Late Goal Gives Springfield Win in Preseason
September 29, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Simsbury, Conn. - The Springfield Falcons defeated the Hartford Wolf Pack by the final score of 4-3 in Sunday's preseason finale at the International Skating Center of Connecticut, due in large part to Sean Collins' game-winning goal with 4:17 remaining in the third period.
For Collins, who was re-assigned to the Falcons late Thursday night, the goal was his first of the exhibitions after spending the majority of the preseason with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Falcons' rookie forward Alex Aleardi continued his offensive success Sunday afternoon, notching two more scores - a power-play tally at 16:06 of the first period and an even-strength goal at 9:38 of the second period to give Springfield its first lead of the game. The 5-foot-9 winger found the back of the net a franchise-high four times in Friday's preseason opener versus Hartford, giving him six goals in only two exhibition games leading up to the 2013-14 regular season.
Jake Hansen added a goal as well, raising his scoring total to three in the team's two preseason games. The White Bear Lake, Minnesota native beat Hartford goaltender Jason Missiaen at the 15:24 mark of the middle frame to extend the Springfield lead to 3-1.
Tommy Hughes, Sam Klassen and Danny Kristo each scored for the Wolf Pack. Kristo's goal at 9:52 of the third period evened the score at 3-3.
As they did in the team's first preseason contest, the Falcons' goaltenders split the duties Sunday afternoon. Linus Lundin started the game between the posts, making five saves on six shots in 29:38. Mike Clemente came on in relief, stopping seven of nine shots he faced and earning the win. Clemente finishes the preseason 2-0.
Cam Talbot got the start in net again for the Wolf Pack, making 18 saves on 20 shots before being removed from the game in favor of Missiaen. Missiaen made 15 saves on 17 shots in relief.
Springfield went 1-for-7 on the power play. Hartford was 2-for-6 with the man advantage.
The Falcons finished the preseason 2-0, with two victories over Hartford. Springfield begins its regular-season schedule Saturday, October 5 versus the Manchester Monarchs. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. at the MassMutual Center.
Fans are invited back 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 upcoming 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.
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