Giroux's Overtime Goal Leads Falcons to Victory

Published on November 16, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release


The Springfield Falcons finished their 6-game homestand with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Worcester Sharks on Wednesday night. Tomas Kubalik scored twice for Springfield and Alexandre Giroux claimed the game-winning goal to lift the Falcons to an 8-7 winning record on the season.

Falcons' head coach Rob Riley says Kubalik is definitely a threat on the ice. "Kubie (Kubalik) is a dangerous player. He can do a lot of things: he is tough, he goes to the net, he finds ways to score and I think he brings a lot to his line," said Riley.

The Falcons kept the puck on their offense in the first period, claiming possession and posting 11 shots on goal. On the Falcons' power play, Nick Drazenovic slipped the puck across Worcester goaltender Tyson Sexsmiths' crease, but was unable to connect with the waiting Dane Byers. The Sharks managed to score on a power play of their own at 14:20 of the first period when Sena Acolatse sent a seeking slap shot off the post and past Manny Legace.

Legace earned his first start on Wednesday since an October 23 game against the Connecticut Whale. The Falcons couldn't convert two power play advantages, and the birds ended the first period with a 1-0 deficit.

In the second period, the Falcons leveled the score on the power play. At 11:29 of the period, Cam Atkinson dished the puck to Martin St. Pierre who slotted a quick pass across the crease for Kubalik to slam home. The Falcons put 11 more shots on net in the second period, and ended the first 40 minutes of play even with the Sharks at 1-1.

The Falcons wasted little time in the third period, gaining a lead early with a goal just 50-seconds into the final frame. In a three-on-one break, Byers pushed the puck up to Drazenovic who set up Kubalik for his second goal of the game, giving the Falcons a 2-1 advantage. Kubalik has battled injuries throughout the early season and in only five games with the Falcons this year, he has notched 3 goals and 2 assists.

"I've missed ten games. It's a lot of time to miss and I am excited to play," said Kubalik. "I played my best and I have a great line with Byers and Drazenovic and we played really well tonight."

Falcons' penalty trouble gave the Sharks their second power play goal of the night, coming from Matt Irwin at 11:41 of the final frame. With the game tied at 2 apiece, the Falcons killed off a 4-minute high sticking penalty to ensure the overtime.

Just 52-seconds into the overtime period, Worcester was awarded a penalty shot that Legace turned away with his glove to keep the Falcons alive. Legace denied 24 of 26 shots in the game. The Falcons went on the man advantage for a tripping penalty at 1:50 and Giroux slapped home the game-winning goal at 2:22 off a setup from David Savard.

"Overtime is kind of a lucky time. They get a penalty shot and Manny makes a big save, we come down and Giroux does what he does best," said Riley.

The Falcons will hit the road this weekend for back to back away games against the Providence Bruins and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Springfield heads to Providence on Friday for a 7:05 puck drop at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

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American Hockey League Stories from November 16, 2011


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