-8-0-1 in their nine-game losing streak.

--SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2007 VS Hartford Wolf Pack W - 5-2--

In an emotionally charged night, the Falcons looked to shake their losing streak as they honored one of their own retiring former captain Rob Murray's #23 to the rafters. The Wolf Pack returned to the MassMutual Center for the second night in a row only to be greeted by Kyle Wanvig's first goal as a Falcon one minute into the game. Daniel Corso made it 2-0 after scoring on the power play. Hartford tied the game at 2-2 in the second period. Wanvig broke the tie in the third period and five minuets later, he scored again, completing his hat-trick. Corso scored his second of the night, an empty netter, capping off an action packed night. Goaltender Gerald Coleman, making his second start of the season, made 36 saves for the win.

--SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2007 AT Manchester Monarchs L - 3-2-

Coming off a big win at home, the Falcons took to the road to face the Monarchs. Monarchs' defenseman Kevin Dallman scored two third period goals, including one 36-seconds into the third period tying the score at 2-2. Marek Kavapil scored his 11th of the season while Norm Milley scored his 18th in the effort.

PLAYER/TEAM NOTES:

The Springfield Falcons went 1-3 in four games last week with all three losses decided by one goal or less. The Falcons snapped a nine game winless streak (0-8-0-1) on Saturday, February 10 with a 5-2 win over the Hartford Wolf Pack. On that same night, the Falcons honored former captain Rob Murray with a special jersey retirement ceremony as #23 was raised to the rafters of the MassMutual Center.

Falcons left wing Kyle Wanvig collected a hat trick on Saturday, February 10 netting his first three goals as a member of the Falcons and earning the game's first star. Linemate David Spina was the contest's second star on Saturday with three assists. Since joining the Falcons on February 2, Wanvig has three goals and two assists for five points in seven games.

Goaltender Gerald Coleman was the game's third star on Saturday night making 36 saves in only his second start in the AHL this season. Coleman has been voted a star in two of his three starts with the Falcons this year. In three games with Springfield this season, Coleman has a 2-1 record with a 2.01 goals against average and .940 save percentage.

Falcons center Dan Cavanaugh is only three games shy of 400 for his AHL career.

Captain Norm Milley is only two games shy of 500 for his pro career, including 469 AHL games and 29 NHL games.

Eric Healey is six games shy of 500 for his AHL career.

INJURIES

Jonathan Boutin missed games due to injury.

ON THE FARM - JOHNSTOWN CHIEFS

The Chiefs have started out the month of February better than they could have imagined. After victories over the Cyclones, Nailers, and Royals, the Chiefs are now 5-0-0-0 to start the month. The Chiefs beat the Royals at home on 2/11/07 for the third time this month, 5-2. The Chiefs received goals from four different players, including two from Adam Henrich. Ryan Munce stopped 24 of 26 shots for the win. Their win over the Royals was their second 5-2 victory in as many days. Jean Desrochers scored two goals and John Adams added an empty netter to secure the win over the Wheeling Nailers. Morgan Cey stopped 39 of 41 shots. The Chiefs currently sit in fifth place in the North, six points out of first. In upcoming action, the Chiefs take to the road to take on the Trenton Titans on Valentine's Day.

OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY

Family Fun Nights at Friendly's Return: Friendly Ice Cream is proud to announce "Family Fun Nights at Friendly's" to benefit Springfield Falcons Charities, Inc. Falcons players and Screech meet and greet fans at area Friendly's Restaurants throughout the Pioneer Valley.

March 19 @ Southampton Rd., Westfield (at Mass Pike entrance)

Icing and Blue Line Candle - Pilgrim Candle: The Falcons are proud to partner with Pilgrim Candle to introduce the Falcons Icing and Blue Line Candle. The candle features the Falcons' blue colors and the scents of Butter Cream Cookie together with Blackberry Bramble. These delightful and charitable decorations will be sold at scheduled Falcons games throughout the season and Pilgrim Candle stores in Westfield and South Hadley. Great for home, the office or anywhere to show your Falcons spirit and enjoy an engaging scent, the candles cost $18.25 with proceeds benefiting Springfield Falcons Charities, Inc.

WEEK IN REVIEW

FEBRUARY 7 Springfield - 1 at Lowell Devils - 2 (Goal Scorers - Henrich)

FEBRUARY 9 Springfield - 1 vs Hartford Wolf Pack - 2 (Goal Scorers -Spina)

FEBRUARY 10 Springfield - 5 vs Hartford Wolf Pack - 2 (Goal Scorers - Wanvig 3, Corso 2)

FEBRUARY 11 Springfield - 2 at Manchester Monarchs - 3 (Goal Scorers - Kvapil, Milley)

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

FEBRUARY 16 Springfield at Providence Bruins 7:05PM Dunkin' Donuts Center

FEBRUARY 17 Springfield vs Worcester Sharks 7:05PM MassMutual Center

FEBRUARY 18 Springfield vs Lowell Devils 4:05PM MassMutual Center

*Radio Broadcasts on The Zone 640 AM

*Watch Live on the B-2 Network

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American Hockey League Stories from February 14, 2007


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