Falcons Weekly Notes
April 14, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Springfield, Mass. - The Springfield Falcons (47-21-1-5) earned all six possible points last week, defeating the Portland Pirates Friday, the Hershey Bears Saturday and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Sunday.
For the Falcons, 47 wins in a single season is a new franchise record, surpassing the previous mark (45) accomplished in 1997-98 and 2012-13. The team's 100 points, reached with Sunday's win at Bridgeport, matches a franchise record, previously set in 1995-96.
The Falcons close out the regular season with two road games this weekend - Friday, April 18 at 7:00 p.m. versus the Hartford Wolf Pack and Saturday, April 19 at 5:00 p.m. versus the Albany Devils.
The Falcons will host their first two home playoff games Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 at the MassMutual Center. Both games will begin at 7:00 p.m., although an opponent has yet to be determined. Playoff plans are available by calling a Falcons sale representative at (413) 739-GOAL (4625), and single-game tickets are on sale now at the MassMutual Center box office and online at Ticketmaster.com. Support the Falcons throughout the 2014 Calder Cup Playoffs by wearing red, white and blue at all home games.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Springfield 5, Portland 2
Friday, April 11
MassMutual Center
The Falcons defeated the Portland Pirates by a 5-2 final count Friday, scoring four unanswered goals to come from behind and reach the 45-win mark, matching a franchise record. Two power-play goals - one from Marko Dano and the other from Patrick McNeill - fueled the Falcons run. For Dano, the goal was his second since joining the Falcons and first in front of the home fans at the MassMutual Center. Anton Forsberg stopped 27 of 29 shots to earn the second win of his pro career in North America.
Springfield 4, Hershey 3 (SO)
Saturday, April 12
MassMutual Center
Springfield defeated the Hershey Bears by the final score of 4-3 in a shootout Saturday, evening the season series at one win apiece. Michael Chaput notched the shootout game-winner while also adding a goal and an assist in regulation. Chaput leads the team with 19 goals and eight power-play goals this season. In his return to the Falcons lineup after being returned on loan by the Columbus Blue Jackets, defenseman Tim Erixon chipped in with two assists, including a centering feed on Jean-Francois Jacques' power-play goal in the first period. Erixon leads all Springfield defensemen with 31 assists in only 38 games this season.
Springfield 2, Bridgeport 1
Sunday, April 13
Webster Bank Arena
The Falcons extended their win streak to three games with a 2-1 nail-biter over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Sean Collins' power-play goal with just six seconds left gave Springfield the lead and the late victory. For Collins, the redirection in front of the Bridgeport net gave him 16 goals and 39 points this season. Anton Forsberg improved to 3-0-0, making 28 saves on 29 shots between the pipes for Springfield.
WEEK AHEAD
Friday, April 18 - Springfield at Hartford, XL Center, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 19 - Springfield at Albany, Times Union Center, 5:00 p.m.
NORTHEAST DIVISION CHAMPS
The Falcons have clinched a playoff berth and the Northeast Division championship for the second consecutive season, and will be the two-seed in the 2014 Calder Cup Playoffs. Springfield was the first team in the Eastern Conference to clinch a division title, solidifying home-ice advantage in the first round. It is the fourth division championship in the team's 20-year history and the first time the club has won two division titles consecutively.
ALEARDI, LARKIN BACK IN SPRINGFIELD
The Falcons announced Monday that forward Alex Aleardi has been recalled and defenseman Thomas Larkin was reassigned from the Evansville IceMen. Aleardi, 21, has played 40 games with Springfield this season, totaling 15 points (eight goals, seven assists), 18 penalty minutes and a +6 rating. Loaned to the IceMen February 19, the Farmington Hills, Michigan native registered 23 points (14 goals, nine assists) in 23 games with Evansville. Larkin, 23, played 18 games with the Falcons earlier this season, recording two assists, 48 penalty miutes and a +9 rating. In 33 ECHL contests with the IceMen, the Colgate University product amassed 20 points (three goals, 17 assists), 60 penalty minutes and a +2 rating. At season's end, Larkin has the second-highest point total among all Evansville defensemen, despite playing in only 33 games.
RECORD-SETTING YEAR
The 2013-14 Springfield Falcons have had arguably the most successful season in the franchise's 20-year history. With two games remaining on the regular-season schedule, the team has already broken the record for most wins in a single season (previously 45) and matched the record for most points in a single season (100). Additionally, no matter what outcome the final two regular-season games produce, the Falcons will finish the year with highest points percentage in franchise history.
ROAD WARRIORS
The Falcons have the best road record in the American Hockey League, sporting a 24-9-1-2 mark in 2013-14. The team set a franchise record with a seven-game road win streak, spanning from March 8 to April 4 and matched another record with an eight-game road point streak, spanning from December 8 to January 7.
FALCONS NEST PRO SHOP CLEARANCE SALE
The Falcons Nest Pro Shop is currently featuring a clearance sale, offering discounts on a number of merchandise and novelty items. To see what is on sale, click here.
HOME PLAYOFF GAMES
The Falcons will host their first two home playoff games Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 at the MassMutual Center. Both games will begin at 7:00 p.m., although an opponent has yet to be determined. Single-game tickets are on sale now at the MassMutual Center box office and online at Ticketmaster.com.
PLAYOFF PLANS AVAILABLE
Fans can begin reserving ticket packages to watch the Falcons compete in the postseason by calling (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or by visiting the team's front office at 45 Falcons Way in downtown Springfield during regular business hours, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The "Pay As we Play Plan" offers 2013-14 ticket-package holders a chance to reserve the same seat for each potential home playoff contest at the lowest available price per game. The plan is available up until 48 hours prior to the start of the Falcons' first home playoff contest. Current ticket-package holders should contact their account representative to reserve their same seats from the 2013-14 regular season.
The "10-Flex Playoff Pack" allows fans to purchase 10 vouchers, which are redeemable at any home game during the postseason. Unused vouchers can be returned to the Falcons' front office until June 30 for a credit towards any 2014-15 ticket package.
FALCONS NEST PRO SHOP
Fans can purchase their favorite team gear and apparel at the Falcons Nest Pro Shop, located inside the team office at 45 Falcons Way during normal business hours (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday) or online by clicking here. The shop is stocked with brand new merchandise for the 2013-14 season, including limited-edition apparel and novelty items featuring the new 20th anniversary logo. The Falcons Nest Pro Shop moves to the MassMutual Center concourse behind section 27 during all home games.
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